afrol News, 13 July - According to British currency exchangers, Egypt now heads the list of the fastest growing holiday hot spots for 2004. The Gambia, on the other hand, is the country this year giving best value for tourists carrying British pounds.

Egypt and Turkey currently head the list of the fastest growing holiday hot spots for 2004 according to the British company NatWest Travel Services.

NatWest has looked at the number of currency orders taken at its branches during the first half of 2004 and drawn up a new list of 'rising stars' once the euro and the dollar have been excluded. The Egyptian Pound (up 46 percent) and the Turkish Lire (up 45 percent) have seen the most growth in terms of numbers of orders.

Robin Cockburn, Head of NatWest Travel Services, said: "Egypt and Turkey appear to be very popular holiday destinations for 2004 although traditional West European destinations will continue to be popular - we know that Spain was the most visited destination in 2003. Also, the Czech Republic, last year's hot spot winner still remains a top choice.

- However, if travellers are looking for relative value for money a very different picture emerges, adds Mr Cockburn. "We have looked at popular currencies that sterling has strengthened against over the last twelve months and in this respect Gambia, Indonesia and Mexico show the biggest changes. These destinations will give travellers real value for money."

The biggest relative increases in sterling value when compared with currency are by distance registered in The Gambia, with 32 percent. For British travellers, thus, The Gambia is this year's best buy - worldwide.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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