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In London: visitors say they have more money to spend
Evening Standard12 Jan 2009
Lena and Christian Bell, Germany
German tourists Lena Bell, 24, and her husband Christian, 25, said the strength of the euro meant they could now afford to eat in restaurants that were too expensive before.
The couple from Dortmund, both postgraduate students, had just finished lunch at the Wolseley in Piccadilly.
Mrs Bell said: "You can definitely notice it. Every time I go to a shop it is almost one-to-one. Shopping and going to restaurants is much more affordable.
"Before I used to think twice, but now as a city everything is suddenly not as expensive. It is almost the same as home.
"Some things are even cheaper than Germany - perhaps it will be a place to save money."
Mr Bell added: "Now it feels we have more money I am very, very generous - which means going to fancy restaurants.
"Also, rather than bringing stuff from home it means I can buy it here."
David D'affronto and Elena Marini, Italy
Lawyer David D'affronto said Britain's current economic state was great news for Europeans. The 32-year-old, from Milan, had travelled to London on Tuesday with his partner Elena Marini, 30. He said: "It is a lot cheaper now. It is wonderful." Ms Marini said: "We have come for the sales. We have bought clothes in Harrods, which now seem much more affordable."
Puffin and Justine Moynihan, Ireland
Puffin Moynihan, who runs a PR business in Dublin, said visiting London was now a "bonanza".
The 43-year-old, with her daughter Justine, 22, was staying at the five-star Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge. She said: "[The exchange rate] makes coming over here a bonanza. You can splash out more without worrying about the credit crunch."
Villar Romera and Juan Pineda, Spain
Ms Romera, a lawyer from Zaragoza, said she had come to London for a five-day shopping spree. The 39-year-old said she was "shocked" by the value of the euro: "It is a financial paradise for shopping now. It is an absolute bargain." Her partner, 45-year-old Juan Pineda, who runs a steel business, said: "We are going to Regent Street, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason - it is great."
