The final frontier

Underwater hotels, space tourism and London to Sydney in just two-and-a-half hours are set to become the must-have holidays of the future as uncharted areas of the globe become harder to find, according to new industry predictions.

In addition, those who do not fancy making the trip in the first place could even take a virtual break via their computer just like Arnold Schwarzenegger did in his hit film Total Recall

These upcoming destinations and future ways of travel are predicted in a report for travel specialist STA Travel. The report suggests the tourism industry will look to the unexplored territories of the seas & skies as travellers search for the ultimate holiday experience.

Underwater resorts are not far off, with building already taking place under the seas in the latest bid to attract guests, whilst tourist space pods are expected be in place by the early 2010s. With the first space flights expected to take off in 2011 the race is on to make sub-orbital trips available to the mainstream market.

Furthermore, zero gravity is expected to bring a whole new dimension to adventure sports for thrill seekers.

John Constable, MD STA Travel said: "The depth of the world’s oceans provides another place for experiential travel, with hotels and cruise ships literally going under.

“The underwater restaurant Ithaa, at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel, is a forerunner to this future holiday experience and Dubai’s Hydropolis underwater luxury hotel, currently under construction, is scheduled to open this year.

“We already offer space flights to our customers and expect to extend our sub orbital offer in the future.”

The report compiled by The Future Laboratory also identified that virtual travel could soon become a reality, particularly for a generation raised on computer games, including travels to far-flung destinations or trips closer to home such as a visit to the famous Stonehenge.

The report predicts "Over the next ten years, virtual tourism is set to increase in popularity. Virtual travel can take us scuba-diving without any prior experience and across the icy wastelands of Antarctica wearing only a t-shirt.”

And far from alienating the travel industry, virtual tourism may actually benefit it. Virtual hotels will allow hoteliers to test a new concept before time and expense is spent on turning it into reality. Virtual tour operators will grow in number and maps and guidebooks will document virtual terrain as we negotiate an ever-changing online landscape with no distinct boundaries.

Other trends identified include greater flight technology, such as that being pioneered by Virgin Galactic to take tourists into space, which is expected to be used to reduce long-haul flight times so that London to Australia could take just 2.5 hours. In addition travellers could benefit from resorts where the weather is controlled to guarantee sunshine every day and special trips to see natural wonders before global warming kills them off.

In the meantime, STA Travel continues to push the boundaries with its range of tours and accommodation in over 150 worldwide. From cultural trips to adventure travel the world is becoming more accessible every day.

Visit statravel.co.uk for details on all product and services.