Thailand loses top spot

THAILAND lost its top spot in Kuoni’s list of most popular long-haul destinations last year.

Managing director Sue Biggs said the Boxing Day tsunami’s devastation of the country’s western coast had forced it into third place.

“Last year was undoubtedly the most difficult and challenging year in our history,” she said. However, current sales figures to the destination should put it in second place for 2006, or even see it reclaim the top spot, added Biggs.

Thailand’s slip allowed the Maldives to take the top spot last year. Biggs said: “It is very hard to beat the Maldives as a beach destination.”

Egypt took second place for the first time, while Kenya’s growth of 33% year-on-year pushed it to number five. Morocco entered the top 20 for the first time with 64% growth, largely thanks to its range of hotels and riads.

Biggs said the biggest loser of last year was the US, with a fall in sales of 30%. She said the slump was not solely down to the hurricanes, but also due to anti-Iraq war sentiments and the more complicated and restrictive visa application process.

She added: “The US really did shoot itself in the foot.”

Bali also made the top 20 for the first time at number 19. Its 86% year-on-year growth, is the biggest for Kuoni in 2005.

Trading so far this year has been positive, said Biggs, and there are opportunities for agents to cash in. “As volume grows it is more important to have an agent or tour operator giving personal service.”