Ten destinations tipped for increased bookings next year have been unveiled by Kuoni.
Exploring countries beyond the well-trodden tourist trails will be a key theme for 2020, according to the operator.
It highlights exploration of India beyond the Golden Triangle and rediscovering Zimbabwe after years of political instability as the top two trends.
The travel forecast is based on destinations that have significant new hotel openings over the next 12 months; places that are benefiting from new direct flights; and parts of the world which are investing in new tourism infrastructure and marketing to attract luxury travellers.
Colombia features for the first time in Kuoni’s escorted touring collection with a 12-night tour taking in the country’s coffee-growing region and Unesco-listed old town of Cartagena.
Direct flights to alternative gateways such as Charleston for the Carolinas and Portland for the Pacific north-west are already increasing demand for US fly-drives.
Hotel openings in Antigua raise the bar for luxury with Hammock Cove and its collection of ultra-modern pool villas due to open in December; and five-star family-friendly Royalton’s debut property offering activities for all ages.
The new adults-only Lagoon Attitude in Mauritius has a strong sustainable ethos working as much as possible with local planters that provide fresh fruits and vegetables and an innovative approach with different zones for different vibes.
The Angsana in Corfu – an offshoot of the Banyan Tree brand – is cool and contemporary and mimics a classic Greek hilltop village.
Destinations expected to attract increased bookings in the 2020 forecast include:
- India – beyond the Golden Triangle
- Zimbabwe – back after years of political instability
- US – direct flight to Charleston and Portland increase demand for fly-drives
- Indian Ocean – 16 new hotels added for 2020
- Greece – luxury credentials on the up
- Colombia – added to escorted touring programme
- Japan – the buzz continues for Olympic Year
- The Caribbean – new hotel openings
- Canada – escape the crowds in winter
- Italy – slow travel in Puglia and Basilicata