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Pound Fall Against Dollar May Not Impact U.S. Ski Trips
By Patrick Thorne
November 03, 2008
The recent wild currency fluctuations of the British pound against the U.S. dollar are yet to fully stabilize. However a sample of tour operators and resorts interviewed on the issue by OnTheSnow.com U.K. correspondents said they did not see the pound's decline in value as a major issue for U.S. holiday sales. They pointed out
the pound's value appeared to be a more accurate reflection of its true value than has been the case in recent years.
"I think that it is generally believed that $1.60 is really about the right rate for the pound and at that rate prices are still good in the USA. Also, it's worth bearing in mind that in terms of ski holidays, the pound is at a low point with the Euro as well. So, it's not as though the fall against the dollar makes Europe suddenly look a better option." said one U.S. resort spokesperson who asked not to be named.
On the other hand the pound has held its ground against the Canadian dollar, still trading at approximately 2 Canadian dollars to the pound. The Canadian dollar also has dropped against the U.S. dollar. That's viewed as a positive sign for Canadian resorts that are hoping the increasingly good value of Canadian skiing for U.S. citizens will help bolster their visitor numbers this winter.
The season already has taken a hit by a likely decline in long haul traffic with the high profile demise of the trans-continental Zoom airline from the UK and more expensive air tickets.
However, where we'll be in another month's time remains to be seen. The response from one major British tour operator when asked for their thoughts on the matter was typical: "We prefer not to make a comment due to the fact that currency fluctuations are wild at the moment. Something said today can change in a nanosecond tomorrow."
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