The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 2 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 3

Those have all been well documented, but while Kuoni has been at the forefront in providing such Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, rises and falls memorable experiences in the premium market for a in the value of the pound, and on-going security number of years, with holidays including the chance issues may have garnered many headlines, it’s often to dine with Royalty in India’s Udaipur, help plant forgotten that last year also saw some incredible rice paddies and plough the fields with water buffalo feel-good stories. in Thailand, or climb mountains in Malaysia.

Who would have thought, for instance, that Destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius Introduction City would come from nowhere to win remain at the very top of our overall bestsellers, but the Premier League, that there would be peace in we are also seeing an increased desire for a wider There’s no doubt that 2016 was a momentous Colombia, or that Sri Lanka would be able to range of experiences in this sector, rather than the year – a year of political change, currency declare itself malaria-free for the first time ever. traditional fly-and-flop destinations of the past. fluctuations and the loss of a number of well-loved celebrities. In space, British astronaut Tim Peake ‘ran’ the In the Maldives, Milaidhoo Island affords Marathon while strapped to a treadmill on visitors the chance to take part in Dhoni building the International Space Station, Sir Andy Murray workshops, or to fish for tuna with local fishermen. won a second Wimbledon title, and in June came news that David Bowie’s legacy would continue Our pioneering LGBT wedding and honeymoon with the birth of a grandson, exactly six months service has also flourished over the last year. after his passing. Throughout this report, we’ll present, as ever, our That good news continued in the world. best-selling destinations and offer commentary on the potential reasons for their success. We also offer According to World Travel Monitor, outbound travel an insight into the various sectors in which Kuoni from the UK grew by some six per cent in 2016. operates, from the wide range of experiential offerings That growth was the strongest in Europe, proving in the high-end, all-inclusive market, through a once again that whatever challenges the wider renewed thirst for health and wellness breaks, to the world throws up, British people retain a sense of relatively new trend of hobbies becoming holidays. wanderlust, escapism and sense of adventure that is, perhaps, unmatched elsewhere. At Kuoni, we pride ourselves on the expertise of our 300-plus Personal Travel Experts – the people who That sense of adventure is becoming ever keener it help bring holidays to life for our customers. This seems as well. The rise of experiential travel is year, we have enlisted their help, along with that of evident throughout Kuoni’s business. Chocolate 2,000 members of the public to compile a list of the making courses, fishing trips to make your own 20 best kept travel secrets in the world. It’s an supper, sunrise yoga on a sandbank, rainforest treks, incredible offering of lesser known sights, things to sunset mountain biking, street food safaris, learn to do and experiences in some of the world’s best sketch, cook like a local…It’s these types of destinations – a perfect tool for those looking to experiences that make amazing, sharable talking broaden their horizons in 2017. points and new stories that create fresh appeal for travellers of today who have the whole world to We hope you enjoy the report, and look forward to choose from. your comments. p10 Top 20 p27 destinations p12 p29 The key to Maldives booking the All-inclusive p12 continues right LGBT reaches new to diversify honeymoons heights Greece outshines the rest of Europe p p for premium 21 30 p holidays 18 Hobbies extend A bespoke p34 Real to holidays service for experiences families What’s on escorted influencing tours travel in 2017 p32 p Health & 22 wellness An insight into Kuoni’s Stay & Cruise programme

p24 Overseas weddings p36 p38 industry thrives The world’s best kept secrets Regional variations 6 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 7

How people are shopping for holidays

Kuoni’s website is central to the whole holiday Store design is also central to Kuoni’s business model. booking process, with customers using it to inform, The mood is comfortable and cosy. All research shows inspire and connect them with real destination that customers are not walking into travel shops to experts. Nearly every Kuoni customer touches the touch screens. They are coming into a store to speak website at some point and growing numbers are to someone who can give them real insight and help using webchat to get more detailed advice or guide them to the right holiday. making an appointment via the site. There were also 27,196 web chats in 2016, Appointments in store, which can easily last for an increase of more than 17 per cent on the previous more than two hours, were at an all-time high last year. With more people now searching year. This highlights that when it comes to special on mobile thanks to faster 4G connections and occasion travel and more complex tailor-made the popularity of ‘phablet’ phones such as the iPhone holidays, people still like to sit down and discuss 7 Plus, the Samsung Galaxy Note series and Google’s their holiday before booking with confidence, Pixel XL, it’s little wonder that visits from mobile having gained the opinion of a trusted advisor. devices were up by 8.4 per cent year-on-year in 2016.

11 15 partner concessions Visits in John Lewis stores from mobile stores up by 8.4% year-on-year in 2016 58 total branded stores 27,196 13 webchats in 2016 19 stores in stores on the shopping high street centres 8 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 9

At what point did you think, “yes, we’ve got the We often use a store there called Yashar Bish, which concept right”? is where we found rugs that were used to cover some It’s always evolving but it felt like the concept came of the chairs in our Windsor store. together very early on. One of our first stores was in Milton Keynes, which is now eight years old. We are What’s been one of the more challenging things about to refresh it, but after a recent visit the concept you’ve done? is still looking good and has stood the test of time. Some of the shopping centres have their own design team and you have to run their designs by them. In How do you go about individualising each one? Bromley they asked us if we could come up with We try to mix and match, but often look at the some bespoke door handles – and we had the idea of building’s history for inspiration. In Windsor for using driftwood. We found a chap at the Hampton instance, the shop is part of the railway station and Court Flower show who makes things from driftwood what was once Queen Victoria’s royal waiting room. and has a workshop in London. We managed to get a We thought it would be nice to keep that railway couple of large pieces from him, which we then gave theme and worked with our design agency to come to the shopfitter to make the handles. up with the mood boards and layout.

