Dubai is the number one Valentine’s Day destination in terms of bookings made with Gold Medal.
The long-haul operator, owned by Dubai-based dnata, said the city has come top for departures over the week commencing February 12.
It has been the top Valentine’s getaway every year since 2010.
New Zealand’s North Island jumped into second place after a 34% increase in bookings, overtaking Florida and pushing New York into fourth position.
Bookings to South Africa and Mexico were both up 81% and made the top ten.
Nick Hughes, sales director dnata Travel B2B Europe, said: “When it comes to romantic getaways, it’s clear many customers love to buck the norm of what constitutes a traditional city break and are happy to travel further afield.
“With Valentine’s Day falling midweek this year, our forward bookings indicate that many couples are ditching short haul mini breaks and combining their 14 February celebrations with a more memorable week-long escape.”
Top ten Valentine’s Day destinations (departing w/c Feb 12 2018)
Dubai, UAE
North Island, New Zealand
Florida, USA
New York State, USA
New South Wales, Australia
Western Cape, South Africa
Maldives, Indian Ocean
Barbados, Caribbean
Victoria, Australia
Cancun, Mexico