ABTA 2004: Thomson names destinations to watch

ABTA Convention Special: Brazil, Morocco, Egypt and Oman are among the new destinations tipped to be popular next year by Thomson Holidays. A 2005 report, launched at the ABTA Convention, looked at the impact of major film launches, exchange rates and travel fashions on holidaymakers’ desire to travel. Thomson said Brazil was the top destination to watch and the operator will launch direct charters to the country for winter 2005/06. “Apart from being great value a bottle of beer is only 30p and the all-you-can-eat meal is as little as GBP3.50, it’s the amazing beaches and the vibrant culture of music, food and drink which will be the main attractions,” said the report. Egypt’s climate and value-for-money will also make it popular while Morocco is ploughing a lot of money into resort development. New hotels and facilities will draw visitors to Oman in 2005 while the success of Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, which is to set to be a major film, will increase the popularity of Paris.