Sri Lanka tops best value charts again for tourists

Sri Lanka is the best value destination for the third year despite resort prices rising by 21% this year, according to a report.

The Post Office Travel Money’s 2012 Long Haul Holiday Report found that while resort prices were rising, the strong pound against the rupee kept the destination in the number one spot.

But the report also revealed that a 14% drop in resort costs means second-placed Vietnam is not far behind.

In third position after a 26% price fall, Bali has also eclipsed Thailand, which falls from second to sixth place.

Resort prices 17% lower than a year ago have returned Egypt to the top 10 in seventh position.

Mexico’s resort prices were slightly lower than in 2011 making it the cheapest in North, Central and Southern America.



Gambia was cheapest of those surveyed in Africa.

Andrew Brown, Post Office head of Travel Money said: “Sterling is stronger this year for almost every destination we surveyed but resort costs can change the picture so check these out at www.postoffice.co.uk/longhaul2012 before booking.”

The report is compiled from national tourist offices and Hayes & Jarvis data from its Long Haul Trend Report.

New York was the most popular destination worldwide for 2012 according to the report with Thailand and Maldives as runners up.

The Long Haul Trend Report by Hayes & Jarvis showed an “extremely strong short breaks market” with demand to New York for summer trips, shopping breaks and twin centre holidays.

Las Vegas was not far behind in fourth place.

Mexico was in fifth place followed by Mauritius, Dubai, Florida, St Lucia and Antigua.

Japan has recovered well from turmoil in 2011 with a 44% increase in bookings while Vietnam has put on growth of 41% year-on-year on the back of direct flights and attractively-priced packages claims the tour operator.

Egypt is on the road to recovery with bookings for Sharm el Sheikh up year-on-year 111% and 63% in Hurghada. (Travelmole)