Maldives tops in Kuoni list of ‘The destination for 2008’

Sri Lanka rated best for Weddings, second favourite for Honeymoon and overall 5th

The tiny tourist haven the Maldives has come up tops in the Kuoni’s best long haul destination list for the third year running, while the conflict-weary yet resilient Sri Lanka has some cheer in category rankings.

The compilation and the recommendations by Kuoni, is faithfully followed by all travellers. Among other accolades, Last week, Kouni, was voted ‘Best Longhaul Tour Operator’ for an unprecedented 25 years at Travel Weekly’s prestigious Golden Globe Awards.

Sri Lanka highlights
The endlessly photogenic and uniquely dramatic 5th Century rock fortress at Sigiriya, rising sheer out of the jungle plains. Climb to the summit for unbroken vistas in every direction, and don’t miss the exquisite cave frescoes.

The ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - sprawling complexes of romantically ruined palaces, processional avenues, mansions and temples.

The enchanting cultural and religious centre of Kandy, blessed with a mild, temperate climate and clear air.

The vibrantly colourful and historically significant cave temples at Dambulla.

The charming elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.
The consistently outstanding food - a ‘typical’ dinner might consist of seven or eight fragrant and spicy dishes, reflecting the cosmopolitan blend of cultures in the country.

Beautiful beach hotels
Experience Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches where the sand glitters like gold dust and the sea sparkles in zircon-bright sunlight. The water is as translucent and blue as the aquamarines and sapphires you’ve seen in the gem markets.

At the launch of its annual long-haul report, leading specialist tour operator Kuoni Travel announced that the Maldives has retained its Number 1 position as the favourite long-haul destination both for 2007 and going forward to 2008.

Also at the top of the table for 2007, Thailand remains at Number 2, Egypt has climbed one place to Number 3 and Kenya and Dubai have retained the Number 4 and 5 places respectively. As predicted in last year’s report, China, including Hong Kong, had an outstanding year in 2007, with business to mainland China up by some 60%, climbing two places to Number 6.

Sri Lanka in 2007 was ranked number eight, down one place from 7th slot in 2006. However for 2008, Sri Lanka has moved up to the fifth best long haul destination. There is more cheer for Sri Lanka tourism, reeling from the impact of the conflict in the North and East, as the country retains for the third year running the top destination for weddings, and number two in 2008 for honeymoons, up from sixth place in 2007.

Kuoni said looking forward to 2008, early ’hot stars’ include India, climbing two places to Number 9, with year on year growth of some 30%, South Africa, into the Top Twenty at Number 18, with growth of 14% and Bali, which is enjoying a welcome resurgence and is currently sitting at Number 19 for the year ahead.

Commenting, Nick Hughes, Managing Director, Kuoni Travel says “It’s great to see the Maldives continuing to hold its well-deserved position as the favourite long-haul destination”

“In terms of the major trends we are seeing in long-haul travel, the most apparent is the shift towards tailor making. During the past two years the tailor made share of our total business has grown by approximately 50% and is being requested on an increasing basis. Kuoni has long been recognised for its ability to personalise holidays on a very individual basis for our clients and it is this skill, supported by our in-depth knowledge, careful selection of product and excellent customer service that we believe will set us apart moving into the future, as the leading provider of top quality tailor made holidays”

Other significant developments include the continuing popularity of premium flying; the growth of cultural tours – particularly in China, India and Egypt; and the emergence of classic train journeys as an increasingly popular form of travel to experience a destination in relaxed, classic style, whether this is in the Far East, Canada or China.

Further Top Tips that are highlighted in the report include:

Small is Beautiful’ – The growth of boutique luxury: From Thailand to New Zealand and from China to Dubai, boutique luxury continues to boom, offering a very personal experience of a distant destination. With prime examples including Zeavola in Phi Phi, the Desert Palm in Dubai, Rodwell House in Capetown, 88 Xiantiandi in Shanghai and the three Nagas in Luang Prabang, there are rich pickings on offer around the world.

Island Hopping in the Seychelles: With growth of nearly 70% during 2007, the Seychelles is thriving. Some of the smaller islands are performing particularly well with island hopping proving a popular choice, combining Mahe and/or Praslin with a number of smaller islands such as Bird Island, Desroches, La Digue or Silhouette.

India: 2007 has been an excellent year for India, with the signs for 2008 being even better. The luxury end of the market is thriving, as are cultural and wildlife tours, often combined with a beach stay in Kerala or Goa. Looking forward to 2008, there are a number of exciting new properties and experiences including tea estates, small palaces still run by royal descendants, a well as luxury tented accommodation that will be available. This diversity at the top end should develop still further, as should private touring, where with the benefits of a private car and guide, a wonderfully personal itinerary can be created.

South Africa: At Number 21 for 2007 and Number 18 for 2008, South Africa is proving extremely popular. The combination of amazing safari experience, beach life and stunning scenery with truly world class accommodation, vibrant city living and gourmet treats is clearly winning fans. There is exceptional new product from a safari perspective – such as Lion Sands Game Reserve – as well as increasing choice in the cities such as luxury apartments in Cape Town and boutique country properties.

Macau – the Vegas of the East: With the substantial redevelopment that is being seen from deluxe hotels such as MGM and the Venetian, Macau is tipped to become the Vegas of the East. With excellent links to Hong Kong, it offers the contrast of a relaxed experience on the peninsula in the north and the excitement of the ‘strip’ around Taipa on the west coast.

Kuoni’s description on Sri Lanka
The heroes of Horace Walpole’s fairy tale Three Princes of Serendib had the happy knack of stumbling across marvellous situations entirely by chance, gifting the English language the term ‘serendipity’. Their country is now known as Sri Lanka, and never was a word more appropriately coined. Marvellous situations - breathtaking views, magical experiences and friendly encounters - abound in this Indian Ocean paradise.