The continuing fall of other currencies against the euro, such as the pound and the dollar, has prompted thousands of people to make last-minute changes to their holiday plans, according to industry sources.  

The cost of going to traditional destinations in Crete, and other Greek islands, has risen beyond many families’ budgets as they feel the full impact of the credit crisis, the sources said.

For example, an increasing number of British holidaymakers are looking at cheaper deals in Bulgaria, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco.

And many Americans are choosing to just stay at home, or vacation within the borders of their own country, reports indicate. Local holiday locations, such as Florida, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Disneyland and Disneyworld are said to be heavily booked for the summer.

International travel agencies are reporting that regular Crete holidaymakers are more likely to go to Turkey, where the food and beaches are similar but the lira offers a much better exchange than the euro. Some others are deciding that the time is right to visit Egypt’s ancient attractions.

Locally, most shopkeepers throughout Gouves, Hersonissos and Malia reported slower than usual business in April, in spite of the Easter holiday, and many businesses are remaining closed until they see more tourist traffic.