Thailands tops Kuoni World Class review

THE MALDIVES has been tipped as the destination most likely to claim top spot in next year’s Kuoni World Class review of the long-haul luxury travel market.

New hotel developments on the Indian Ocean islands are expected to push Dubai and Thailand into second and third places respectively and although the report concedes it is early days to draw conclusions, bookings in 2006 have already exceeded those in 2005.

Another haven of luxury in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles, is also expected to work its way up the pecking order and nearby Sri Lanka should strengthen its position, says the report, providing the resurgence of fighting between the government and the Tamil Tigers is kept under control.

Kuoni managing director Sue Biggs said the Maldives success stems from the way it has been able to develop its charter market without damaging the premium end.

She said she expects destinations in the Far East and Middle East to continue leading the way but, having recently visited the Caribbean, said she had been heartened by some of the investment going on in that region.

“It’s really good to see investment being made, particularly in the Caribbean. It’s closer than many destinations in the east but what’s been missing in many properties is investment to do something different,” she said.

Big things are expected of Oman, which was one of the biggest movers in 2006 and was chosen to host the recent Institute of Travel and Technology conference at the new Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Spa and Resort near Muscat.

Development here will continue – although in less spectacular style than in nearby Dubai – with a new Six Senses Evason Hideaway in Zighy Bay and The Wave development in Muscat, which will feature four hotels, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a 300-berth marina.

In Asia, boutique developments will enhance Vietnam’s reputation and the refurbished Shangri-La in Penang is expected to revitalise Malaysia.

Namibia is tipped as a top 20 contender in Africa, with Mozambique the next hot new destination. Morocco’s popularity is expected to continue growing.

In the Caribbean St Lucia is expected to retain its lead over Barbados in terms of number of customers because of its year-round appeal and reputation for understated luxury.

Home comforts for well-heeled

LUXURY homes away from home are becoming an increasingly popular choice for the top-end family holidaymakers.

The Kuoni World Class 2007 report says a number of new developments are combining the flexibility of villa or apartment accommodation with the service standards found in a five or six-star hotel.

These resorts offer guests the ability to cater for themselves, to book a hotel chef to come in and cook for them and their party, or to eat at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

“As family units become increasingly blurred, there is a growing demand for a new type of property where you can take your children, extended family, nanny, granny or friends to enjoy complete independence, but with a taste of luxury,” the report said.

“These are sumptuous homes away from home, with all the advantages of a top-end hotel, but with the freedom of your own space, living as a family and spending quality time together.”

The report picks out luxury apartments in Cape Town and in Port St Charles, Barbados as examples of the new style of accommodation.

This is also being developed in the Far East and Australia by Karma Resorts, which opened a second property in Koh Samui, Thailand, earlier this year.

Africa’s popularity will push it into top 10 list

GROWING demand for more adventurous honeymoons and weddings is expected to see sub-Saharan Africa establish itself in the top 10 destination list next year.

So far this year more deluxe honeymoons have been booked in Kenya and Tanzania than in the whole of 2005 reflecting “a growing appeal of ‘soft adventure’ honeymoons, combined with the beautiful beach resorts now on offer in both destinations”, the Kuoni report said.

Thailand and the Maldives are expected to retain top spots, and an increase in the number of boutique properties in Bali should consolidate its place back in the top 10 after it slipped to 11 following last year’s terrorist attacks.

Although the traditionally popular wedding destinations of Sri Lanka and Mauritius retained the top spots this year, demand for more unusual locations could also see Africa gain on its rivals.

Kenya’s Governors Camp in the Masai Mara and The Cove Treehouse on the Diani Coast are proving popular, according to the report, as is South Africa’s Table Mountain and Camps Bay.