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ABTA predicts cruise and luxury markets for success in 2008

The cruise market will continue to go from strength to strength next year, ABTA has predicted.

Following the success of this year, when growth outstripped previous predictions, the association is predicting a further 14% rise in passenger numbers next year, with 1.55 million customers expected in the sector as another eight ships are launched.

ABTA also predicts the introduction of airline routes to lesser known eastern European destinations, including Szczecin in Poland and Brno in the Czech Republic, which will drive the short breaks market.

In terms of destinations, further growth is expected in the top end of the luxury sector as more consumers choose private jets to bypass security measures at UK airports. The luxury travel market out of the UK enjoyed sales growth of 9% this year, making it worth around £5 billion annually.

Destinations tipped for success by ABTA next year include Egypt, China, Singapore, Australia and Colombia while the Middle East, in particular Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi, is also expected to repeat this year’s strong growth.

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