Cash-strapped Northern Ireland families have been offered the chance to escape the rain and looming recession after a major tour operator slashed the price of sunshine holidays.

Thomson Holidays announced credit crunch-busting offers on accommodation from just £2 a night at popular destinations such as Greece and Turkey.

Travel experts are predicting the cuts will spark a price war.

Topping Thomson's list of Amazing £2 Deals is the Icmeler resort on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast where seven nights self-catering will set customers back just £14.

There is a similar deal on offer for Halkidiki in the Greek resort of Hanioti.

Accommodation at other family resorts including the Balaeric island of Menorca are also being sold at reduced prices.

The offers, which do not include flights, are for studio or one-bedroom apartments.

They all have swimming pools, are either two or three star rated and are close to beaches.

The travel times are off-peak in October but may suit some families hoping to get away for Halloween.

But with few no-frills airlines flying direct from Belfast to Turkey, Menorca and Greece, Ulster holiday makers have been warned that costs could soon mount up.

Doreen McKenzie of the Association of Travel Agents, warned Northern Ireland customers to research the costs of their holiday fully. She said: “This is good news in that it will stimulate the market. It does sound very cheap — but it’s only cheap if you can actually get to the destination.

“From Northern Ireland it is awkward because there are no no-frills carriers operating direct to places like Turkey or Greece.

“There are only charter flights — which means you have to go for a week or two weeks. These deals are being offered in low season and some of the charters stop around October 20 or 25.

“It may be cheaper for those in the UK. I would advise people to check flights first. Get all the information together to see if it really is a good deal.

“Don’t forget things like the transfer to the hotel, which could cost a lot.

“Very often a complete package deal works out cheaper. It’s all about perception.”

This is good news in that it will stimulate the market. It does sound very cheap — but it’s only cheap if you can actually get to the destination

Cheap flights are available from Belfast to places like Tenerife where Thomson is offering a stay in Playa De Las Americas for £10.

News of the price cuts come after hundreds of families were forced to forego their annual summer holiday because of a lack of cash. The strong Euro in many destinations, combined with economic uncertainties at home have made UK holidays an attractive option for many families this year.

Big package operators such as Thomas Cook, Cosmos, Virgin and Thomson have cut capacity to reduce their overheads.

A spokesman for Thomson said: “Like all businesses, we occasionally run marketing initiatives to promote small pockets of availability.

“We want to give our customers the best deal we possibly can.”