Assess the extent to which movements in exchange rates might influence the holiday choices of UK consumers.
- Edexcel - A-Level Business - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 3
Question 1
Assess the extent to which movements in exchange rates might influence the holiday choices of UK consumers.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the extent to which movements in exchange rates might influence the holiday choices of UK consumers.
- Edexcel - A-Level Business - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 3
Step 1
Understanding Exchange Rates
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Exchange rates represent the price of one currency in terms of another. When the pound (£) depreciates against other currencies, such as the Euro and US dollar, it increases the cost of holidays priced in those currencies. For instance, if the pound weakens against the Euro, holidays in Europe become more expensive for UK consumers.
Step 2
Impact on Holiday Choices
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
From 2014 to 2017, the pound depreciated significantly against the US dollar, causing the price of holidays in the US to rise. Conversely, the trend in UK holidays increased from 1.8 to 2.1 nights, suggesting that despite higher costs abroad, UK consumers still opted for domestic holidays, perhaps due to economic uncertainty.
Step 3
Counterbalancing Factors
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Factors such as increased consumer incomes over this period might have lessened the negative impact of exchange rate fluctuations. Even while the pound depreciates, higher incomes could enable UK consumers to still afford overseas holidays.
Step 4
Technological Factors
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Advancements in technology have made it easier for consumers to budget and book holidays, potentially influencing their choices beyond just exchange rates. Convenience and accessibility can play a significant role in holiday decisions.
Step 5
Conclusion
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
While exchange rates fundamentally affect holiday costs, other considerations, like personal income, technological advancements, and domestic holiday preferences, also heavily influence UK consumers' choices. Therefore, it is a multi-faceted issue rather than solely dictated by exchange rates.