Sri Lanka has topped a list of the best-value long-haul destinations for UK travellers following a significant fall in resort costs this year.

Prices in the island nation have dropped by a third compared with 2010, according to Post Office Travel Money, meaning it is now about 38 per cent cheaper than Thailand, its closest rival.

The organisation surveyed the cost of a ‘basket’ of ten tourist items in 28 long-haul countries and found that affordability has improved in more than two-thirds of destinations.

Vietnam – a new inclusion on the list this year – emerged as the third cheapest proposition behind Sri Lanka and Thailand.

At the other end of the scale, Hong Kong was identified as the most expensive destination overall, while China experienced the year’s biggest price increase of 27 per cent.

Commenting on the research, Sarah Munro, head of Post Office Travel Money, said “things are looking up” for long-haul holidaymakers.

“After a summer when the weak UK pound bought less holiday cash in Europe, tourists heading further afield for winter sun can look forward to seeing their pounds stretch further in most long-haul destinations,” she added.

“Resort prices have fallen in two-thirds of the countries we surveyed a year ago and, in addition, sterling has strengthened against 15 of 26 long-haul currencies.”

Thanks: travelbite

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