Where do you source your items from? Do you People still value Julie Day is Kuoni’s Property Manager, not only spend all of your time shopping? Design Shopping is one of the perks of the job! My team real advice looking after the company’s office space but also gave me a sign to hang on my door that says “gone From destinations to holiday types, Kuoni now has overseeing the design concept and implementation matters shopping”. We go to a lot of flea markets and antique 303 Personal Travel Experts, including Store of its stores. shops – the Lanes in Brighton are very good. Managers and Assistant Store Managers.

What’s the concept behind a Kuoni store? We want to make everyone’s holiday experience start the moment they walk through the door. We don’t want them all to look the same and be very desk based. It is more about interaction than transaction.

All the stores are individualised, but what are their common elements? We use a lot of our lovely images. We have a big graphic wall with an inspirational image that is different in each store – it might be giraffes, the Golden Gate Bridge, or an island in the Maldives. We use that to inform the overall colour scheme, then we have a video wall with inspirational videos. We don’t rack our brochures, we mix them with artefacts from around the world, so it looks and feels more like a stylish library. All stores have a lounge area where customers can relax and some stores have a community table, where customers Kuoni Metrocentre can interact with our Personal Travel Experts.

Kuoni Windsor 10 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 11

Top 20 2017 destinations

The top 20 is based on total 1 Maldives number of bookings. 2 Mauritius 3 Sri Lanka 4 Thailand 5 USA 6 Indonesia (Bali) 7 Italy 8 Antigua 9 Barbados 10 Malaysia 11 India 19 12 St Lucia 13 Vietnam 6 7 14 Mexico 15 South Africa 16 Cuba 17 UAE 2016 5 5 18 Australia 15 17 19 Canada (23 in 2016) 16 11 8 16 20 New Zealand (22 in 2016) 13 14 7 8 2 4 11 13 12 12 1 Maldives 3 3 2 Thailand 10 9 1 1 3 Sri Lanka 14 10 4 Mauritius 19 5 USA 20 6 Italy 9 6 7 Antigua 4 2 8 Cuba 9 Indonesia (Bali) 10 Barbados 18 15 11 Vietnam 17 18 12 St Lucia 13 Mexico 14 Malaysia 15 UAE 20 16 India 17 Australia 18 South Africa 19 Seychelles 20 Tanzania 12 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 13

Authentic living in Mauritius Jungle trails, beach breaks and great Mauritius moves up two places from value draw visitors to Malaysia last year, with this Indian Ocean gem Malaysia rises four places to Kuoni’s 10th gaining momentum in the value-led best-selling destination, enjoying strong premium travel market. Experiential growth in 2016 and performing even better travel is also on the rise here with to date this year. Flight prices are attractive What's trending such as The Ravenala Attitude and low on-the-ground costs make it a great capturing the mood of modern value destination for savvy long-haul travellers with its innovative and holidaymakers. Kuoni’s biggest sellers Diversity of the Maldives of the budget scale – and setjetting, the practice of creative holiday living. The ’s include Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa Star Wars fans will be aware that Stormtroopers visiting film locations for holidays, may will be the Otentik Attitude programme allows in Borneo, combining white sand beaches caused quite a splash wading through the shallow next interesting trend. guests to really get to know the with a nature reserve, and offering turquoise waters of a Laamu Atoll lagoon during destination with cooking classes, experiences from cooking classes, to the filming for the saga’s latest epic Rogue One: A Star This year sees the launch of two new Kuoni dinners in local homes, market visits, opportunity to climb to the 4,095-metre Wars Story, released in December 2016. and one area currently seeing growth is that of and culture and heritage tours. summit of majestic Mount Kinabalu. experiential . Milaidhoo Island Maldives is an The iconic images flashed around the world capturing intimate and stylish five-star resort, while Dhigali people’s imagination and proving that the Indian Maldives opens in May 2017 with a minimalist, Ocean islands are no longer just the preserve of authentic feel. Activities on offer include Maldivian honeymooners. The appeal of the diverse islands is cookery classes, tuna fishing excursions with local growing for couples of all ages and families at all ends fishermen, and dhoni boat-building workshops.

