Holidays for 2009 are being snapped as tourists attempt to avoid further falls in the pound's strength against the euro, according to holiday company Milestones.

Those still booking for this year are tending to avoid eurozone countries, the company added.

Milestones' general manager Matt Clapson said: "With fears that the global economic situation isn't going to dramatically alter in the coming months, people are looking to lock in their 2009 holidays.

"This year, rising prices in continental Europe have to led to a surge in interest in non-euro countries such as Turkey.

He added that Spain, Italy and Portugal were still big touring destinations for Britons with travellers unwilling to forego trips there despite the weak pound.

Mr Clapson went on: "Many Britons have opted for a non-euro holiday this year because of increased prices, but we're seeing that they are not willing to do this for two years in a row.

"Bookings for popular countries are already looking strong for next year, with Italy doing particularly well."