Top Travel Destinations Trending for 2014
Our readers find interest and inspiration in learning where folks are traveling these days.
Now that we are independent travel consultants with the Virtuoso Travel Network, we have access to up-to-date travel data to share with you about where luxury travelers are currently traveling.
Take a peek at our most recent press release on the top destinations trending for 2014, and see if you perhaps find some inspiration to get out there and explore this beautiful world of ours.
BERLIN, May 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, harnessed the data of its worldwide travel agency members to reveal 2014’s top destinations during its annual Symposium taking place in Berlin this week. Sharing year-over-year growth for first quarter sales as well as the destinations trending for this summer, Virtuoso proved that travelers seeking unique experiences are not afraid to venture further to find them.
European perennial favorites topped the list of those countries experiencing the strongest year-over-year sales for January-March 2014. The top five countries – United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France and Italy – lead the sales with a 21 percent uptick. Notable areas of growth include Germany, which is up 24 percent, as well as Switzerland, which experienced an overall increase of 33 percent and hotels in particular enjoyed a 51 percent increase.
Travel to United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France and Italy up 21%
Secondary European markets also saw a first-quarter lift: Greece (+69 percent), Austria (+53 percent), Czech Republic (+47 percent), Hungary (+47 percent), and Sweden (+44 percent). Citing 17 percent year-over-year growth for air bookings for the same time period, Virtuoso also shared that 44 percent of air sales occur between January and June for all of Europe.
Summer travel sales appear even more promising.
- Brazil (+277 percent) – It comes as no surprise the Brazil leads the charge with World Cup host cities like Fortaleza seeing the greatest surge.
- Ecuador (+118 percent) – Accounting for 20 percent of air bookings to South America, it has less than five percent of the continent’s population.
- Indonesia (+82 percent) – Increased traveler interest across the islands.
- Norway (+65 percent) – Topping all other locales within Scandinavia.
- South Africa (+47 percent) – The favorite destination on the African Continent, thanks in large part to Sabi Sand Game Reserve’s popularity.
Virtuoso counts 340 agencies with more than 620 locations throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand amongst its membership. All told, that represents more than 8,900 travel advisors and upwards of $12.5 billion in annual sales. Virtuoso is the leader in the luxury sector, with exacting standards for both travel agency and preferred supplier partners.
About Virtuoso:
Virtuoso® is the leading network of luxury travel advisors and entities. This by-invitation-only organization comprises 340 agencies with more than 8,900 elite travel specialists in 20 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,700 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. The network’s member agencies generate over $12.5 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.