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No one likes to be the last to know. Whether it’s the latest office gossip or the hottest celeb scandal, we all want to feel we’re in the loop, and the same is true for up-and-coming travel trends. After all, why would you want
to follow the crowds when you could be the one setting the trend for everyone else? Tip your clients off to next
year’s hottest destinations and they’re bound to come home with envy-inducing tales of their adventures, and spread the word to their friends and family about how you’re the one with your finger on the travel pulse. To make sure you stay on top
of what’s hot, here’s our pick of the destinations that everyone will be talking about in 2019.
1
JAPAN International sports events are a sure-fire way to catch the world’s
attention, and Japan has not one but two on the horizon. The Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics mean all eyes are fixed on the Far East, and with the Abta Travel Convention also taking place in Tokyo next October, the trade will be leading the way in catering to all that extra demand. You’ve probably already noticed a gradual uptick in
RIGHT:
D-Resort Göcek, Turkey BELOW:
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
bookings, and increasing attention for places outside the classic Golden Route (Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji), as travellers search for lesser-known regions such as northern island Hokkaido, the newly formed Diamond Route north of Tokyo, or up-and-coming southern region Setouchi. Wendy Wu Tours’ Japan
product manager Reema Shah says: “Japan has grown rapidly in popularity over the past three years, due to media interest. Wendy Wu Tours has seen a massive spike in interest for the country, so much so that we are now the UK’s largest escorted group tour operator to Japan.
“As host nation for the Rugby
World Cup and Olympic Games, Japan has benefited from considerable investment in new infrastructure, including rail transport and new hotels. In my opinion, there has never been a better time to visit Japan.”
2
TURKEY It’s been a tough few years for Turkey, once a mainstay of the British
market, with political unrest in Istanbul and Ankara having a knock-on effect on the coast. But things are looking up for 2019 as adventure and package operators report strong forward sales. Turkey has become the fastest-
growing destination for Intrepid Travel, with a 215% increase in global bookings over the past year, while reservations with Explore have doubled in the same period. Intrepid, Explore and KE Adventure Travel have each added new Turkey tours for 2019, focusing on family trips to Cappadocia, active holidays and travel in winter. There are positive signs for the package market too, with
Jet2.com starting up to eight flights a week from UK regional airports to west coast city Izmir for summer 2019, for easy access to resorts including Kusadasi, Cesme, Ozdere and Seferihisar. Alexander Regelmann, vice-
president of D-Resorts, which has properties in Göcek and
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travelweekly.co.uk20 December 2018
Marmaris, says: “We are looking forward to a positive year. Our upcoming season is set to be the highest in years, mainly because as a destination we consistently offer outstanding quality, luxury and value for money.” Rates at D-Resort Göcek start at £320 per room on B&B.
3
ZIMBABWE This African destination burst into the spotlight in November 2017 with the
removal of leader Robert Mugabe. His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has attracted his fair share of controversy, but there’s no doubting the renewed sense of energy for tourism. Lonely Planet even picked it out as one of the countries primed to capture travellers’ imaginations in its Best in Travel 2019 list. Victoria Falls remains the
greatest draw, particularly since the expansion of its airport opened the destination up to larger aircraft, meaning connections via Johannesburg or Addis Ababa are possible. It’s not the only highlight, though. National parks such as Hwange in the west and Mana Pools in the north offer spectacular wildlife, the medieval ‘stone city’ of Great Zimbabwe adds an interesting angle on African history, and clients who aren’t put off by the hubbub will find Harare a city worth exploring.
TRENDS WHAT’S HOT IN 2019 DESTINATIONS
FAST FACT
Abta research shows 60% of Brits took a holiday abroad in the past year, the highest number since 2011
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