The New Hitched Hotspots

Date: Aug 06, 2009

• Baltics more popular than Barbados for brides to be in 2009
• Croatia top choice for couples to say ‘I do’
• Israel and Morocco overtaken Mauritius for the first time

Budget conscious brides are swapping the likes of Barbados for the Baltics in an attempt to save money on getting married abroad, according to leading foreign exchange specialist Travelex.co.uk.

Travelex’s ‘Hitched Hotspot’ list reveals the Baltics are the top choice for couples getting hitched abroad, with Croatia claiming number one spot, overtaking traditional destinations such as Barbados, Las Vegas and Dubai for the first time. The Hotspot list is based on a number of criteria, including; analysis of sales increases on popular bridal currencies year on year, favourable exchange rates, and the volume of enquiries to Travelex’s customer service team from brides to be.

The growing need to stick to a budget and the sharp rise in popularity for countries outside the Euro-zone has meant far-flung destinations are being replaced by those closer to home. Countries not traditionally associated with couples saying ‘I do’ includes Egypt, Morocco and Israel are now making it into the top ten, as couples look to get much more for their money.

Top of the hitched hotspots with couples is Croatia, proving the most popular with couples, with its unspoilt coastline, great weather and, of course, favourable exchange rates. Sales figures from Travelex.co.uk reveal demand for the Croatian Kuna is up more than 63% compared to this time last year. Hot on its heels is Egypt. Although no stranger to the British holidaymaker, its popularity as a wedding destination has risen dramatically, with demand for the Egyptian Pound up 61% in the past year. Couples cite its year round sun, affordable resorts and close proximity as key reasons to choose it as a wedding destination.

Travelex’s Hitched Hotspots 2009:

1. Croatia
2. Egypt
3. Barbados
4. Israel
5. Las Vegas
6. Morocco
7. Mauritius
8. South Africa
9. Kenya
10. Dubai

Brides are also ditching long-haul destinations in favour of countries closer to home to cut costs on travel and to ensure budget conscious relatives can afford to attend the big day. Morocco and Israel are fast catching up on traditional long-haul destinations due to the increased availability of low cost flights and relatively short flight times. Israel has rocketed up the top ten, overtaking Barbados and Dubai as a favourite for couples to exchange vows. With new low cost routes to Tel Aviv just announced* and currency demands for the Israeli Shekel up more than 58%, Israel is proving a prime location for couples to tie the knot.

South Africa and Kenya have also made it in to the top ten Hitched Hotspots, overtaking Dubai as destinations of choice for soon to be newlyweds. Travelex.co.uk has seen demand for the South African Rand increase by 52% and the Kenyan Shilling by 50%. The favourable exchange rate, fantastic climate and no jet lag has caused couples to flock to the African continent for what is the best of both worlds, a beautiful setting, but without the need to blow the budget.

Peter Davies, Director, Travelex said: “Despite the current climate, couples are still opting to get married abroad, but budget restrictions means traditional destinations, such as the Caribbean, are seeing themselves replaced by countries closer to home. The increased popularity of countries outside of the euro-zone means couples are able to get more for their money and the chances of sharing their big day with close friends and family is much more likely. By carefully planning their money and taking advantage of great value currency offers such as Travelex.co.uk’s Price Promise guarantee, which offers the best price foreign currency, commission free, all the family can enjoy the big day that bit more.

“Couples are also increasingly realising that destinations such as Croatia, Morocco and Israel have as much to offer in terms of natural beauty and breathtaking scenery as those much further away, but they do so without incurring the same expense.”

Ends

About Travelex:
Travelex is the world's largest foreign exchange specialist with over 700 retail branches in more than 20 countries, at key airport, seaport, rail and tourist locations. Over 40% of travellers - 1.7 billion passengers a year - pass through airports where Travelex operates including the major gateways at Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York, Rome, Sydney & Tokyo. Every hour, Travelex provides foreign currency to more than 2,000 customers.

Travelex Online & the Travelex Price Promise:
Travelex.co.uk, guarantees the best price, commission-free foreign currency in the UK. Every day Travelex.co.uk monitors the exchange rates of the leading Banks, High Street foreign currency providers (Travel Agencies, The Post Office, M&S) and a basket of other online providers to ensure we offer customers the best deal. In the unlikely event that we are beaten on any of our 60+ currencies, we will refund the difference.

Notes to editors:
*Easyjet announces plans to offer cheap flights to Tel Aviv, with six times weekly service from Luton.
Easyjet to expand operations to Agadir, Morocco with twice weekly flights from London Gatwick.

For more information, please contact:
Hannah Shanks – Talk PR
0207 544 3616
Hannah.shanks@talkpr.com