Top long haul destinations revealed

[March 9th 2009]

The top 20 long haul destinations for 2009 have been named in a new report.

Tour operator Kuoni’s 2009 Long haul report shows that British holidaymakers are looking for much more from their holidays than just a week in the sun. No less than 41% of respondents said their main reason for taking a holiday is to 'soothe their souls' via activities such as reading, painting and listening to music.

The report reveals that holidaymakers are actively seeking destinations that offer opportunities to nurture the mind, body and spirit. More than a quarter of respondents said they wanted to stimulate their minds with cultural events, or by learning new languages and skills.

Just under a third said they wanted to nurture their bodies, citing yoga, detox, hiking and sports among their favoured activities on holiday.

"Travel is no longer just a holiday choice. It impacts our lifestyle, stimulates our wellbeing and influences our fashion, design and food choices,” says Kuoni managing director, Nick Hughes.

“Kuoni customers really want to delve deeply under the skin of their destination, to explore further and experience more. We call this growing trend Explorism and we believe it is the new tourism," Hughes adds.

The weakness of the pound also means that more Brits are looking beyond the traditional short haul holiday hotspots, says Kuoni. Popular long haul destinations include the Far East, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

The favourite long haul destination according to the Kuoni report is the Maldives, “a marine paradise that offers some of the best spa treatments in the world”.

In second place is Thailand with its intoxicating mix of idyllic beaches, magnificent temples, shopping and nightlife. In third place, despite the unfavourable exchange rate, is the USA.

Easy access from the UK help Egypt and Dubai into fourth and sixth place respectively, with Sri Lanka in fifth. Rounding out the top 10 are Singapore, China and Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia.

Kuoni says Kenya has “recovered brilliantly from political upheaval to draw in the safari crowd” at number 11. Three Caribbean islands – Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua – also feature in the top 20, along with India, Mauritius, South Africa, Indonesia, New Zealand and Tanzania.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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