Dhigali Maldives

Greece outshines the rest of Europe for premium holidays Britain may be heading for the exit door, but many Kuoni customers seem keen to stay in Europe when it comes to their summer break. Despite the devalued pound, there is still demand for short-haul holidays to the continent, especially when it comes to special occasion travel. Sales for 2017 to date indicate that Greece is one of the top performers, with sales up 30 per cent year-on-year at the time of going to press. Greece is a clear winner for honeymoons, with islands such as Santorini and Mykonos out in front when it comes to luxury and romance. Elsewhere, Croatia is thriving with the kuna exchange rate offering great value. With customers moving away from Turkey, there has been strong demand for all parts of Spain, but this Santorini Malaysia has put pressure on hotel availability and prices. 14 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 15

Cuba at a cross roads Thailand a firm favourite for LGBT customers There’s no doubt that Cuba has been Whilst overall sales to Thailand proved stable, it’s dropped one of the hottest destinations over two places in this year’s report. Still at number four in the past few years, and has been Kuoni’s best-selling destinations there’s no doubt that it’s a noted as a star performer in Kuoni’s firm favourite for British travellers, but there may have been report for the last two years. It’s still some impact as a result of a period of mourning alongside too early to say what impact the King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death as the nation grieved for passing of Fidel Castro will have on the loss of a beloved ruler. long-term travel demand, and much may depend on whether Donald The resort of Khao Lak, a low-key beach resort that sits on the Trump decides to reverse Barack mainland is seeing strong growth for Kuoni. Hotels include The Obama’s more open policies. Sarojin, a boutique beach resort offering extreme mountain Demand from Americans wishing to biking, climbing and trekking in the jungles of the Khao Sok visit with the relaxing of travel National Park, as well as chic rooms and fine dining. restrictions meant hotel accommodation was in high demand Further north, Koh Samet, an island accessible via road and prices increased– a reason for followed by a short ferry ride from Bangkok, is introduced for Cuba falling eight places in Kuoni’s the first time. It has more of an authentic backpacker feel and best sellers list. However, there’s no two beautiful hotels, Paradee and Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa. disputing the appeal of authentic Cuba as both a beach stay and a Since Kuoni trained its team of LGBT travel experts last year, touring destination. Despite a halt to Thailand has continued to be one of the best performing it meteoric rise in recent years, it destinations for same-sex holidays and honeymoons and remains a destination high on many it is currently the second best-selling honeymoon spot. Canada Uga Chena Huts, Sri Lanka people’s wish lists. Sales for LGBT honeymoons are up 22 per cent.

Canada’s 150th anniversary The Rise of Sri Lanka’s East Coast Many Americans jokingly said they Vast stretches of white sand fringed with palm trees and would move north of the border in the lapped by cobalt blue seas – Sri Lanka’s east coast beaches event of a Donald Trump presidency, are proving a huge pull for holidaymakers as the country but if they chose to follow through retains its third place in Kuoni’s top destinations list. with the threat, they might find a fair few British holidaymakers in the way. Passikudah beach, which is up 614 per cent in the last three years is one of this beguiling island’s best and home Canada, which was voted Lonely to the high-end Uga Bay hotel, just steps from the water. Planet’s best travel destination for Guests can soak up the sun, fish for trevally jack and 2017, moves up four places to number grouper, or dive alongside WW2 wrecks off the reef. 19, making Kuoni’s top 20 for the Polonnaruwa, the 13th-century capital with its giant first time. Key events this year Buddha statues reminiscent of Angkor Wat, is accessible include the nation’s 150th anniversary for those looking to add a dash of culture. of Confederation and as part of festivities, entry to Canada’s New developments on the south coast include Shangri-La’s national parks, from Gros Morne Hambantota Resort & Spa, which opened in 2016, while in Newfoundland & Labrador in the Uga Bay’s sister hotel Uga Chena Huts opened at the end of east, to British Colombia’s Glacier 2015. Set on a beach that sees sea turtles nesting at night National Park in the West, is and elephants playing in the surf by day, it is a short drive complimentary throughout the year. from Yala National Park, home to rare Sri Lankan leopards.

Cuba Khao Sok National Park, Thailand 16 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 17

Journeys – escorted touring Rising stars 2017

Top escorted tours Highlights 2 of Jordan 4 2016 1 Big Five 1 Taj Tour – Highlights of India Costa Treasures Safari, 2 Highlights of Vietnam Rica of the West, Kenya 3 Borneo Explorer (Malaysia) Explorer 3 Japan 4 Highlights of Sri Lanka – Ceylon Tour 5 Highlights of Cuba 6 Temple, Tiger & Taj Tour (India) 7 Highlights of China 8 South African Explorer 9 Cuba Explorer 10 Sri Lanka Explorer 5 2017 Classical Burma 1 Taj Tour – Highlights of India 2 Highlights of Cuba South Africa Encounter 3 Temple, Tiger & Taj Tour (India) 6 4 Highlights of Sri Lanka – Ceylon Tour 5 Borneo Explorer (Malaysia) 6 Heart of Japan 7 Highlights of Vietnam 9 8 Costa Rica Explorer 7 9 Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour Heart 10 Classical South Africa Cheetah of Japan Safari, 8 Highlights Kenya of Peru

Fact 10 Mexico Kuoni small group tours Explorer are no bigger than 18 people

The rising stars are based on escorted tours that have seen the biggest percentage increase. 18 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017

