Tanzania, the Maldives and Hong Kong have been revealed as the top three fastest growing tourist destinations booked with Ireland’s largest independent travel specialists, Travel Counsellors. Since last November, bookings for the east African country of Tanzania have risen by 399%; the Indian Ocean archipelago, the Maldives by 196%; and Hong Kong by 135%.
On the top European destinations list for bookings, Travel Counsellors reports Spain in first position, up 6% in bookings, followed by Italy, Portugal and France.
Long haul destinations in general are also up across the board, with Travel Counsellors today reporting that bookings for winter 2018/2019 have increased by 26%. Summer 2019 long haul is also up, rising by 345% when compared to the same booking period last year.
As it has done in the past few years, the USA is topping the long haul booking list for the coming year, and is up 30%. This is followed by Mexico (up 36%); Australia (up 14%); United Arab Emirates (up 53%); and South Africa (up 22%).
The Maldives is becoming increasingly popular with honeymooners, couples, and families. Travel Counsellors say many of the islands offer all-inclusive so what appears to be expensive at the outset, actually is good value for money as you have little to spend when you get there.
Commenting on the report, General Manager of Travel Counsellors Ireland, Cathy Burke said, "The strength of long haul travel is continuing, and this is being led by greater direct access options, better value, and the rising cost of holidaying in Europe. For these reasons, bookings in the past nine months for next summer have tripled when compared to the same period last year."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
