In a recent poll on the airline’s Facebook page, over 2,660 users nominated the overseas destinations they most want to visit next year.
New York topped the list (22 per cent), followed by Australia (eight per cent), Hong Kong (seven per cent), Rio de Janeiro (five per cent) and Dubai (three per cent).
Compiled by a panel of experts, and using company data, British Airways’ top 13 for 2013 features new destinations and popular favourites.
The number one spot goes to Sri Lanka. The tropical island of Sri Lanka has seen a recent boost to tourism, becoming the must-visit destination for intrepid travellers. Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ destination manager, said: “There’s a real buzz about Sri Lanka right now. For a small island it offers a lot, from endless beaches, to elephant treks and several Unesco world heritage sites to visit, it’s hard to think what Sri Lanka doesn’t offer.”
British Airways launches flights to Colombo in April. Coming in second was Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as it gears up to the 2016 Games, the 2014 Brazil World Cup, and FIFA Confederations Cup next year. With its famous sun-kissed beaches to enjoy by day and fun parties at night, there’s a lot to love about one of the most vibrant cities in the world. British Airways offers flights to Rio de Janeiro from London Heathrow.
Hot on its tail is Seoul in South Korea. Mike Rock, British Airways commercial manager Seoul, said: “There’s a lot happening in Korea right now, business is thriving and it’s a tourist destination on the up. The mega metropolis is home to some 10 million people, and is attracting a fresh new audience.” British Airways recently launched new flights to Seoul from Heathrow, flying six times a week.
Croatia is another hot destination for 2013. The jewel of the Adriatic ocean, Dubrovnik continues to appeal to holidaymakers from far and wide, including many high profile celebrities. For the more adventurous, Vietnam has become one of the most talked about destinations in recent years. Not mainstream enough to be a tourist trap, many compare it to Thailand twenty years ago making now the perfect time to visit. British Airways operates flights to Hong Kong, with connecting flights to Ho Chi Minh City using OneWorld partner Cathy Pacific.
Holidays in Dominican Republic are emerging as a must do, especially in Punta Cana on the south coast. Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ destination manager, said: “People are really waking up to Punta Cana. There’s a real buzz from holidaymakers creating word of mouth on its affordability, fabulous hotels and beaches that dip into the Caribbean Sea.”
Other destinations on British Airway’s hot list include Derry in Northern Ireland and Las Vegas while Tbilisi in Georgia, San Diego in California, holidays in Cape Town, Alicante and Dubai make up the rest of the hot list.