Welcome South Korea Real experiences Fact South Korea offers similar experiences to Japan but is lesser visited and is good value. Kuoni has had a complete refresh of its touring It has everything from Unesco World Heritage There's been a 17 per programme with a focus on smaller group sizes, Sites, good food, cherry blossoms in spring, cent increase in touring guaranteed departures for every tour and a blazing autumnal colours and hot springs. year-on-year polished collection of trips. It is clean and safe, and people have a high standard of English, so it’s easy to get around. Kuoni has tapped into a trend for smaller group Kuoni is featuring a new tour, on sale from tours with benefits that include visits to sights spring 2017, with highlights that include a that aren’t suitable for larger groups, smaller Rice planting in Thailand cooking class learning to make traditional vehicles and a more personalised service with the On the Thailand Explorer tour there’s a Korean Kimchi or Bulgogi, a visit to one of expert guides who know their stuff and aren’t on visit to Sukhothai Historical Park with a Seoul’s famous tea houses, a tour of the DMZ autopilot commentary. The itineraries offer chance to find out more about the rural (Demilitarised Zone) between North and unique opportunities to get beneath the skin of a industry on a rice-planting workshop, as South Korea, and tasting Hotteok (sweet destination, with a focus on real experiences. well as the opportunity to help plough pancake) and Eomuk (fish balls) at Busan’s Experiences include: fields with water buffalo. famous fish market.

Pineapple planting in Costa Rica Dinner with royalty Guests can learn how plants are grown without negative Japan is in the spotlight Kuoni is adding a third new itinerary, The Jewels of Northern India tour impact on the local wildlife, and plant pineapple seedlings There’s no slowing down demand for Winter Highlights of Japan, on sale from allows guests to experience renowned as part of a visit to the Finca Sura eco-plantation run by the Japan, with nearly every Kuoni store spring 2017. Snow-covered historic temples Rajput hospitality and dinner with a Gomez family. highlighting an increase in enquiries. and mountain scenery bathed in white, member of Udaipur’s royal family. Joanna Lumley’s Japan – shown on ITV in and crystal clear blue skies offer stunning 2016 – certainly helped drive interest in photographic opportunities on this tour. the Land of the Rising Sun last year, while Not to mention the other highlights, such the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the as snowshoeing in Yudanka Onsen and Tokyo 2020 Olympics are already helping watching the famous Japanese Snow stimulate holidaymakers’ imaginations. As Monkey Macaques bathe in the hot such, bookings are up 20 per cent, and springs at the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Cooking safari in South Africa On the Cape Malay Cooking Safari, guests have a hands-on cooking experience with a local family and a guided tour of the Bo-Kaap area to discover more about the Cape Malay people, their culture and their food. 20 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017

India's future looks bright Hobbies become holidays India marks the 70th anniversary of its independence this year and the country was With more and more people looking for inspirational, voted the number three place to go in the world experiential travel, Kuoni has launched two new expert-led by the New York Times in January 2017. Little tours in 2017. wonder then that Kuoni’s Taj Tour – Highlights of India tops the best sellers list for escorted tours, while the country as a whole stands at number 11 in the best-selling destinations for 2017 to date. Kuoni’s last photography tour was a sell-out success and a new offering in Cambodia and Vietnam is set to follow suit. Holidays there still offer great value, thanks to The 12-day Images Of Indochina Photography Tour, led by Neil British Travel Photographer of good food, fabulous service and high hotel Buchan-Grant will visit Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An before the Year, Neil Buchan-Grant standards. The Taj Tour is often combined with a culminating in Siem Reap and offering the chance to watch studied in his native Scotland beach stay in Goa or Kerala or a trip to see tigers and photograph the sun rise over the magnificent ruins of and went on to become a regular on safari in majestic Ranthambore National Park. Angkor Wat. photographer for the popular Insight Guides guidebooks. He’s also shot for designer Wayne Hemmingway and produced two solo exhibitions, one featuring behind-the-scenes fashion work, the other travel photography from India. He has delivered past photography trips for Kuoni.

Sketching Sicily is a seven-night escorted tour with workshops by renowned illustrator Adam Stower. South Africa’s great value With so many of today’s images South Africa continues to make its way up the best snapped on mobile phones and sellers list, up three places to number 15 in Kuoni’s top stored in a digital cloud, the tour r te in destinations and has tours in both Kuoni’s top escorted allows for a slower paced form of W ul Pa tours and rising star lists. Positive exchange rates for UK travel where people are really © holidaymakers and increased access ( encouraged to take the time to see launched a Gatwick to Cape Town route in November and record more in their own unique Adam Stower is a world- 2016 for instance) are no doubt helping to drive bookings. way. Highlights include the renowned, award-winning Archaeological Park of Neapolis in illustrator who has worked on Kuoni’s Classical South Africa, which includes Cape Syracuse, the old town of Ragusa some of the finest children’s Town, the Garden Route, the Winelands and Hermanus, Ilba and evocative Taormina with books of recent years, including is the biggest seller. Flexible self-drive itineraries that hilltop views over Mount Etna. Troll and the Oliver, Bottoms Up include Cape Town, the Winelands (Stellenbosch and and the Mungo series. A graduate Franschhoek), Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Port of the Norwich School of Art, he Elizabeth and then an Eastern Cape game reserve, are offers talks and workshops Table Mountain, Cape Town also popular. around the country. 22 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 23

