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Travel trends in 2010: TV, Troubles and Taxes
Television shows and films are tipped to boost travel to destinations across the US next year.
In keeping with the TV theme, ABTA’s annual Travel Trends Report highlights countries and resorts with the ‘X factor’, offering new or unique experiences for holidaymakers.
States emerging from troubled times, such as Sri Lanka, Mexico, Thailand and even Iraq, are forecast to see more tourists.
However, the hike in Air Passenger Duty next November may mean travellers opt for long-haul trips in 2010 rather than 2011, added ABTA.
Meanwhile, ‘chadventures’ – a combination of adventure and raising money for charity – or ‘volunturism’ breaks will continue to rise in popularity as more holidaymakers book worthy trips.
As couch potatoes pack their passports to see the locations of their favourite TV shows, Forks in Washington State – setting for the Twilight teen vampire saga – is expected to build on its 1,000% rise in visitor numbers in 2009.
More bookings are also expected for ranch holidays and off-the-beaten track destinations in the US thanks to Jamie Oliver’s American Road Trip.
Shopaholics inspired by Sex and the City 2 in New York will be able to take advantage of a more stable dollar/pound exchange rate.
And the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida, will send visitor figures soaring for 2010, claims ABTA.
Following this year’s ‘Obama-boom’, the ‘Dan Brown’ effect looks set to increase visitor numbers to Washington DC and Virginia.
Other destinations with special ‘X factor’ events next year include South Africa with the World Cup, Istanbul as European City of Culture, and Egypt’s White Coast, a new resort opening on the north Mediterranean coast around Alexandria.
Further trends include the demand for price-capped holidays such as all-inclusives or bargains from struggling economies such as Ireland and Dubai, while the cruise sector is set to increase its record passenger numbers of 2009.
Frances Tuke, ABTA PR manager, said: ‘This year has been remarkably resilient for the travel industry, and prospects are looking good for 2010, with the trend to more adventurous destinations continuing.’
