Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s volcanoes, cloud forests and beaches have long been popular with the adventure and nature tourism markets, and a steady flow of American tourists has resulted in extremely good infrastructure.
They are likely to be joined at the end of this year by increasing numbers of Britons as Thomson Airways launches charter flights from Gatwick in November.
Clients will be able to book all-inclusive breaks in three to five-star properties on the country’s beautiful north Pacific coast, presenting a new alternative to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Luxury sector
Outside certain hotspots such as Rio de Janeiro, South America hasn’t historically been renowned as a luxury choice. However, recent years have seen a great increase in luxury product and properties, especially in areas traditionally strong in the UK, such as Brazil, Argentina and Peru.
The Luxury Collection is opening three hotels in Peru over the next two years; the Relais & Chateaux association now has 11 hotels in South America on its books; and new deluxe properties range from city boutiques and jungle lodges to barefoot-style island hideaways.
From next month TAM will begin offering a first-class service on its daily Heathrow-Sao Paulo flight.
Kuoni has published a dedicated Latin America brochure, offering 76 itineraries across 16 countries, including gaucho breaks in Argentina and samba lessons in Rio.
Kuoni isn’t the only upmarket operator to see the area’s potential. Alison Scott, commercial director at Elegant Resorts, says: “We extended our Latin America programme this year. The types of experiences that we offer are amazing, with the perfect combination of culture, outstanding scenery, soft adventure and some great beaches as well.
“There are also some excellent luxury properties, which are essential for our customers. We believe the region is on the up, with the direct flights into Rio and Buenos Aires having assisted considerably, and are looking to expand over the coming year.”
Central America
Traditionally the little sister to South America, Central America is lined up for a stronger 2010 due to a concerted and joined-up marketing push from its tourism agency.
As well as a London-based campaign featuring 121 branded black cabs driving the streets until April, this year also sees further promotional activity in association with number of operators, including Journey Latin America, Veloso and Abercrombie and Kent.
Sibella Arguello, UK marketing manager for the Central America Tourism Agency, says: “The UK is the second most important market for Central America, after Spain, and working closely with the British trade is essential to raise awareness of the many facets of Central America and entice more British visitors to come and experience this fascinating destination for themselves.”
Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama offer a wide range of adventurous options, from rainforests and beaches to ancient Mayan culture. Andrea Landaeta, Veloso communications manager, says: “These countries may be more unexplored, but they have fantastic infrastructure and good hotels.”
Star Clippers has chosen Central American destinations for new sailing trips in 2010, with Star Flyer visiting Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.
Guatemala in particular has seen a marked increase in European visitors, and the numbers are likely to grow as a result of a three-year marketing plan to promote new Mayan routes around the destination in the run-up to December 20, 2012, which is a landmark date in the Mayan calendar.
Colombia
Colombia’s reputation as a dangerous destination has hung around for too long. While some remote rural areas are still risky, your clients are unlikely to encounter problems in the main tourist spots on a trip organised by a reputable operator.
With attitudes to the country changing, Cox and Kings, Veloso and Tucan Travel all tip Colombia for growth this year, and Iberia is starting three weekly flights to Bogota in June, followed by another five in October. British travellers connect in Madrid.
Tucan Travel communications coordinator Catrionna Grant says: “In response to client demand, we removed internal flights from our tours in Colombia so travellers can enjoy a more down-to-earth experience of this beautiful country overland.”
Highlights include the walled colonial city of Cartagena, Cali, the home of salsa, the green coffee fields of the Zona Cafetera, Bogota’s great shopping and nightlife and the beaches of the Tayrona National Park.
Mexico
The impact of last year’s swine flu outbreak on Mexico’s travel market seems to have been mercifully short-lived, with operators reporting a swift bounceback for the region.
TUI Travel has reported a strong revival in popularity of the country over the past two months, with its upturn continuing to grow week by week. Operators and hoteliers are fanning the flames of this already demand by offering competitive prices and good value deals.
Galapagos islands
Last year’s anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the writing of On the Origin of Species threw the spotlight on the Galapagos Islands (check out our island cheatsheet from April 2009).
This year should see more clients able to take the popular but expensive wildlife hotspot, with deals and discounts on Galapagos cruises available through operators such as Journey Latin America and Travel 2.
Travel 2 product manager Katrin Rummer also reports growing demand for seven-night cruises rather than three or four-day sailings.