Cruise

It’s three years since Kuoni embraced the cruise craze, introducing a collection of some of Do you proactively suggest cruises to What’s surprising you about cruise sales at the world’s best cruise lines alongside its worldwide destination programme. Kuoni’s cruise customers who come in with an open mind the moment? knowledge now sits alongside its outstanding destination expertise to create a bespoke stay about their holidays? The popularity in the UK for cruises to Alaska just and cruise programme, which is helping to attract new customers to the cruise experience. Absolutely, as an example, we recently spoke to seems to keep growing. Most of the cruise lines Stay and cruise bookings were at their highest level last year and investment in developing some customers who were looking at a multi- Kuoni works with have ships based there for the centre holiday, taking in India’s golden triangle 2017 summer season, and with direct flights into expertise in the sector has helped sales increase by 21% year on year. before heading to Dubai. We suggested that they Vancouver and Seattle, we are able to build great

could sail from Dubai to on Cunard stay and cruise itineraries. Stay in either of those for the return journey. fabulous cities and then head northwards for Are Kuoni cruise customers first-timers or Advertising has helped raise awareness, and later some of the most stunning scenery in the world. veterans of the sea? this year our customers will also be able to pick up What’s trending in the cruise market? We tend to see a mix of first-timers and experienced a copy of our first ever dedicated cruise brochure. We are receiving the most interest for our Most popular cruise: cruisers who know what they want. Many of them Majestic Burma (Myanmar) river cruise itinerary may have booked land-based holidays with us in the How many people book stay and cruise with luxury river cruise specialists APT. We past and then have turned to us when they realised holidays? believe that this is because there are fewer MAJESTIC we also now offer cruising. We recently had a couple It’s around a 50:50 split. One of our most popular escorted touring options to the country. It’s a enquire about the possibility of a mini-moon cruise. itineraries is our Lake Como & Amalfi Coast Cruise magnificent itinerary that explores 17 different BURMA with Azamara Club Cruises. Its highlights include areas through gold pagodas, picturesque scenery Are more people coming in specifically to a stay in Lake Como, where customers can explore and hidden villages. The best bit is you only enquire about cruises? the narrow streets of well-preserved Medieval ever have to unpack once. There’s also lots ALASKA In the Chelmsford store, yes. It’s a big area for towns, before heading to Venice by train in of interest in our Discover Japan Cruise with has continued cruise-goers as there is a lot of mature wealth in the first-class to board the Azamara Quest, which Princess Cruises, which was featured in our popularity area. With time and disposable income on their sails to Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kefalonia January sale and costs from £2,785 per person hands, they are often looking to explore in Greece, and Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento and Rome for September - arguably one of the best-value destinations in luxury – and cruise offers just that. in Italy. ways to explore Japan. 24 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 25

Top wedding destinations Weddings 2016 2017 1 Mauritius 1 Mauritius Kuoni is one of the leaders in weddings abroad, 2 Antigua 2 Maldives (Renewal of Vows) launching its first standalone brochure in 1995. 3 St Lucia 3 St Lucia More than half the weddings featured were in 4 Italy 4 Sri Lanka the Caribbean but the company also offered 5 Maldives (Renewal of Vows) 5 Italy 6 Seychelles 6 Antigua ceremonies in the USA and the Indian Ocean. 7 Barbados 7 Thailand 8 Sri Lanka 8 Mexico 9 Thailand 9 Seychelles Fast forward 20 years and the overseas wedding market is an 10 USA - New York 10 USA - Las Vegas even more sophisticated affair. From iconic cities to safari lodges, and private islands to castles, the choice has expanded to include more than 24 destinations. new, romantic venues and a host of ideas for memorable ways to tie the knot.

A new team of Wedding Experts Launching in spring this year, Kuoni will have a new team of Top five Wedding Experts to work hand-in-hand with its destination specialists to create a more tailored approach to booking. unusual

The Wedding Experts will be based in Kuoni stores and places to supported by the team of wedding planners at Kuoni’s marry Kenya’s Loldia House by head office in who have more than 30 years of 1 Governors Camp, ceremonies combined experience. come complete with a Maasai wedding dance Couples will be able to choose from Kuoni’s best-selling wedding destinations including Mauritius and Italy, as well as unique locations such as Governors' Il Moran in Kenya’s Masai Mara, where there are just 10 luxury tents with carved wooden beds, and elephants and giraffe often walk right through the resort.

With a backdrop of the The outdoor Grotto at 2 awe-inspiring African plains 3 Rayavadee in Thailand “We recognise that planning a wedding overseas has at Mara Bushtops, Kenya changed over the past few years. We are seeing more couples wanting to plan the details in advance rather Fact than with a wedding co-ordinator when they get to the resort, which is traditionally how it’s done. Our Wedding Experts will be able to take Kuoni has helped to marry the stress of this away and will act in more than 17,800 the same way a wedding coordinator couples in the past for a UK wedding would, but at no two decades Sweeping arches or aqueduct On the shores of Lake additional cost to the couple.” 4 ruins at Hilton Rose Hall 5 Louise, Banff in Canada Sam Berry, Kuoni Wedding Planner Resort & Spa, Jamaica 26 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 27

