I contribute to many forums (or is it fora - Latin never was my strong point!). One of my favourites is Spanish Property Insight (http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/forums/index.php) run by a guy called Mark Stucklin. Mark writes for the Sunday Times and often appears on TV. One of the more interesting threads on the forum is about the pound/euro exchange rate and will it have a negative impact on tourist numbers in Spain. My personal opinion is that it will, even to the extent that I have posted on the thread stating that we are not going to have our usual Spanish sun holiday this year. Having a place in the Lakes gives us the "low cost" Summer holiday option.
The problem lies of course with the weather. I know that if the we experience the same "Summer" weather as last year then there will be increasing pressure from my wife to get our "sun fix". The omens on the weather don't look good. It is still to my mind unseasonably cold and to hear the forecasters predict snow, sleet and hailstones just makes things seem worse.
I do believe many people will forgo their 2 weeks in the sun this year. It is not just the poor exchange rate that will put people, but all the other gloomy economic news as well that is making people think twice. I guess it will ultimately come down to the weather. If it is as bad as last year then many people may well say sod it and book a last minute holiday. What really does not help is the fact that the UK is not really a cheap option anyway. I guess many will just stay at home and "go out for days".
What do you think?
Kevin