Euro's strength contributes to 30 per cent rise in BA bookings
Traditionally regarded as one of the world's more expensive locations, new research released from British Airways reveals that travellers visiting the UK can now save more than €100 over a two-night weekend break, compared to 12 months ago. As the...
Traditionally regarded as one of the world's more expensive locations, new research released from British Airways reveals that travellers visiting the UK can now save more than €100 over a two-night weekend break, compared to 12 months ago.
As the euro has gained strength against the pound, the British tourism industry is experiencing increased demand from European visitors attracted by the buzzing culture, fantastic shopping and world-famous attractions of UK cities - all now available at a much lower rate.
£1 was worth around €1.34 in January 2008, but 12 months on many exchange bureaux are offering £1 for €1.13, suggesting that visitors to the UK this year can expect to enjoy significantly more for their money.
New data from British Airways demonstrates the point. In 2008, two adults visiting London for a two-night weekend break could expect to spend in the region of €734 - this would have included accommodation, entry to the Tower of London and London Eye; dinner and travel cards for two days and tickets for a show.
Due to the strength of the euro, visitors can expect to save more than €100 with the same itinerary costing just €620 this month.
"BA's early 2009 economy bookings to London from Europe are almost 30 per cent up on last year," British Airways' James Stagno Navarra says. "In part, driven by the excellent exchange rates between the euro and sterling this has made London and UK city breaks that much more affordable, and with our return fares to London Gatwick starting at just €150 (including taxes and charges), travellers from Malta can also get a great deal on their flight."
British Airways currently operates four flights from Malta to London Gatwick each week.
It's always a good time to visit London. Shoppers should not miss Westfield (www.westfield.com), Europe's newest and largest in-town shopping and leisure destination and home to more than 265 stores.
The London School of Economics (LSE) is famous for its social science research, which conceals the fact that it organises a good (and free) classical music concert each Thursday lunchtime (1 to 2 p.m.) during the term time in the Shaw Library on the sixth floor of the Old Building. See www.lse.ac.uk/ music
The Columbia Road Flower Market is lined with flower and plant stalls and small boutique shops and cafés every Sunday.
Hampstead Heath is among the capital's most popular green spaces and provides stunning views across the city. Londoners love to enjoy a Sunday stroll in the park, followed by a coffee or window shopping in nearby Primrose Hill.
Visitors flying into London can start to enjoy the delights of the city straightaway. The majority of British Airways flights now arrive at Heathrow's Terminal 5 and more than 15 million customers have used the new facility that includes seamless check-in, efficient baggage systems, luxurious lounges and a shopping experience that rivals London's Bond Street.
Besides, visitors to London can enjoy some 250 museums, four World Heritage sites and over 100 other notable attractions.
As the euro has gained strength against the pound, the British tourism industry is experiencing increased demand from European visitors attracted by the buzzing culture, fantastic shopping and world-famous attractions of UK cities - all now available at a much lower rate.
£1 was worth around €1.34 in January 2008, but 12 months on many exchange bureaux are offering £1 for €1.13, suggesting that visitors to the UK this year can expect to enjoy significantly more for their money.
New data from British Airways demonstrates the point. In 2008, two adults visiting London for a two-night weekend break could expect to spend in the region of €734 - this would have included accommodation, entry to the Tower of London and London Eye; dinner and travel cards for two days and tickets for a show.
Due to the strength of the euro, visitors can expect to save more than €100 with the same itinerary costing just €620 this month.
"BA's early 2009 economy bookings to London from Europe are almost 30 per cent up on last year," British Airways' James Stagno Navarra says. "In part, driven by the excellent exchange rates between the euro and sterling this has made London and UK city breaks that much more affordable, and with our return fares to London Gatwick starting at just €150 (including taxes and charges), travellers from Malta can also get a great deal on their flight."
British Airways currently operates four flights from Malta to London Gatwick each week.
It's always a good time to visit London. Shoppers should not miss Westfield (www.westfield.com), Europe's newest and largest in-town shopping and leisure destination and home to more than 265 stores.
The London School of Economics (LSE) is famous for its social science research, which conceals the fact that it organises a good (and free) classical music concert each Thursday lunchtime (1 to 2 p.m.) during the term time in the Shaw Library on the sixth floor of the Old Building. See www.lse.ac.uk/ music
The Columbia Road Flower Market is lined with flower and plant stalls and small boutique shops and cafés every Sunday.
Hampstead Heath is among the capital's most popular green spaces and provides stunning views across the city. Londoners love to enjoy a Sunday stroll in the park, followed by a coffee or window shopping in nearby Primrose Hill.
Visitors flying into London can start to enjoy the delights of the city straightaway. The majority of British Airways flights now arrive at Heathrow's Terminal 5 and more than 15 million customers have used the new facility that includes seamless check-in, efficient baggage systems, luxurious lounges and a shopping experience that rivals London's Bond Street.
Besides, visitors to London can enjoy some 250 museums, four World Heritage sites and over 100 other notable attractions.