Traders in Shepway are being urged to display prices in both sterling and euros.

The call comes from Folkestone Town Centre Management following a report from its tourism arm, Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh.

It is in response to a marked increase in the number of requests for where-to-stay information in recent weeks from Continental Europe.

The organisation is cautiously regarding the trend as a signal more tourists from Europe might cross the channel this year.

Manager of Discover Folkestone Chris Kirkham said: "The present rate of exchange makes our corner of Kent an attractive destination. We've been dealing with requests from France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

"Some hotels, restaurants and retailers already dual-price - but it would help to create visitor-friendly impressions and help business if more did so."

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According to the most recent estimate by Tourism South East, over 48,000 stay-over trips were made to the district by overseas visitors in 2006.

More than £4million of the £15million spent by them was in shops. This is slightly more than on accommodation and significantly more than in either restaurants or visits to attractions.

Town centre manager John Barber said: "Taken together with the estimate that the district's retail sector earned some £37million from visitors, those figures underline the potential of shopping as a holiday and leisure experience.

"That is why we are advising shops, stores and boutiques that it's good business to support such visitor-friendly initiatives as dual-pricing."