Kuoni releases its Travel Trends Report 2013

Leading tour operator Kuoni has released its Travel Trends Report 2013 revealing 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 the 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 not only tops the list of the Top 10 Destinations this year, but is 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 Maldives holidays (http://www.kuoni.co.uk/maldives ) 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.

Many destinations have stayed the same in the annual trends report, reflecting the constant appeal of the exotic countries and vibrant cultures of the Far East, the Indian Ocean and Caribbean that absorb many of these 2013 slots.

The fact that Thailand occupies the no. 2 slot in the Top 10 Destinations is no surprise. Thailand holidays (http://www.kuoni.co.uk/thailand ) offer something for everyone, from captivating cities such as Bangkok with its floating markets to small island hideaways to languish in, overlaid with a friendly, open culture.

The USA - in no. 4 position - offers a vast range of disparate experiences within its borders from adventures in Alaska, to breathtaking road trips, flexible adventures, world-class hotels, iconic cities, sumptuous spas, value home stays, motor home experiences, fabulous dining, vineyard experiences and more.

Caribbean holidays (http://www.kuoni.co.uk/caribbean-and-mexico ) take up two slots in the Top 10: Barbados holidays (http://www.kuoni.co.uk/barbados ) are in 8th place while St Lucia is in 10th. With a minimum 80 plus degrees each day and little rainfall for most of the year, it's no wonder that British holidaymakers flock to the tropical paradise that is the Caribbean.

The Report predicts that Vietnam holidays (http://www.kuoni.co.uk/vietnam ) will rise in popularity and, although outside the Top 10 Holiday Destinations chart this year, a greater choice of flights and some exciting new beach options will help the country reach its potential as a holiday destination.

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.

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.

About Kuoni:
Kuoni was established in 1906 in Switzerland by Alfred Kuoni, a visionary adventurer and explorer of his time who opened some of Europe’s first travel agencies. Today Kuoni has branch operations in over 40 countries. For 106 years' Kuoni has been creating holidays with a spirit of adventure. Kuoni is ABTA and ATOL protected, giving customers financial protection and ensuring they won't be stranded abroad.

PR Contact:
Fiona Harris
Director of Public Relations & Brand Development
Kuoni House
Deepdene Avenue
Dorking
Surrey
RH5 4AZ
01306 744 194
www.kuoni.co.uk