directline citybreaks (www.directline-citybreaks.co.uk) an online travel agent offering trips to over 69 worldwide cities, today announces a significant 52% increase in year on year bookings to Krakow*.

Maria Whiteman, CEO of directline holidays, says: “Flights and accommodation in Poland, and other Central & Eastern European countries, are extremely competitively priced compared to other popular Citybreak destinations. In tightened financial times, finding a destination that can offer significant savings can mean the difference between taking a holiday or not and the budget conscious are veering towards regions that offer exceptional value.

“As Poland is still operating under old currencies it also offers a good rate of exchange for travellers who are searching for a low cost break without travelling further afield. Whilst the currency seems to have stablised at about 4.5 Zloty to the British Pound, from January until July 2010 there was a steady increase in strength of the Pound against the Zloty and Poland still offers outstanding value at this rate of exchange.

Whiteman concludes: “Brits are slowly cottoning on to the fact that Central & Eastern Europe offers beach, spa, ski and cultural breaks at much better rates than destinations such as Paris, Rome and Venice. Whilst the traditional destinations will always be popular with our customers we also expect to see a burgeoning interest in Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary and Montenegro for winter breaks this year.”

Commenting on this increase, Mr Bogdan Becla, the Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office in London said “Poland is a great holiday choice because you can enjoy top-quality services at budget prices, whether that’s a hotel, a meal out or a night at the theatre. And Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland, has a lot to offer beyond its appealing price point. We are happy to see Krakow topping the list of favourite city break destination for British visitors. Apart from being itself a fascinating tourist attraction, Krakow also offers a convenient base for trips to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, to the Pieskowa Skala Castle and the Dunajec River Gorge.”