TRAILFINDERS WORLD TRAVELLER 2019 REPORT

Fastest Growing Destinations

Trailfinders fastest growing destinations for 2019 include Japan, Zimbabwe, the Maldives, Borneo, Chile, Cambodia, Kenya, Jordan, Fiji and Iceland.

We have seen Japan bookings grow by a fifth already in 2018 and also ranks it amongst the best-value destinations for 2019. Travel to Zimbabwe is modest but growing rapidly following recent government changes.

The Maldives, an established favourite, is tipped for further success for 2019 following the opening of more than 20 hotels this year and increased flight capacity through Malé. Chile is tipped for major growth following the new British Airways direct flight launched this year as well as Cambodia following hotel and infrastructure growth. Both Kenya and Jordan are seeing bookings return after periods of political instability.

Top Destinations

Trailfinders’ overall top holiday destinations for 2019 are the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Africa, Seychelles, India, Argentina, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean.

Even within our most popular destinations, we are seeing a shift to less well-known areas and new experiences. In the USA for example, the Deep South is our fastest growing region. In Australia we’re seeing an increase in demand for the wildlife and culinary hotspots of Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria as well as for the new direct route to Perth..

In New Zealand bookings are booming for regions such as Akaroa, south of Christchurch and Stewart Island, the country’s third largest island. In India we’ve found heritage accommodation and authentic experiences such as picnicking with a local shepherd increasingly popular.

Multi Centre Holidays Booming

Consumer interest in experiences and adventure have also seen a surge of interest in holidays that include the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Top wildlife holidays include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, tiger spotting in India, Galapagos cruising, safaris in Kenya, bear watching in Canada, and wildlife viewing in Antarctica, Alaska, Costa Rica, the USA, Borneo and Brazil.

On the Rise: Gourmet Travel

Culinary experiences such as street food tours in Japan and India have been so popular that Trailfinders has now launched a series of “Taste of” themed holidays for South America and the USA which incorporate foodie experiences such as a cocktail tour of New York.