Honeymoons Top honeymoon Same-sex honeymoons destinations Last year Kuoni reported it had introduced a new team of LGBT travel experts and the initiative has gone from strength to strength. Training has Honeymoons by appointment 2016 2017 been extended and the entire team of Personal Travel Experts at the Kuoni Appointments are particularly popular with Brighton store are now LGBT trained. Ann Coleman, LGBT Expert and Store couples planning a honeymoon, with each lasting 1 Maldives 1 Maldives an average of two hours. All Kuoni’s stores are 2 Mauritius 2 Mauritius Manager at Kuoni High Wycombe answers a few questions... 3 Indonesia (Bali) 3 Sri Lanka created with a luxurious feel, which is a big part 4 Thailand 4 Indonesia (Bali) of planning a special occasion holiday. 5 Sri Lanka 5 Thailand What’s the key to booking the latter not yet recognising beds and put a card in the 6 USA 6 USA the right honeymoon for same-sex marriage. room. They also organise Couples can also choose the option of a Kuoni 7 Italy 7 Italy LGBT couples? complimentary couples’ Gift List which gives friends and family the 8 Mexico 8 Mexico The most important thing is to But just because a destination is massages and book excursions. chance to contribute to their special once-in- 9 St Lucia 9 St Lucia make people feel comfortable and not obviously gay-friendly, it does a-lifetime holiday. 10 Antigua 10 Seychelles open. Use of language is not rule it out as an option for Lefay Resort & Spa, on Italy’s 11 Vietnam 11 Vietnam important – we use words such as LGBT clients, while those that Lake Garda, also stands out for Honeymoons in two parts 12 Malaysia 12 Malaysia partner and couple, husband and you might think have a harsh the quality of service offered to 13 Seychelles 13 Antigua The majority of couples get married in summer, wife and we’re never afraid to ask attitude are, in fact, some of the LGBT clients. They just do 14 Tanzania 14 Tanzania which doesn’t always match the best weather in 15 Cuba 15 South Africa direct questions. Our aim with all most popular spots for LGBT everything to ensure that they some long-haul destinations, so we see some 16 Barbados 16 Barbados customers is to establish rapport honeymooners. For example, have a special time with lots of couples opting for a short, European stay 17 South Africa 17 Greece and understand what customers the Maldives is a Muslim country little touches like spelling out immediately after their wedding and heading 18 Kenya 18 Kenya want from their holiday. but the rules in resorts can be the couple’s names in petals on off for a longer stay later in the year. 19 Greece 19 Canada (24 in 2016) more relaxed. their bed. 20 Australia 20  UAE (22 in 2016) Are there any destinations you advise against? Where offers something extra Top LGBT honeymoon Destinations shouldn’t be for LGBT holidaymakers? destinations: disregarded just because they Some resorts go the extra mile, don’t recognise same-sex such as Sala Samui on Koh Samui, 1 Maldives marriage themselves. Italy, Thailand, for its service. The staff 2 Thailand Thailand and Australia are among are fantastic and work really hard 3 USA Kuoni’s most popular LGBT to look after our customers. They 4 Indonesia (Bali) honeymoon destinations, despite ensure the couple have double 5 Mauritius

Top 5 WOW honeymoon hotels Fact Kandolhu, 1 Sugar Beach, 2 Banyan Tree, 3 5 Viceroy Bali, The honeymoon market A Viceroy Hotel, Bangkok Maldives Ubud makes up 23 per cent St Lucia of all Kuoni’s bookings

Maradiva Villas, 4 Mauritius All hotels have been hand-picked by our experts 28 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 29

Top best-value honeymoons

Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & The Verandah Spa, Crete Resort & Spa, Antigua Top all-inclusive destinations

2016 2017

1 Maldives 1 Maldives 2 Mauritius 2 Mauritius 3 Antigua 3 Sri Lanka 4 Cuba 4 Antigua 5 Sri Lanka 5 St Lucia All-inclusive 6 St Lucia 6 Mexico 7 Mexico 7 Barbados Rocky's Boutique reaches 8 Barbados 8 Cuba Resort, Koh Samui, 9 Dominican Republic 9 Tanzania 10 Tanzania 10 South Africa Thailand new heights

The plunging pound has led to more and more holidaymakers looking to lock down the Top rising stars cost of their annual holiday by booking an all-inclusive trip to worldwide beauty spots. The fact that many all-inclusive resorts now offer better inclusions to the holiday adds Sri Lanka Car Paradee, further to their appeal – the new breed of all-inclusive offers everything from cocktail & Driver tour Koh Samet, classes to unique experiences rolled into the price, and 2017 could well be a record year Thailand for Kuoni’s collection of luxury resorts.

