A FEW DOLLARS MORE

USA here we come.... that's the message from the Province's travellers following the latest surge in the value of the £1 sterling against the dollar.

In mid-April sterling reached the two dollar mark for the first time in at least 15 years, further boosting an already brisk trade in transatlantic holidays.

Hotspots like New York, Florida and Las Vegas were selling well before the latest strengthening of the pound against the dollar; now transatlantic air tickets and holiday packages will be in even greater demand in the weeks and months ahead.

Both major US specialist holiday companies with offices in Belfast reported a flying trade even before the latest increase in exchange rates - but now the crucial two dollars to the pound sterling mark has been reached they expect to be even busier as more people become aware of the greater value of their spending money in the US.

Travelex, the world's largest foreign exchange specialist with branches at both Belfast International and George Best Belfast City Airport, says it has already noted a significant increase in demand for the dollar.

Anthony Wagerman, Managing Director of Travelex's retail business commented: "This is a significant milestone in the relationship between the US Dollar and the Pound.

"This is great news for British travellers and customers are clearly making the most of the rates as we saw a 150 per cent increase in demand for US Dollars online last week (mid April)."

Sterling last went through $2 barrier on September 8, 1992, in the run-up to the Pound's ERM exit on 'Black Wednesday' (September 16), but then turned tail quickly, recalled the Travelex spokesman.

Before that it was the early eighties when travellers to the US from the UK were able to get two dollars to the Pound.

Paul Carson, Managing Director of American Holidays based in Lombard Street, Belfast said: "Business to the United States has been very good for some time.

"Now the psychological two dollars to the pound mark has been reached this should encourage even more people to travel. The fact that travellers can readily equate commodities costing one dollar to 50p is very important in the perception of many people.

"We are looking forward to a busy few months ahead, and perhaps even more bookings when the new Aer Lingus service to Orlando begins in October."

Caroline Megarry, Manager of flyglobespan in Belfast said the exchange rate offered "fantastic value for travellers to the USA."

"Our flyglobspan flight to Sanford, Orlando, which started just a few months ago, is already nearly full for the summer ahead... there's only a very few seats left.

"The fact that the pound sterling reached the two dollar mark recently should encourage even more people to holiday in the US."

Access to the States has never been better with the flyglobespan service to Orlando Sanford and the successful Continental Airlines' daily link from Belfast International Airport, now celebrating its second year of operation.