The top 20 long-haul escapes for 2008

The Maldives has been dubbed the number 1 escape in a list of the top 20 long-haul holiday destinations for 2008. Its unique combination of dazzling underwater coral gardens; beautiful blue lagoons and soft secluded sands make it the ultimate tropical travel destination.

The breathtaking beauty of Thailand with its inspiring temples, ancient ruins and long flawless beaches secured it a solid second place with the USA, Egypt and Sri Lanka also making it into the top 5.

The list unveiled by leading travel provider Kuoni has been released to offer insight into where you can find the best travel experiences in 2008. The world is becoming an increasingly smaller place and long-haul destinations are becoming more accessible and more popular than ever. With the kind of travel links we have today there's absolutely no excuse for revisiting the same resort 6 years running, so why not make this year a completely new experience?

Many of you are probably already booking your holidays to try and beat the January blues, and with the weather we've been having who can blame you?

To give you a helping hand Sean Tipton from the Association of British Travel Agents and Francis Torrilla from Kuoni have given us the low down on where to go for the top travel experiences of 2008. Whether you're flying with the family or flying solo they've got some top tips on where to go to soak up the sun, sea and sand this summer.

Top 20 long haul escapes for 2008

1. The Maldives
2. Thailand
3. USA
4. Egypt
5. Sri Lanka
6. Dubai
7. Kenya
8. China/Hong Kong
9. India
10. Singapore
11. Malaysia
12. Australia
13. Mauritius
14. Cuba
15. Antigua
16. Tanzania
17. Barbados
18. South Africa
19. Indonesia
20. New Zealand

Hot Tips for 2008 - including the top 5 destinations

Maldives

In a trend that is going to increase as more islands are opening up, there is more choice available in some of the less expensive five star sphere - offering more affordable luxury. Perfect examples include Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, with its great natural beauty and Coco Palm Bodu Hithi with its distinctive pool villas whilst Baros remains a real favourite with repeat visitors, and now offers 'diving a la carte' options. Looking forward to 2008, business is bright for the Maldives, with passenger numbers up by 15% year on year.

One area which is potentially hindering growth at the very top end is the limited business class air capacity. However, with new product coming on line at the end of the year in the form of Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, located on the southern-most tip of the Addu Atoll, adding to the already superb choice of properties available.

Thailand

Small is beautiful - boutique properties blossom and remote islands and resorts grow in appeal. A decided trend of 'small is beautiful' is emerging, with strong performances from the more remote islands and resorts and individual boutique properties. The desire to escape from it all, to your own patch of paradise is something that Thailand is able to fulfil perfectly, whether it's a remote desert island or a jungle retreat.

The unspoilt island of Koh Lanta, for example, has seen passenger numbers grow by 39% during 2007, with Phi Phi and Khao Lak also doing well. Elsewhere we have seen development in Koh Yao, near to Phuket, where the Evason Hideaway, with its eco-friendly luxury. Looking forward to 2008, the North is set for a good year ahead.

The more remote Chiang Rai is increasingly popular, with business being 27% up as visitors search out new, 'undiscovered' experiences combined with rich culture, which this region offers in style. We look forward to the opening of the new Shangri-La in Chiang Mai and the new Orient Express route, travelling through this region by luxury train up to Laos provides a unique way of viewing the area.

The trend towards increasingly luxurious yet environmentally friendly properties continues, with the properties such as Zeavola in Phi Phi, with its local charitable initiatives, combined with its boutique luxury; and the forthcoming Soneva Kiri by Six Senses on Koh Kood, being great examples of how Thai tourism continues to be a leader in terms of innovation with new properties that both trigger and reflect demand.

The Americas

For the year ahead, we have seen a welcome upturn in numbers to Florida with condos and private homes being particular favourites. Orlando in general is doing well, partly due to some concerted marketing campaigns on the part of the tourist boards which are succeeding raising awareness and demand. Also performing strongly for 2008 are the classic destinations of New York, Boston, San Francisco and Las Vegas, with their timeless appeal and popularity for first time and repeat visitors alike.

