18 December 2008

Responsibletravel.com makes 2009 predictions

Ethical holiday company responsibletravel.com has unveiled its predictions for 2009.

It believes next year will see a further increase in traditional holidays closer to home.

This year, responsibletravel.com has seen already England jump from 11th to first place in its most popular destination list, with enquiries for England holidays increasing by 97%.

Managing director Justin Francis said: "2009 will be one of the toughest years that the travel industry has ever faced.

"It'll be tough for travellers too. Many won't take a holiday at all whilst others will cut out second and third holidays, choosing to stay at home - a 'staycation' - or with friends instead.

"Those that can afford additional breaks will explore much closer to home, particularly as the pound drops in value against the Euro - allowing them to save up the pennies and the annual leave for a longer annual holiday which will come in the form of classic, special travel experiences - those unforgettable once in a lifetime trips.

"Having made a tough choice to spend, travellers will want to ensure they are not disappointed and the 'classic' more dependable favourites - best in their category - will be the order of the day. Destinations such as Angkor Wat, Machu Picchu and the Masai Mara."

Classic Middle East destinations have also risen in popularity in 2008 - Syria by 94% and Jordan by 69%.

Cuba has also increased 40% as travellers flock to the country before America lifts its travel embargo, predicted by many once Obama is in power.

The top 10 most popular destinations on responsibletravel.com in 2008 were as follows:

1 England
2 Egypt
3 Thailand
4 Greece
5 India
6 Tanzania
7 Italy
8 Turkey
9 Peru
10 Spain

New to this year's top 10 is Turkey, deemed to be good value as it is outside the Euro zone.

Kenya has dropped from third place in 2007 to 13th place this year due to the troubles that took place early on in 2008.

By Bev Fearis