KUALA LUMPUR TOPS THE LIST FOR CHEAPEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION

DUBAI, March 25 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia
and already popular among tourists, tops the list for cheapest holiday
destination, according to global travel specialist STA Travel UK.

The list is based on what is described by STA Travel as the main
ingredients for a good holiday -- a meal in a local restaurant, a pint of beer,
a night in a hostel, a bus ride and a sight-seeing bus tour around the city.

When totalling the typical price for such items, Kuala Lumpur emerged the
cheapest at 13.09 pound sterling, followed by Hanoi (18.29 pound sterling),
Seoul (18.38 pound sterling), Mexico City (22.84 pound sterling), Beijing 24.82
pound sterling), Istanbul (27.38 pound sterling), Bangkok (27.40 pound sterling)
and Cape Town (31.68 pound sterling).

According to STA Travel, as the pound slumped against the euro and most
other major currencies and with consumers counting their pennies more than ever,
some of the popular holiday destinations were set to be even more expensive
this summer.

"Hence, STA Travel has scoured the globe and quizzed travellers and travel
consultants to find the best value for money destinations around the world," it
said in a statement issued by Tourism Malaysia.



"With the Eurozone set to be one of the most expensive regions in which to
holiday, Brits will need to look further afield to secure a bargain while away
and make their pound go further," said John Constable, STA Travel group managing
director.

According to him, Asia had always been a good bet, and clearly still holds
up.

"But it's interesting that South Africa makes the list -- with the World
Cup there this summer, it's another great reason for footy fans to take
advantage of travelling to such a great destination, especially with the deals
on offer," he added.

With 30 years experience advising young people on holidays and adventures
abroad, STA Travel offers a unique range of flights, accommodation, tours and
expeditions in 90 countries.

It has 43 branches in the United Kingdom and over 450 worldwide.

-- BERNAMA