With the increasing choice of quality and boutique accommodation, we have introduced some superb new properties including family style apartments near Park Avenue in New York, and Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park. The experiences that are on offer in the States are proving particularly popular, whether this is bike rental over Golden Gate Bridge, Whale watching in Monterey or wine tasting in Napa Valley. The introduction of Kuoni's new US ski programme for 2007/2008 has also been very well received.

Egypt

The dedicated brochure that Kuoni launched this year has undoubtedly helped with the increase in business, and there has also been some superb new product added to the mix. The old favourites, such as the Sheraton Luxor and Mena House Oberoi, have been added to with new classics, particularly in the area of luxury boutique Nile cruises.

The Oberoi Zahra, for example, with 26 deluxe suites comes complete with three massage suites and a steam room. In addition, the new Lazuli Dhabiyas are beautifully crafted wooden boats traditionally used to sail from temple to temple. With just six cabins, they offer a luxurious atmosphere from which to absorb the classic sites of the Nile.

Although it has moved down one place to Number 4 for 2008, Egypt is thriving in terms of passenger numbers and if the security situation continues in the positive way which we have seen in 2007, combined with the increased interest that the Tutankhamen exhibition in London will generate.

Sri Lanka

The story for 2008, is looking better, with Sri Lanka moving back up the table to the Number 5 position, and an increase in business of over 60%. Unfortunately the year has not started well in terms of incidents, a situation that we hope will calm down once more. With more upmarket product available than ever before, including boutique properties, spa retreats and stylish sanctuaries, Sri Lanka now offers a fantastic array of choice.

Whilst airlift is still good, it is a shame that the Air Taxi was taken off service and we hope that at some stage this might be reinstated as it did have the effect of opening up the country. Overall, we are optimistic that, political circumstances permitting, 2008 may see a return to pre-tsunami numbers for Sri Lanka.

India

Since 2003, it has jumped from Number 20 to Number 9 for 2008 - when business is showing growth of nearly 30% year on year.

South Africa

Thriving for the year ahead, having moved up to the Number 18 position and enjoying year on year growth of some 14%. With an increased profile thanks to the forthcoming World Cup it is due to take a more central role on the sporting stage which has the potential to bring huge gains for tourism.
Bali

At Number 19 for 2008, Bali is enjoying a welcome and well-deserved resurgence in popularity. With new areas opening up for the UK market and new or renovated properties such the Ritz Carlton Villas there is a choice of fine accommodation on offer.

New African Stars

The growth of 'alternative Africa' was something highlighted in our 2006/7 report. In a trend that we are likely to see develop still further as 2008 progresses, particularly in the light of the issues in Kenya, we expect to see the emergence of some 'new stars' as people determinedly seek out a safari experience.

Countries that are especially likely to benefit include Zambia - with the magnificent Victoria Falls enhancing the appeal of the great safari product on offer and Namibia - which saw significant growth in 2007 with its magical wilderness. Although outside the Top 20 - both still fall within the Top 50 of our longhaul destinations and we expect them to rise still further.

Tailor Making: the freedom to choose

Kuoni has long been recognised for its ability to tailor make holidays on a very individual basis for our clients. It is a service we have been able to offer for many years, and the flexibility that we provide both when booking with one of our expert sales team, or on line on our website, where itineraries can be tailor made within minutes, is quite something to experience.

During the past year, the tailor made share of our total business has grown by approximately 50% and it is something that is being requested in increasing numbers. In an age when freedom to choose is seen as a right in all aspects of life- we are seeing the equivalent trends in travel.

Whilst pre-organised tours remain very popular, as customers increase in confidence and with the freedom that scheduled flying offers, they are increasingly keen to have something that has been specifically devised for them, so it creates their very personal holiday experience.

Cultural Supremacy

In a year which has seen the Terracotta Warriors as well as the relics of Tutankhamen making an appearance in London, it's no coincidence that we are also seeing a growth in cultural tours. Business to mainland China was up by around 60% during 2007, with group tours taking in iconic sites such as the Great Wall and the Warriors, whilst Egypt and tours in India are thriving. The importance of cultural enrichment, usually followed by a relaxing beach extension, is clearly something that is in increasing demand.

For more information, visit Kuoni.co.uk.