Kuoni reveals best-selling destinations
The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico and Cambodia are four of the fastest-growing long-haul holiday destinations for British travellers, according to Kuoni’s latest travel trends report.
Whilst islands in the Maldives hold onto their best-selling spot for the 10th year running, the company’s 35th worldwide trends report shows demand is also growing rapidly for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with combined sales putting them in Kuoni’s top three for the first time.
Managing director Derek Jones said the United Arab Emirates had been boosted by flights from UK regional airports. "Don’t underestimate the value of that," he said, "these destinations are now very accessible."
Thailand keeps its number two position despite a turbulent last year, during which it endured three months’ of political protests plus a great deal of negative publicity following the murder of two British backpackers. Jones admitted bookings for Thailand were down, but he said they had picked up at the start of the year.
An early indication of the bestselling destinations for the year ahead is revealed based on advance sales until the end of January 2015:
- Maldives
- Thailand
- UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
- Sri Lanka
- USA
- Mauritius
- Cuba
- Antigua
- Singapore
- Barbados
The Caribbean is enjoying particularly strong sales with the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Antigua and Cuba all listed in Kuoni’s fastest-rising destinations list for 2015, although Jones said it was too early to say whether the reduction in air tax to the islands was having an impact.
The Dominican Republic has seen the biggest leap out of any destination year-on-year. The country has moved up 15 places in the best-seller list from 38 last year to 23 for 2015.
Growth is largely down to British Airways’ twice-weekly direct flights, which has increased access and a number of new all-inclusive five star hotels.
Vietnam has seen record rises over the past few years, though it stays just outside the top ten in 13th position. Now its near-neighbour, less developed Cambodia, is also following suit moving up five places to 22nd position.
Other emerging destinations for 2015 include Ethiopia, which has been added to Kuoni’s 2015 touring programme for the first time, and the Philippines, which are now more accessible with a direct flight from London to Manila.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026