Leading tour operator Kuoni has released its Travel Trends Report 2013 and it reveals that hand-picked hideaways, secluded villas, pampering hotels and private islands are the order of the day, in destinations spanning the exotic Far East and Africa, magical Indian Ocean, and colourful USA, Caribbean and Mexico.
These long-haul destinations have constant appeal but one destination reigns supreme over all others, for the second year running, and that is the magical islands of the Maldives.
The Maldives is currently Kuoni’s top-selling destination for 2013. It is No 1 in our Top 10 Destinations this year but also No 1 in the Top 10 Honeymoons 2013 (as it was in 2012), and No 2 for Top Holidays for Singles.
The appeal of this archipelago of paradise islands is clear: the warm Indian Ocean is home to some 1,200 idyllic islands that offer the ultimate island hideaway.
Overall, the ten top selling destinations for 2013 are the Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the USA, UAE, Mauritius, Malaysia, Barbados, Singapore and St Lucia.
The Report predicts that Vietnam will rise in popularity and although outside our Top 10 Holiday destinations chart this year, will fulfill its potential, fuelled by a greater choice of flights and some exciting new beach options for those that love the Far East.
These are just some of the top-line results from Kuoni’s annual Travel Trends Report 2013. The Report also tracks the changing preferences of the holiday-going public, for weddings, honeymoons, family breaks, top tours, solo travellers and also by emotional need – be it for families or socialising with friends.
Additionally, The Report shares the inside track on emerging trends, including social media, the re-definition of luxury, downtrading and the increasing popularity of All Inclusives, the thirst for experiences, girlfriend power, responsible travel and the increased demand for higher levels of service.
Top 10 Destinations
| 2012 | 2013 |
| 1. Maldives | 1. Maldives |
| 2. Thailand | 2. Thailand |
| 3. Sri Lanka | 3. Sri Lanka |
| 4. USA | 4. USA |
| 5. United Arab Emirates | 5. United Arab Emirates |
| 6. Mauritius | 6. Mauritius |
| 7. Barbados | 7. Malaysia |
| 8. St Lucia | 8. Barbados |
| 9. Italy | 9. Singapore |
| 10. Malaysia | 10. St Lucia |
Report Credentials
Figures in Kuoni’s 2013 Travel Trends Reports are based on multiple sources, namely statistics from booking patterns made between January to December 2012 for holidays during 2012 and 2013, actual passenger numbers, customer behaviour and feedback. All this data is then analysed by Kuoni’s market manager’s global insight.
The Report’s 2013 figures are based on holiday bookings made up until December 2012.
Kuoni has been undertaking this annual Travel Trends Report since 1980.