La Réunion & Mauritius At The BodyHoliday in St Lucia, Antigua’s Galley Bay Resort & Spa Kuramathi Maldives in Six Senses guests get premium drinks, a spa is set in 40 acres of tropical gardens the Maldives offers a select Con Dao, treatment a day, daily beach dives, and includes floatfit®CARIBBEAN all-inclusive option, which Vietnam and fitness classes including tai aquabase® class – a low impact, allows guests to dine around chi, Pilates, yoga, fencing and cross training session on a floating in choice of á la carte restaurants, archery included in the cost mat, sunset ink-and-drink painting including Kobe which offers an of a stay. and cocktail sessions, and a Turtle intimate overwater teppanyaki Watch beach service to warn guests dining experience. if turtles are spotted on the private All hotels have been hand-picked by our experts beach at night. 30 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 31

Families Top family destinations

2016 2017 Premium family travel is evolving all the time, with innovation from both 1 Maldives 1 Maldives and resorts in terms of service, activities 2 USA 2 Mauritius and accommodation. 3 Mauritius 3 Thailand 4 Thailand 4 USA The Maldives, for example, is no longer just the reserve of 5 UAE 5 Sri Lanka couples. Resorts have evolved to embrace the family 6 Sri Lanka 6 UAE market, with examples being the new two-bedroom beach 7 Antigua 7 Spain houses at Kuramathi Maldives. PER AQUUM Niyama in the 8 Mexico 8 Mexico Maldives is another example of how resorts are creating 9 Barbados 9 Barbados unique concepts with flexible room types to appeal to 10 Spain 10 Portugal different customer types. Young VIPs at Niyama are able to embark on safaris, explore wildlife, go gourmet with Master Chef classes, scout for dolphins with luxuries re-invented to thrill guests 12 months to 12 years old. “We’re equipping our Personal Travel Experts with all the relevant information needed to ensure they can help their For a generation of parents who have grown up travelling customers select the right resort for and don’t want to compromise their style, Kuoni has their family.” trained a number of its Personal Travel Experts to be able to offer a bespoke service for families, giving them the Sheena Paton, best advice on where to holiday with maximum pleasure Kuoni’s Commercial and minimum stress. & Product Manager

European Top 5 family hotels

1 IKOS Oceania, Halkidiki, Greece 2  Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Algarve, Portugal 3 Chia Laguna Resort, Chia, Italy 4 Dream Gran Castillo Resort, Lanzarote, Spain Kuramathi Maldives 5 Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort, Tenerife, Spain long-haul Top 5 family hotels

1 Kuramathi Maldives 2 Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 3 PER AQUUM Niyama, Maldives 4 Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel IKOS Oceania PER AQUUM Niyama 5 Kata Thani, Phuket, Thailand 32 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017

The worldwide wellbeing Health & collection includes stress management in the foothills of Wellness the Himalayas, discover and unwind by the lakeside in Italy, weight-loss and detox at a Whilst healthy holidays are luxurious retreat in Thailand and not a new phenomenon it’s introductory wellbeing boosters clear that some customers by the ocean in Cyprus. want a deeper level of advice on wellbeing, beyond the spa Top choices are and resort activities. 1 Rejuvenation 2 Stress management

3 Weight loss The wellness sector is one of the fastest growing parts of the travel market. Where Best selling healthy once holidays were about doing as little as long-haul destinations possible and coming back half a stone heavier, there’s been a big shift to reflect 1 Thailand demand for healthier lifestyles in recent 2 India years with more resorts offering activities, 3 Bali fitness programmes and spas. 4 Sri Lanka 5 Vietnam

Best selling healthy Holidays have become central to people’s health and short-haul destinations happiness, but that is being taken to the next level – Kuoni is seeing more customers who want time away in 1 Spain beautiful and inspiring surroundings, with no 2 Italy distractions and expert advice on hand. 3 Austria 4 Switzerland The Holistic Holiday Team 5 Portugal In partnership with specialist operator Wellbeing Escapes, Kuoni’s personal travel experts have been (source: Kuoni enquiries for trained to be a holistic holiday team equipped to advise Wellbeing Escapes) customers about trips which focus on different aspects of health and wellbeing, such as yoga retreats, fitness boosters, stress management and detoxing. “Modern life is busy, stressful and, at times, toxic to both physical and mental health and people are looking for a better balance”

Cheryl McCormick, Wellness Expert, Kuoni Liverpool 34 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 35

President Trump: Donald Trump’s view India to benefit from film and TV exposure: on America’s relationship with Cuba, The Oscar nominated film, Lion and ITV’s Good Karma Mexico and the Middle East could affect Hospital, the story of a British junior doctor fleeing holidays moving forward. 5 heartbreak to work in India could give the country a 1 similar boost to the one that occurred with the release Currency/value for money: of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. How and when the government choses to invoke Article 50 for the 2 UK to leave the UK could see currency fluctuations that affect holiday prices. 6 South America to surprise: British Airways has launched a four-times-a- week service from London Heathrow What's influencing to Santiago de Chile that is sure to boost sales. travel in 2017

According to research by World Travel Monitor, people continued to travel in 2016, despite terror attacks and political unrest. Outbound travel from the UK was the strongest in Europe with some six per cent growth, followed by Germany with four per 7 cent. That growth is predicted to continue in 2017, and some of the factors that may influence travel decisions include... A new Russian Revolution: November sees the 100th anniversary of the Russian revolution and the rise of the Lions in New Zealand: June and July 2017 Bolsheviks – publicity around the sees the British and Irish Lions tour take anniversary could see a spike in place with ten rugby union matches being interest. New Kuoni Russia tour 3 played up and down the country. coming later this year.

Return to Oz: The cricket team’s upcoming Ashes tour and the start of direct Security: trusted brands with a strong Qantas flights to Perth (set to history of delivering quality and customer 8 take off in early 2018) should see care will continue to come to the fore as demand to Down Under increase 4 people become increasingly aware of towards the end of the year. potential threats. 36 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017 | 37

The world’s best kept travel secrets

Jaffna in the North of Sri Lanka, El Nido Pangulasian Island in the Philippines and the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan in Mexico Yaxchilan, Mexico have been named as some of the world’s best- kept travel secrets.

