For years, Spain has been a favourite destination of the British family on a budget, but this title is now being challenged by Turkey, according to a Post Office survey of visitor numbers.
The surge in competition against Spain has coincided with a 10 per cent drop in resort prices since last year and a strengthening of the pound against the Turkish Lira.
According to the Post Office, this reduction in prices is already being noticed, as sales of the Turkish Lira are up 8 per cent on last year, and about 2.6 million Brits visited Turkey in 2010, a figure helped by Istanbul being named European Capital of Culture for the year.
In addition, statistics show the number of British holiday makers visiting Turkey has increased by 2.1 million since 2008.
So while prices in many other resort-populated holiday destinations have risen, Turkey’s have dropped. For example, the average cost of a family meal in a restaurant has dropped from £69 to £55 and the price of beer has dipped from £2.49 last year to £2.41, according to Post Office research.
As an added incentive, the better exchange rates have meant that tour operators have cut the cost of package holidays by up to £203.
Talking to the Mirror, the Post Office’s head of travel Sarah Munro said: “Turkey is back on the radar as a value destination. Prices are well down while sterling is up four per cent.”
