MEDIA RELEASE: TUESDAY DECEMBER 11th, 2007
Travellers search for more authentic travel experiences in 2008 Responsible tourism is on the increase and according to responsibletravel.com, the world’s leading directory of specialist eco holidays, 2008 will see the search for true authentic travel intensify as a key trend. Travel and tourism destinations in Central and South America that have traditionally been perceived as ‘dangerous’ – such as Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Colombia – are set to soar in popularity 2008, predicts responsibletravel.com. “We have already seen a remarkable 259% increase this year in the number of enquiries through responsibletravel.com for holidays and places to stay in Nicaragua, compared to last year's trends. Guatemala too has grown by 92% and Honduras by 69%. We’re also predicting an increase in popularity for Colombia in 2008 as more tour operators begin to offer trips there and people become more confident in getting ‘off the beaten track’ to search for that truly authentic travel experience,” says Justin Francis, co-founder and managing director of responsibletravel.com. Brazil – which experienced 95% growth on responsibletravel.com in 2007 - and Argentina, Chile and Bolivia will also continue to be destinations of choice for the responsible traveller searching for adventure and authenticity and this will be a key trend in 2008 too. However, it is not just the Latin countries to watch out for. responsibletravel.com is currently working with wildlife NGO, Conservation International on projects in Madagascar and Francis believes the African island is one to watch in 2008:
“ Madagascar is set to become the new Galapagos because of its high numbers of endemic species and wildlife. It has great appeal to the responsible traveller. There are some incredible community-based tourism projects opening up that are working in partnership with local people to protect long-established cultures and environments.”
Other African countries such as Tanzania and Kenya, as well as Egypt and Morocco further north, have proven popular tourism destinations with responsible travellers in 2007 and are set to remain on the increase in 2008.
Trends in 2007
The top 10 most popular destinations on responsibletravel.com in 2007 were as follows: - UK
- Tanzania
- Kenya
- Egypt
- Thailand
- India
- Peru
- Italy
- Morocco
- Malaysia
Francis hopes that UK customers will continue the growing trend of exploring destinations closer to home in 2008:
“There are some outstanding responsible tourism projects going on here in the UK. The New Forest for example, a recent winner of our Responsible Tourism Awards is a pioneering destination. Throughout the UK, there’s some fantastic farmstays and cosy B&Bs, offering travellers the chance to relax, eat local produce and explore the countryside – the perfect ingredients for a memorable short break or weekend away.”
responsibletravel.com now has over 2,800 holidays, from over 265 tour operators and more than 550 accommodations.
Take your pick of responsible travel and tourism options in the hot new destinations of 2008:
Madagascar - www.responsibletravel.com/Madagascar
Guatemala - www.responsibletravel.com/Guatemala
Nicaragua - www.responsibletravel.com/Nicaragua
Honduras - www.responsibletravel.com/Honduras
Colombia - www.responsibletravel.com/Colombia
UK- www.responsibletravel.com/UK
-Ends- Notes to editors
About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is an online travel directory - based in Brighton, England - launched in 2001 for travellers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. responsibletravel.com markets carefully pre-screened, handpicked holidays from over 265 specialist operators and over 550 accommodations.
Contact:
Krissy Pentland
press@responsibletravel.com
01273 648 519 or 07717 348368
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