With locations spanning the globe, from tiny towns to palm-flecked beaches, the top 20 list of the world’s best-kept hidden gems has revealed some lesser known beauty spots.

The top 20 best kept travel secrets in the world Gili Meno

1 Views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, India 2 The island of Gili Meno, Indonesia Just one per cent of the UK has 3 El Nido Pangulasian Island, Philippines heard of Indonesia’s Gili Meno 4 Bukchon Village in Seoul, South Korea Island and a minuscule 0.1 per 5 Con Dao Island, Vietnam cent of the nation know about 6 The hike between Oia and Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece the tranquil garden complex of 7 The island of Bequia, the Grenadines Mehtab Bagh, on the banks of 8 Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve, Costa Rica the Yamuna River in India - 9 The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National a great viewing spot of the El Nido Pangulasian Island Heritage Area, Virginia, USA Taj Mahal minus the crowds. 10 Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats), Bolivia 11 The town of Matera in the Basilicata region of Italy 12 The koalas of Kennet River on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia 13 Farewell Spit, New Zealand 14 Jaffna, north Sri Lanka 15 Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 80% 75% 53% 60% 16 Omodos Village, Cyprus 17 KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 18 Yaxchilan, the ancient Mayan city in the state of Chiapas, Mexico 19 Margaret River, Western Australia Kuoni’s study found that Three quarters of British Over half say that they And six in 10 said they’d 20 Zebra migration in Botswana eight in 10 wander- travellers say that they simply like to make never share a travel lusting Britons expressed like to visit travel their own minds up secret with anyone else, The list was compiled by Kuoni and its 303 travel experts with an interest in escaping destinations that none about a place, rather suggesting that hidden additional insight from a poll of more than 2,000 people in an the usual tourist traps on of their friends have than go on someone holiday gems are Zebra migration independent OnePoll survey. their next holiday. been to before. else’s opinion. very personal. 38 | The Kuoni Worldwide Trends Report 2017

EDINBURGH

SCOTS LOVE THE SUN: Scottish sales soared Kuoni UK for Kuoni, thanks to new stores in Edinburgh and FAMILY Trends Map Glasgow AFFAIR: It’s a family affair at John Lewis in Leeds with a bigger slice A closer look at the data of child-friendly from our stores reveals the breaks booked booking trends across the country in 2016. SUNSHINE NUPTIALS: More couples in Yorkshire decided to head for the sun FLYING HIGH: The to tie the knot, with more LEEDS biggest growth for weddings booked than business class bookings anywhere else amongst our stores is in the UK Nottingham with upgraded flights SHEFFIELD up 147%

DOG-FRIENDLY NOTTINGHAM WINDSOR: A bowl of dog-biscuits is LUXE LONDON: a recent addition to cater Londoners love their luxury for the high number of HONEYMOON with the highest volume of customers bringing in their HEAVEN: Honeymoons five star sales for Kuoni’s four-legged friends to made up more than 40% of high end brands Carrier, plan their holiday all bookings at Kuoni at Kirker and Voyage Contact the press team John Lewis Oxford Street, Jules Verne more than anywhere else in the UK Kuoni Travel UK is part of DER Touristik, one  DIRECT COSTA RICA: of Europe’s leading travel groups. Kuoni has Rachel O'Reilly Costa Rica sales flew off WINDSOR ON SAFARI: continued to set the pace in luxury worldwide Head of Communications the shelves in Reading Jean in the Kuoni Dorking thanks to a new direct BA READING travel in the UK market for over fifty years and is +44 (0)1306 744194 LONDON store sold more trips to flight from Gatwick, Kenya than anyone else regularly voted one of the best holiday companies rachel.o'[email protected] overall sales WINCHESTER DORKING in the UK after being up 310% in the country by readers of national newspapers inspired by her visit SOUTHAMPTON Jemma Purvis BRIGHTON in summer 2016 and travel industry titles. The company excels in creating tailor-made holidays and honeymoons Public Relations Manager to more than 90 destinations around the world. +44 (0)1306 744006 Since 2008 Kuoni has grown its retail network [email protected] STAY & CRUISE LGBT TEAM SKI SALES PEAK: ON THE RISE: BIGGEST IN BRIGHTON: across the UK and can be found in 47 locations on Ski bookings peaked in Cruise sales soared in BOOKING: The Kuoni’s first full team of premium high streets and in selected John Lewis Nicky Betts Winchester - overall Kuoni Southampton thanks to highest value booking LGBT experts resulted in department stores. Each store is unique in design Public Relations Officer sold more trips to the Kuoni cruise experts and last year was made more same-sex holidays slopes with Ski overall cruise sales at Kuoni Brighton sold than anywhere and showcases Kuoni’s Personal Travel Experts +44 (0)1306 744669 Independence enjoyed a 21% with a £146,000 else in the UK up 32% increase cruise and personalised customer service. [email protected] A digital version of this report is available at: www.kuoni.co.uk/press-room