| Over the last ten years the travel industry has | | | | eco-friendly destinations. Two such examples are |
| had to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, | | | | Fregate, a private island in the Seychelles, which is |
| swine flu, and the first ever true global recession. | | | | saving sea birds and makes its own spa products, |
| Through it all the industry has proven to be | | | | and Vigilius Mountain resort South Tyrol, Italy, |
| robust, resilient and dynamic, finding new ways to | | | | which harnesses its own natural energy. Green |
| deal with adversity. 2010 brings with it fresh | | | | travel promises exciting adventures and |
| challenges and opportunities to which the industry | | | | conscientious travel experiences. |
| must again adapt and react. The cyclical nature of | | | | Not technically a trend but it's worth noting that |
| the industry stems from the fact that it is | | | | 2010 will be a sport-fuelled year and that this will |
| inextricably linked to the health of the global | | | | have a huge impact on where people choose to |
| economy. As you would imagine therefore, the | | | | travel. First and foremost, the Vancouver |
| next twelve months promise significant change in | | | | Olympics in February is an event that will |
| the travel industry. This article will focus on | | | | significantly affect the travel industry. The 17 |
| emerging trends and hotspots for 2010 and give | | | | days of Olympics are expected to attract a global |
| an insight into what can be expected by | | | | television audience of 3 billion people; more than |
| consumer and operator alike. | | | | 80 countries and 6,850 athletes and officials are |
| "If our hotel bookings are anything to go by, | | | | expected to participate according to the 'PRCo |
| people are still determined to travel but are | | | | Travel Industry Trends and Highlights for 2010' |
| choosing how and where they spend their money | | | | report. The opening ceremonies will be held on |
| much more carefully," commented Juliet Kinsman, | | | | February 12, and as a result Vancouver is the city |
| Editor-in-Chief of Mr and Mrs Smith. "Value will | | | | to visit in the Western hemisphere in 2010. South |
| continue to be important, whether that means | | | | Africa is also going to be a travel hotspot with |
| creative online searching for great deals, exploring | | | | the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicking off there in June. |
| new destinations that offer currency advantages, | | | | The event is expected to lure half a million fans |
| or joining travel clubs for exclusive discounts." | | | | to the country. Tourism in India will also enjoy the |
| Indeed, reflecting on the current economic setting, | | | | benefits of sporting events with the |
| many travel professionals have commented on | | | | Commonwealth Games taking place in October. |
| new bargains, noting that it's expected that value | | | | Other destinations to keep your eye on this year |
| for money will be the top priority, with concept | | | | are China, India and the Gulf States, where |
| and branding taking a backseat in the coming | | | | industry insiders are expecting travel to skyrocket |
| years. Travellers are looking for an optimal price | | | | over the next twelve months. Travellers are |
| quality balance when selecting their luxury | | | | becoming more courageous with their travels and |
| vacation. | | | | expanding their horizons. While the global economy |
| Furthermore, travellers are demanding far more | | | | is in the toilet, China and India continue to show |
| from their holidays - gone are the days of a the | | | | signs of growth, offer favourable exchange rates |
| simple sun/sand combo - nowadays the demand | | | | and low travel expenses and therefore |
| is for exotic travel combined with customized, | | | | increasingly warrant visiting. As their respective |
| ultimate experiences. Travellers are seeking | | | | tourism industries start to expand these countries |
| above-and-beyond adventures in exciting new | | | | are going to become top destinations for 2010 |
| destinations. Luxury adventure travel is on the | | | | and beyond. According to sceneadvisor.com, |
| rise and consumers can enjoy a growing selection | | | | between China and India alone it is expected that |
| of luxury safaris, heli-ski trips, niche boat cruises, | | | | over 35,000 hotel rooms will have to be added to |
| personalized art tours, tailor-made culinary | | | | meet the impending demands. |
| courses, and high-speed car tours in top vacation | | | | On the other side of the planet, Latin America is |
| destinations like Cape Town, Provence, Tuscany | | | | set to see important growth as a luxury travel |
| and New York. Moreover, adventure travellers are | | | | destination this year. Hotels such as Francis Ford |
| seeking more than just adrenaline thrills but | | | | Coppola's Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize, the |
| wholesome cultural quests in which they learn | | | | Haciendas luxury hotel in the Yucatan, and other |
| about their destination and environment. Indeed, | | | | outposts in San Jose, Uayamon, Santa Rosa and |
| as claimed by the Vacation Travel Chanel '... the | | | | Temozon (Mexico) are but a few examples of |
| more enriching experiences are preferred over a | | | | the growth of luxury hotels in the region. In the |
| luxurious lifestyle.' | | | | spotlight especially are Panama, Peru and Ecuador, |
| Additionally, although neither a newcomer nor a | | | | which are focusing massively on promoting their |
| veteran, eco travel is definitely carving its place | | | | respective exotic and exclusive services. In |
| into the travel market. Hotels are becoming | | | | addition, Mexico is spending $3.6 million on |
| increasingly self-sufficient and travellers are | | | | improving its luxury infrastructure and Argentina is |
| considering a hotel's environmental credentials a lot | | | | to see five new 5-star hotels open in the next |
| more. 2010 will therefore see a continued rise of | | | | two years (PRCo report). |
| intimate, sustainable villa resorts developing in | | | | |