Maldives and Thailand popular with long-haul Brits

The Maldives and Thailand are set to be British holidaymakers' most popular long-haul destinations, according to a new study.

A report released by Kuoni claim the two countries will continue their position as the two hotspots for long-haul tourists from 2006, reports Travel Weekly.
Meanwhile, the United States is set to become the third most popular long-haul destination, rising from number six last year.

Managing director Sue Biggs told the publication: "With the strength of the pound, I think people are beginning to go back to America again. Sri Lanka has suffered and parts of Egypt as well."
Ms Biggs pointed to political problems and terrorist threats for the reasons why Sri Lanka and Egypt are set to see a decrease in tourists from Kuoni during 2007.

However, she claimed that the mass market to the Red Sea area is "still doing well".
Kenya and Dubai make up the rest of the tourist top five, with New Zealand, Australia and India featuring in the operators' 20 most popular destinations. Founded in 1906, Kuoni claims to be one of the world's leading travel operators.


Courtesy: By © Adfero Ltd
25 Januray 2007