Post Office figures released this week on currency exchange show that demand for the Polish Zloty is the fastest growing.
Sales for the Zloty rose 65.5% between March 28 and August 29, compared to the same period in 2006.
Demand for Hong Kong and Bulgaria also grew considerably, up 32% and 20.5% respectively.
Malta also rose up the rankings, showing an increase of more than 16% in currency sales.
The Post Office said overall summer currency sales were almost double last year’s level.
Other long-haul destinations which proved popular with UK tourists included Thailand, Singapore and Egypt.
The top 10 fastest growing currencies were:
No. Currency Increase in sales
1 Polish Zloty 65.50%
2 Hong Kong Dollar 32.09%
3 Bulgarian Lev 20.48%
4 Maltese Lira 16.44%
5 Euro 13.59%
6 Croatian Kuna 13.56%
7 Thai Baht 13.11%
8 US Dollar 13.02%
9 Singapore Dollar 12.16%
10 Egyptian Pound 12.11%
Post Office head of travel services John Howells said: “Low cost flights are opening up parts of Europe previously unseen by many UK tourists.
“Plus, accommodation in many Polish and Bulgarian cities is cheap and the costs of holiday essentials like food, drink and excursions are relatively low – making them great value for summer tourists in search of sun and culture that does not cost the earth.”
By Bev Fearis
