The emerging destinations of Cape Verde, Brazil and Vietnam have been identified as among the most popular holiday spots of 2007. Bulgaria and Croatia are also proving attractive destinations this year, according to online travel firm Expedia.co,uk. Travellers are ditching traditional destinations such as Paris and New York and choosing more adventurous spots for the year ahead, according to the 'Hottest Destinations for 2007' list. The Expedia customers' predictions, based on the results of a recent poll, show that the islands of Cape Verde off west Africa are set to replace 2006's hotspot, Abu Dhabi. Bulgaria is expected to draw in increasing numbers of visitors due to its coastline, reasonable prices and cultural attractions and historical sights.  With the 2008 Olympics around the corner, Beijing is one of the 'must see' places in Asia with many visitors wanting to witness the contrast between ancient imperialism and the leap into modernism. Other notable additions include Cape Town, Las Vegas, Brazil and Devon, according to Expedia. Marketing director Elyas Chowdhury said: "This year's list reveals that more and more people are exploring niche destinations and becoming more adventurous with their holiday choices.  "Our customers prefer to head off the beaten track rather than continue to go back to traditional tourist hot spots. We hope this list will give travellers holiday inspiration to let themselves go and experience new places and cultures in 2007." Expedia.co.uk's Top 10 Destinations for 2007 (no particular order)                                 1.      Cape Verde                                 2.      Bulgaria                                 3.      Brazil                                 4.      Vietnam                                 5.      Croatia                                  6.      Cape Town                                 7.      Devon                                 8.      Beijing                                 9.      Las Vegas                                 10.     Morocco Report by Phil Davies

Categories:  Breaking News, Travel Agent News, Tour Operator, Airline News, Travel Technology News, Destination

USER COMMENTS

Margaret Brown Manager, The Old Cable Historic House c.1866 15 February 2007, 12:40:14 GMT Ireland Pure environment - unpolluted land and seascapes surely should be on this list!   Muzi Mohale web editor, TravelWires cc 08 January 2007, 15:12:21 GMT the mother city Interesting to note that Cape Town makes the grade.   Ariane Janer none, EcoBrasil 08 January 2007, 11:29:32 GMT do these lists mean anything ? It is always interesting to see these lists, but even more interesting to compare them. Every travel related business seems to come up with different destinations. I vaguely remember seeing a Lonely Planet list, where Brazil (which is in the top 10 here)had just dropped out of the 10 favourite destinations ... So do these lists mean anything ? Does anyone check afterwards, if these intentions were realized ?