Americans’ travel habits and destinations are changing, as this fall’s trends show a significant increase among alternative destinations such as Cuba and South Africa, according to a recent survey (http://nnw.fm/lNf8N) by leading travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. The changes are largely due to U.S. tourists’ growing concerns about terrorism, which have led to a major drop in the number of booked trips to Turkey amid the country’s unrest and terror attacks in recent months. The Zika virus, however, does not seem to be a major cause for concern, despite a wave of alerts from the Centers for Disease Control, as Americans are still traveling to affected destinations.
The most popular international destination this fall remains Italy, while South Africa has reported the highest growth in the list of 20 most popular places to visit since last year. With Monaker Group, Inc.’s (OTCQB: MKGI) NextTrip.com, the only real-time booking platform that allows travelers access to alternative lodging rentals as well as traditional hotel accommodations, airline booking services, car rentals and more, it is easier than ever to plan a trip with your friends or family in any of this fall’s top five destinations.
Italy has grown 25 percent in popularity since last year, still topping the list of most sought-after travel destinations, according to travel insurance data compiled by Squaremouth. Two other European countries, Spain and France, also made the list of the five most popular destinations. In the wake of recent terror attacks, most notably those in Paris last November and in Nice this July, France has dropped to the fourth position, with 3.9 percent fewer travelers, while Spain has climbed to the third position with an impressive 73 percent boost in traveler numbers. Once a popular vacation spot, Turkey has seen an 80 percent drop in the number of American tourists following political unrest and an attempted coup in the country this summer, as well as recent terror attacks. The changes are not much of a surprise, given that a growing number of American travel insurance customers are specifically looking to get terrorism coverage when buying a policy. The Squaremouth survey showed that 127 percent more customers are interested in getting this type of coverage now before going on a trip.
The second most popular international destination after Italy is Mexico, with 23 percent more tourists planning to go there this fall. The country actually tops the list of Zika-affected destinations as well, although it was one of the first tourism spots to receive a CDC alert. Other top destinations with Zika virus include the Bahamas, with an overall 25 percent increase compared to last year, as well as Costa Rica and Peru. Cuba, however, has reported the highest growth, with an impressive 149 percent increase in Americans booking insurance for trips to the country despite the Zika virus. This is largely due to the fact that several U.S. commercial airlines are beginning flights to the region for the first time this fall.
The fifth most popular international destination this fall is Canada, with a 32 percent hike in the number of tourists. Other highly popular vacation spots include Japan, Portugal, Australia, and, most notably, South Africa, which has seen a remarkable 80 percent rise in travelers since last year, the highest growth among the top 20 most popular destinations.
NextTrip.com from Monaker Group allows travelers to thoroughly plan their trips to nearly all of these destinations, offering them access to alternative lodging options such as vacation home rentals, unused timeshare inventory and resort residences, alongside a wide range of hotels, airlines, cruises, tours, rental cars and concierge services. Almost all of the aspects of a trip can be arranged through the platform, which is currently the first and only real-time booking engine that combines multiple booking solutions to meet travelers’ needs. Due to its complexity and integrated approach, the platform has grown exponentially since its launch in February 2016 and currently comprises more than 250,000 vacation rental units, with one million alternative lodging units under Monaker contract to be added.
For more information, visit www.MonakerGroup.com
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