Exotic Destinations

Until recently, spotting a holiday destination hot spot was a relatively easy process for those in the tourist trade. But, this year, things are different. Speculation is rife amongst the travel and hospitality industries and major airlines, all seemingly reluctant to nail their colours to the mast and to predict tomorrow’s trendy tourist destinations.

One of the main reasons why industry chiefs are reluctant to stick their necks out is that, more than ever before, tourism has become inextricably linked with global issues such as social conscience, international security, political pandering and, of course, global warming and environmental awareness.

Consumer Preferences

Gone are the days when discerning tourists were quite happy to choose exotic destinations based simply on its accommodation star ratings and potential for offering a relaxing break in pleasant surroundings.

Not surprisingly, the contemporary traveller’s preferences are harder to predict. But even in this context, certain up-and-coming destinations seem to be taking the lead; small-scale tourism in South America, for example.

The Atacama Desert and remote regions of Chilean Patagonia are tipped as hot favourites, as are the limited number of developments of exclusive, quality lodges in countries such as Namibia and Botswana. Syria, Iran, as well as Oman are also attracting increased interest. The general drift is towards Exotic Destinations that offer authenticity, serene surroundings, with preferably a hint of luxury and comfort thrown into the mix.

Top City Break Destinations

A number of recent surveys suggest that when it comes to choosing a city short break, it is typically the popular ‘tried-and-tested’ cities such as New York, Amsterdam, Prague, London, Edinburgh, Paris, Nice, Naples, Barcelona, Vienna and Marrakech, etc., that come up trumps. A few, less obvious contenders are also making their mark, including Cairo and Dubai. Another survey listed Kiev, Riga, Krakow and Dubrovnik amongst next year’s predicted favourite city short break destinations.

However, one of the more fascinating predictions for 2009 and beyond is that favourite cities which are currently synonymous with the typical two, three and four night getaway, could become the destinations of choice for longer holidays of a week or two. In this capacity, it’s looking good for cities such as Nice, Barcelona and Lisbon, for example, all of which offer a combination of city attractions, fine restaurants, as well as plenty of sun, sea and sand close by, to satisfy all the family.



Pick of the Bunch

A 2008 review conducted by Reuters, scored the various exotic destinations according to how much local effort was being made to attract visitors (e.g. by improving the local tourist infrastructure, increasing the number of regular flights to the destination, improving local transport systems and generally making it easier and more pleasant for tourists to get around).

Their findings make interesting reading. Topping the list are cities such as Beijing (which, thanks to the 2008 Olympics, has benefitted from a new airport terminal, not to mention the many new, up-market hotels and restaurants, etc.). But, encouragingly, up there with the best was Liverpool, a European Capital of Culture with so much to offer the sophisticated traveller in terms of top-notch value-for-money hotels and other accommodation, as well as great restaurants and a wealth of visitor attractions and entertainment.