THE MALDIVES has been tipped as the destination most likely to claim top spot in next year’s Kuoni World Class review of the long-haul luxury travel market.

New hotel developments on the Indian Ocean islands are expected to push Dubai and Thailand into second and third places respectively and although the report concedes it is early days to draw conclusions, bookings in 2006 have already exceeded those in 2005.

Another haven of luxury in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles, is also expected to work its way up the pecking order and nearby Sri Lanka should strengthen its position, says the report, providing the resurgence of fighting
between the government and the Tamil Tigers is kept under control.

Kuoni managing director Sue Biggs said the Maldives success stems from the way it has been able to develop its charter market without damaging the premium end.

She said she expects destinations in the Far East and Middle East to continue leading the way but, having recently visited the Caribbean, said she had been heartened by some of the investment going on in that region.

“It’s really good to see investment being made, particularly in the Caribbean. It’s closer than many destinations in the east but what’s been missing in many properties is investment to do something different,” she said.

Big things are expected of Oman, which was one of the biggest movers in 2006 and was chosen to host the recent Institute of Travel and Technology conference at the new Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Spa and Resort near Muscat.

Development here will continue – although in less spectacular style than in nearby Dubai – with a new Six Senses Evason Hideaway in Zighy Bay and The Wave development in Muscat, which will feature four hotels, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a 300-berth marina.

In Asia, boutique develop
ments will enhance Vietnam’s reputation and the refurbished Shangri-La in Penang is expected to revitalise Malaysia.

Namibia is tipped as a top 20 contender in Africa, with Mozambique the next hot new destination. Morocco’s popularity is expected to continue growing.

In the Caribbean St Lucia is expected to retain its lead over Barbados in terms of number of customers because of its yearround appeal and reputation for understated luxury.

TOP 20 LUXURY DESTINATIONS FOR 2006

1. Thailand (2) 2. Dubai (1)3. Maldives (5)4. Malaysia (4) 5. Egypt (3) 6. Sri Lanka (8)7. US(6)8. St Lucia (13)

9. Mauritius (11)10. Morocco (9) 11. Oman (20)  12. Australia (12) 13. Cuban (10)  14. Barbados (14)  15. India (7) 16. Bali (18)  17. Kenya (16)  18. South Africa (15)  19. Bahamas (22) 20. Canada (21)
* Figures in brackets are last year’s positions

TOP WEDDING DESTINATIONS FOR 2006

1. Sri Lanka (2) 2. Mauritius (1) 3. St Lucia (4) 4. US (5) 5. Thailand (10) 6. Australia (3) 7. Kenya (6) 8. Canada (11) 9. Antigua (7) 10. Bali (-)
* Figures in brackets are last year’s positions

TOP HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS FOR 2006

1. Thailand (1) 2. Maldives (3) 3. Dubai (2) 4. Malaysia (4) 5. Sri Lanka (6) 6. US (5) 7. Mauritius (7) 8. Bali (11) 9. Egypt (8) 10. Australia (10)
* Figures in brackets are last year’s positions
Kuoni World Class holidays facts and figures

• Average spend is £7,000 although holidays above £20,000 are not unusual. This year one booking cost more than £200,000.
The average duration of a World Class holiday is 12 days, shorter than Kuoni’s overall worldwide programme.
The first quarter of the year and Christmas are the most popular times for World Class customers to go on holiday.
Although group bookings are rising, couples remain the most likely World Class customers.
World Class customers tend to return to the same travel consultant year after year to get the personal service they require.

For more details on any of the above destinations, Please call Select World Travel on 01684 577007 or e-mail enquiries@selectworldtravel.co.uk