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The global economic situation and fluctuating exchange rates are set to make currency a big factor in holidaymakers' destination choices next year, according to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta).

According to a recent survey of 2,000 people by Opinium Research, more than three quarters of holidaymakers see price as the overriding factor in their choice of destination.

Abta spokesperson Frances Tuke said that this is not a new phenomenon, but pointed out that the price of holidays is likely to be joined by the cost of currency on consumers' lists of concerns over the next 12 months.

'Obviously, this year, [price] will be a major consideration and we do know that the euro and the dollar rates are going to really affect people's choices about where they go,' she commented.

Ms Tuke said that the high cost of the euro for Brits could lead to a rise in UK tourism, but also pointed out than non-euro destinations such as Egypt and Turkey are popular alternatives.

'It could be that the UK does clean up slightly next year, but you've got to remember that the last two years in the UK have been quite wet, the weather hasn't been great for UK holidays,' she said.

'Turkey and Egypt are also seeming to do quite well for next year as they seem to be quite good value options.'

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