Every year, the World Travel Market industry report looks at findings from 1,000 UK holidaymakers and industry opinions to highlight the latest travel trends. The report reveals UK holidaymakers booking and holidaying habits – where they like to go, how they choose their destinations and perhaps most importantly, what the travel hotspots will be for the coming year. Let's look at the 2013 World Travel Market Industry report info to see what it can tell us about travel this year.
Tourism hotspots
This year's report highlighted Asia as the world's next tourism hotspot, with Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar listed as three of the up and coming hotspots for travel in Asia in 2014. Other hotspots which made this years coveted list included Malaysia with its developing tourism industry, Indonesia, listed for its diversity and high disposable income, Sri Lanka which is now re-emerging after the civil war and is a beautiful destination, Mexico and Argentina. These are all set to be popular destinations for 2014, and this means we could soon see prices rising for package holidays and accommodation in these locations – so now would be a great time to book!
Choosing where we holiday
How do people in the UK choose their holiday destinations? Research shows that despite the fact 43% of holidaymakers use social media when deciding where to go on holiday, the traditional guidebook is far from dead. 6 out of 10 people use a guidebook such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to choose a destination and to refer to for information whilst on holiday. Peer review sites such as TripAdvisor are the most trusted resource for UK holidaymakers when planning a break with 27% of people trusting them over and above information and recommendations from friends and family.
Economic crisis
2013 saw more people than ever before shun expensive flights and stay in the UK for their family summer holiday. It looks like 2014 will be no different, with the UK being the favourite destination for British holidaymakers next year. However, with the huge amount spent on marketing, the cruise industry is the UK's fastest growing tourism industry, with 39% of people in the UK expressing an interest in booking a cruise for 2014.
So it looks as if Asia will be a popular destination next year, with cruises and breaks in the UK following close behind in the popularity stakes. Whether you decide to jet off to an exotic, far-flung destination or holiday a little closer to home in 2014, make sure that you have travel insurance in place to protect yourself and your family.
