Kuoni names Sri Lanka among top 10 selling destinations for 2013

The operator’s annual travel trends report also includes Maldives, Thailand, the US, the UAE, Mauritius, Malaysia, Barbados, Singapore and St. Lucia.

The report also identifies emerging trends, including social media, the re-definition of luxury, downtrading and the increasing popularity of all inclusives, the thirst for experiences, ‘girlfriend power’ (groups of women travelling together), responsible travel and increased demand for higher levels of service.

The trends report says social media is driving much consumer behaviour with many holidaymakers checking out TripAdvisor and similar sites before clicking the ‘buy’ button online or before visiting a travel agent.

Moreover, consumers will follow their favourite bloggers and tweets from friends to form their opinions.

They view this online word of mouth recommendation as the best unbiased review they can garner and it increasingly colours their final choice of holiday.

Kuoni said a new phrase – ‘luxury fatigue’ – has entered travellers’ lexicon and it refers to those sophisticated consumers looking for something different, such as made-to-order and made-to-measure or in holiday terms, bespoke.

The world’s austere economic outlook will drive a greater need for opportunities to escape the doom and gloom, the report says.

“The power of a holiday will not diminish and the allure of the Maldives, Thailand and Sri Lanka will continue,” the report added.

Kuoni has been undertaking the annual Travel Trends Report since 1980.