Kuoni’s latest travel forecast reveals trending destinations for 2024 with a surge in demand for discovery tours in Namibia, affordable beach getaways in Mauritius, and luxurious glamping experiences in Thailand for the upcoming year.
Based on data collected during Kuoni’s peak sales period in January and February, the report highlights destinations worldwide that are captivating travelers’ interest and driving bookings.
Even within the realm of premium travel, the quest for value remains a significant consideration for Kuoni’s clientele. The sales team notes a notable increase in holiday bookings to Thailand, South Africa, and India compared to last year. These destinations offer immersive travel experiences coupled with favorable exchange rates, enhancing the value proposition for travelers.
While classic “bucket list” destinations continue to allure travelers, Kuoni observes a growing interest in experiences beyond the usual tourist circuits. Destination experts at Kuoni have curated diverse travel options, including visits to lesser-known regions, national parks, and states. For instance, a newly introduced itinerary in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, promises explorations of historic battlefields, stunning mountain vistas, and vibrant Zulu cultures.
Kuoni’s list of trending destinations for 2024 includes Mauritius, Thailand, Greece, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Portugal, South Africa, Canada, Grenada, and India.
Grenada, renowned for its blend of pristine beaches and lush rainforests, is ascending in Kuoni’s destination rankings, emerging as a Caribbean gem. The hotel sector is undergoing notable transformations, with Spice Island Resort making a remarkable comeback following extensive refurbishments and the highly anticipated debut of Six Senses La Lagesse poised to make waves in the spring.
The allure of nature and picturesque landscapes is a key draw for travelers in the coming year, with Canada witnessing a surge in sales for independent self-drive trips and rail and sail holidays, including journeys aboard the lesser-known Skeena Train, which showcases the scenic beauty of British Columbia.
Portugal and Greece stand out as premium short-haul destinations. Reflecting the trend towards experiential travel, Portugal beckons with attractions such as the volcanic Azores archipelago, self-drive tours in the Douro Valley, and captivating city breaks in Lisbon and Porto. In Greece, Kuoni reports an uptick in bookings for island-hopping adventures, particularly to iconic destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. Family bookings to Greece are on the rise, with Ikos Resorts emerging as a sought-after choice for summer getaways.
Sales to Sri Lanka are experiencing a resurgence, reaffirming its status as one of Kuoni’s top-selling long-haul destinations. The focus for the year ahead centers on sustainable growth, with attractions like the Pekoe Trail, a new long-distance hiking route traversing the Hanthana Mountains to Nuwara Eliya’s hill stations, gaining prominence.
Thailand is regaining momentum this year, driven by increasing sales and heightened interest in unique experiences. The upcoming series of White Lotus and growing curiosity for offbeat journeys are generating buzz. The Bush Camp Chiang Mai, a sister property to the acclaimed Elephant Hills, stands out as a top choice for witnessing elephants in their natural habitat, complemented by luxurious glamping experiences at Raya Heritage.
Marco Rocha, Kuoni’s product and commercial director, remarks, “There’s a significant appetite for immersive travel this year, with a diverse range of bookings reflecting emerging trends. Anticipating the prioritization of value for money, we’ve expanded our offerings and refined our commercial approach to ensure competitiveness in pricing and service.”
“Mauritius offers unbeatable Indian Ocean luxury at attractive prices, while destinations like South Africa and India present excellent value propositions, with spending money stretching further on the ground. It’s gratifying to witness destinations like Namibia gaining traction, offering a well-kept secret in Africa often overshadowed by safari giants like Kenya and Tanzania.”
Rocha concludes, “While we’ve had a strong start to the year, we expect to see sustained demand throughout the year as travelers reassess their plans and budgets. Travel remains a top priority for the year ahead, with ample evidence indicating continued enthusiasm for exploration.”
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