Insider experts from leading global premium airline British Airways which operates 26 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow – have selected their top 10 destinations for the year ahead. Landmark sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will influence the travel calendar. A growing trend towards eco-tourism puts Stockholm on the map, while Istanbul is expected to be one of the most visited European destinations in recognition of its recent title of European City Of Culture. Paolo De…
Insider experts from leading global premium airline British Airways which operates 26 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow – have selected their top 10 destinations for the year ahead. Landmark sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will influence the travel calendar. A growing trend towards eco-tourism puts Stockholm on the map, while Istanbul is expected to be one of the most visited European destinations in recognition of its recent title of European City Of Culture. Paolo De Renzis, British Airways, Regional Commercial Manager for Middle East, said With 2009 drawing to a close, the year ahead is full of possibility, with a host of travel destinations set to deliver trips of a lifetime.
Our regional customers recognise that theres a world of opportunity out there from Croatias magical Dalmatian Coast, to the breathtaking snow-capped mountains of Vancouver. According to De Renzis, the airlines New York and Las Vegas routes are tipped to be the most popular amongst Middle East customers in 2010. We are the only airline currently operating the London Heathrow-Las Vegas link, and with New York as an eternally popular business and leisure destination for regional customers, we expect substantial take-up on these routes. In 2010, holidaymakers will have more choice of beach destinations than ever, especially now that British Airways operates more flights from London Gatwick to the Caribbean than any other airline. British Airways top 10 list for 2010 comprises the following destinations:
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Nearly half a million supporters are expected to visit South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June. With Cape Town home to stunning beaches, mountains, vineyards and the Cape Town Stadium, its sure to be a popular base for fans. Sue Botes, British Airways commercial manager in South Africa, says: Cape Town has always been a popular destination, we expect the World Cup to push it to the top of the longhaul league table as the best place to be in 2010. We are already preparing for the event and have additional flights in place, as well as our local carrier Comair to connect fans to destinations around the republic.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is Europes hotspot in the New Year. Offering great value for money and a huge variety of things to see and do – from beaches and bazaars to the breathtaking Bosphorus.
3. Las Vegas, USA
The film The Hangover has rekindled our love affair with the entertainment capital of the world. Not just a haven for partying Las Vegas is firmly established as a family friendly destination with everyone from U2 to Cirque de Soleil performing on the famous strip. BAs newly launched route now means greater connectivity to the bright lights and glamour of Americas most iconic swinging city.
4. Vancouver, Canada
Already a must-go destination for skiing and snowboarding, its no surprise that Canada will play host to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March. With roundtrip economy fares on British Airways starting from just AED4985* these fares offer great value for money to this dynamic city. British Airways athlete Zoe Gillings is the UKs number one snowboarder and hopes to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Zoe said: Vancouver is one of best all-year round destinations for snowboarding and Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is one of my favourite spots to train.
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is one of the emerging destinations for holidaymakers in the New Year, with tour operators and industry experts citing local beaches as the most stunning in the Caribbean. Known for its golf and spa facilities, the island is one of the best-kept property secrets in recent times.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Croatia offers privacy and tranquility making it a popular hideout for the jet set, including recent visitors Jay-Z and Beyonce. Mirjana Dostal, British Airways commercial manager for Croatia, said: Dubrovnik holds many attractions and delightful boutiques, with each corner of the city offering a unique experience. However, its cluster of private islands has made this a new favourite destination for Hollywood A-Listers to get-away.”
7. New York, USA
With up to 10 flights a day from London to New York, the city that never sleeps has always been hip, and the New Year will give us yet more excuses to plan a trip there.
8. Stockholm, Sweden
Regularly voted one of the best cities in the world to live in, Stockholm has become the model city for others to follow Europes epicenter of biodiversity and ecology will celebrate its official title of European Green Capital in 2010, making it a popular choice for eco-tourists.
9. The Maldives
Set in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise will be one of the hottest destinations for holidaymakers and honeymooners in 2010. Collections of coral reefs boast unrivalled facilities for diving, while the picture postcard beaches offer chill-out bliss to the maximum.
10. Delhi, India
Thanks to the growing trend for tiger safari, nearby destinations Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanha National Park provide another reason to get off the beaten track and visit Delhi in 2010. If none of these top 10 destinations suit your needs, there are comprehensive destination guides on ba.com which detail events and destinations.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
