The travel trends you'll see in 2009
Share with others:
Yesterday, France. Tomorrow, Uzbekistan. Countries rise and fall in a cycle of popularity, just like fashion.
"Countries are brands whether they act on them or not," says Rina Plapler of New York-based FutureBrand, which annually measures countries' brand strength on many factors, including a country's tourist growth, infrastructure improvements and visitor perception.
While some countries such as France and the United States are struggling to save their tarnished brands, other nations like Morocco, Cambodia, Vietnam and Canada are either rising or in vogue and still other nations -- Colombia, Ethiopia, Libya and Uzbekistan -- are emerging. Why is France, a tourist favorite, on the downside?
"There is such a high expectation for France that some people actually come back disappointed," says Plapler. "They have slipped a little."
Mon dieu! But that's not the only trend you'll see in 2009. Here's a peek into the crystal ball:
MORE HOT DESTINATIONS
• Sardinia, Italy
• Crete, Greece
• Petra, Jordan
• Ardmore, Ireland
• Medellin, Colombia
• Granada, Spain
• Protaras, Cyprus
• Wadduwa, Sri Lanka
(Source: Yahoo, TripAdvisor hot list)
WI-FI SUPPLANTING CELLS ON FLIGHTS
The horrible idea of allowing cell phones to be used on airplanes is fading away, replaced by the much better idea of allowing Wi-Fi instead. Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and American have it; Delta is next.
(Source: Detroit Free Press research)
BEST U.S. HOTELS
• Twin Farms, Woodstock, Vt.
• Ritz Carlton, Dallas/Ft. Worth
• Peninsula, Chicago
• Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tenn.
• Casa Palmero, Carmel, Calif.
(Source: Zagat Survey 2009)
FEWER WILL TRAVEL ...
Business travel is expected to be down 2.7 percent, leisure travel down 1.3 percent and overseas visitors to the United States down 3 percent.
(Source: Travel Industry Association, American Express)
... BUT COSTS WILL BE UP
The average domestic trip in 2009 will cost $1,539, up 2.8 percent, while the average international trip will cost $3,956, up 4.3 percent.
(Source: American Express)
TRY THESE DOMESTIC GEMS
• St. George, Utah
• Englewood, Fla.
• Keauhou, Hawaii
• Mt. Pocono, Pa.
• Haines, Alaska
• Bainbridge Island, Wash.
• New Buffalo, Mich.
(Source: TripAdvisor.com 2009 hot destinations list)
TWO BIG DEVELOPMENTS
• On June 1, drivers at land borders between Canada and the United States will need a passport, passport card, enhanced drivers license or equivalent.
First Published January 9, 2009 12:00 am
