British Tourism Costs Americans 25% Less than Last Year

According to Visit Britain, traveling to the UK is approximately 25% less expensive than it was just one year ago. However, the change has got nothing to do with the cost of travel and everything to do with exchange rates.

Despite America’s own economic hardships, Britain’s shifting economy has eased the gap between the British Pound (£) and US Dollar ($). In September 2007, the Pound hit its highest peak in recent years at an exchange rate of $2 per £1. Nowadays, the exchange rate lingers around $1.45 per £1.

Rather than bemoan the situation, the official tourism website of the UK is advertising the change as a “British Red Tag Sale” for American tourists. The website is comparing the price of British specialties, like a Travelcard for London subways and a pint of beer, to prices in August 2008 to show how the new costs in US dollars favors American tourism.

Visit Britain also attempts to drive American tourists away from domestic favorites and into London by showing that much of the same food and entertainment is significantly less expensive than in New York City.