Delhi becomes popular destination for Brit tourists amid recession

London, February 23 (ANI): Delhi has experienced a significant growth in becoming a popular destination amongst Brit tourists, and recession is to take the credit, say reports.

According to Opodo.co.uk, an online travel service, flights from Britain to the Indian capital were up by as much as 165 per cent.

The reason was accorded to holidaymakers' preference for a long-haul travel in place of short city breaks against the weakening pound.

Other destinations to have felt the increased bookings were Melbourne with 400 per cent, and Singapore with 219 per cent.

Caroline Noble, Opodo UK country director, revealed the booking patterns were a sign that vacationers were dumping cities for one longer holiday outside the country.

"Bookings to Africa, Asia and the South Pacific have dramatically increased for summer 2009 whereas European cities are struggling, with Paris, Athens and Florence all reporting negative growth year-on-year," the Scotsman quoted her as saying.

"We are also noticing that our customers are booking short-haul much later this year with the economic uncertainty, so we expect to see bookings increase as they book short holidays later in the year to complement the longer one they have already booked for further afield," she added.

Top 10 destinations with the biggest growth this year are:

1. Melbourne - up 400%

2. Singapore up 219%

3. Delhi - up 165%

4. Brisbane up 115%

5. Orlando - up 90%

6. Sydney - up 81%

7. Washington - up 68%

8. Johannesburg - up 56%

9. Hong Kong up 43%

10.Kuala Lumpur - 41% (ANI)