Move over Marbella and back off Benidorm; 2010 will be all about mingling with the stars in LA and experiencing the luxurious epicentre of Dubai as modern day playgrounds make the top 10 must see cities on Brits’ travel lists. According to the ‘Future of Independent Travel’ report commissioned by STA Travel, the top 10 must visit cities for 2010 are:…
Move over Marbella and back off Benidorm; 2010 will be all about mingling with the stars in LA and experiencing the luxurious epicentre of Dubai as modern day playgrounds make the top 10 must see cities on Brits’ travel lists.
According to the ‘Future of Independent Travel’ report commissioned by STA Travel, the top 10 must visit cities for 2010 are:
1. Los Angeles
2. Dubai
3. Hong Kong
4. Mexico City
5. Cape Town
6. Berlin
7. Tokyo
8. Beijing
9. Buenos Aires
10. Lisbon
As recession-weary travellers look to expand their horizons, the glitz and glamour of three of the world fastest growing cities provide an instant attraction.
Ian Swain, product director from STA Travel says: “2009 was the year of the staycation, and cutting back on unnecessary expenditure. Whilst the UK has a wealth of hidden gems to offer, as the economic outlook improves, travellers are looking to make the most of their precious time off work by visiting some of the world’s most aspirational cities that they consider to be must-see destinations. Despite this we know customers are still looking for great deals and to make the most of their money and we have brilliant deals to suit every budget and need”.
Reasons to visit the top three travel destinations:
1. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is set to be the top destination for 18-35-year-olds with 29% planning to travel there in the next two years. Over the past decade, this city has been revitalised and promoted through TV series such as Laguna Beach, The OC and, most recently, The Hills. Celebrity endorsements from Hollywood stars, and David Beckham taking resident during the 00s, have also helped raise the city’s profile.
STA Travel’s North America expert Kate Mison explains: “In the past few years, LA has also become a major force in the food, fashion and design worlds, with top chefs, designers and developers all opening restaurants, hotels, shops and clubs there. In the midst of all this new development, there also seems to be a throwback to old Hollywood glamour – LA has a distinctly decadent feel. It’s also great base for touring the west coast of America.”
2. Dubai
Despite the recent controversy and discussions surrounding Dubai it seems that young people still place it high up on the list as a must-see destination. Dubai will attract 26% of British 18-35-year-old travellers over the coming decade. With its substantial youth demographic (70% of the region’s population) and a growing middle class, Dubai is the region’s shopping destination.
The arts are another draw – The Art Dubai contemporary art fair and The Creek Art Fair are key events on the region’s cultural calendar and will continue to be the ‘in thing’ to be involved in.
Chris Norris STA travel’s Middle East expert explains: “Dubai has been growing rapidly over the last three to four years and has everything – the beaches, restaurants, bars, shops, compact size and guarantee of warm weather. No longer just the haunt of the rich and famous, the opening of affordable hotels and the availability of cheap flights mean Dubai is becoming an ideal weekend destination and stopover of choice.”
3. Hong Kong
Third on the list of must-visit destinations for British 18-35-year-olds is Hong Kong. As Hong Kong asserts its identity alongside mainland China, local collectives are making their voices heard by positioning themselves in opposition to the city’s sterile business skyline. This is attracting young Britons to see the wonders and spectacle that make Hong Kong.
One of Hong Kong’s most prominent trends is the reclamation of outdoor space. A key highlight for our traveller will be Open Air Hong Kong, which organises outdoor lifestyle entertainment in the city. Its Pokfulam Market hosts local designers, artists, collectors and creators, and has become so popular that Open Air has developed a series of one-off PopUp Markets to take place at different locations throughout the city. Cinemas are going open-air too, with the launch of Moonlight Movies in October 2007.
Hong Kong is also widely appreciated for its wealth of malls and numerous shopping opportunities. In fact, it is almost possible to traverse the entire Central District without leaving the air-conditioned comfort of an enclosed shopping emporium, as the shopping complexes are joined together by air-conditioned walkways. So even if the pound is not sustainable abroad, at least our travellers will be able to marvel at the architecture.
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.
