Virtuoso Report: India, Vietnam and Cuba Top Emerging Destinations in 2010

March 8, 2010 By: David Eisen

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Vietnam ranked second behind India in top emerging destinations category.

India, Vietnam and Cuba are the top emerging destinations according to the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report, which were tabulated from more than 250 responses from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America and represent 10,000 of the Virtuoso network’s 1.3 million-name database of affluent clients. Rounding out the top emerging destination selections were the Galapagos Islands, China and Chile. 

The top three trends ranked by Virtuoso travel providers as influencing clients’ vacation choices included: seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; rest & relaxation; and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones. The survey also found that private villa rental is booming, with 41 percent saying that this sector will increase in 2010 over 2009 bookings.
 
Travelers in 2010 are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. Of the travel professionals responding, 71 percent said clients are seeking international travel for 10 or more days.

Here are some key results:
 
What are the five most popular international destinations for travelers in 2010?
1.          Italy
2.          Mexico
3.          South Africa
4.          Australia
5.          France
 
What are the top five U.S. destinations where you expect to send travelers in 2010?
1.          Maui
2.          Alaska
3.          New York City
4.          Napa Valley/Sonoma
5.          Las Vegas
 
Which of the following do you see as “emerging destinations,” meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular, either for the first time or all over again?
1.          India
2.          Vietnam
3.          Cuba 
4.          Galapagos Islands
5.          China
6.          Chile
 
What do you anticipate are the top five most popular destinations for family travel in 2010?
1.          Italy
2.          Mexico
3.          Hawaii
4.          Orlando
5.          Australia & Costa Rica (tied)
 
Which luxury cruises saw the biggest increase in demand in 2009?
1.          Mediterranean
2.          Alaska
3.          European River
4.          Caribbean
5.          Baltic Region
 
Which itineraries do you anticipate being popular in 2010?
1.          Alaska
2.          Mediterranean
3.          European River
4.          Caribbean
5.          Greek Isles
 
Rank your clients’ motivation in choosing a vacation:
1.          Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations
2.          Rest & Relaxation
3.          Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones
4.          Discovering new experiences in previously visited (or more familiar) destinations
5.          Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, learning, etc.)
6.          Seeking adventure
 
Rank the most important determining factors for your clients’ when choosing a vacation:
1.          The right destination
2.          Value for money paid
3.          The right activity (activities)
4.          Price
 
For socially and environmentally conscious travelers, which aspects of their travel are they most concerned about?
1.          Accommodations
2.          Activities or excursions
3.          Means of transportation
4.          Giving back to local communities through monetary donations
5.          Giving back to local communities through voluntourism