Whats hot for 2009

As 2008 comes to a close, ATN talks to the region's leading travel professionals to explore what trends, topics and destinations will shape the market in 2009.

Before we know it we'll be welcoming in a brand new year after a 2008 that was so busy, it passed us by in almost a blink of an eyelid.

It's been a year of many highs and lows - record oil prices, the abolition of travel agent commission, the global credit crisis and the debut of the super jumbo, the A380, are just some of the events to impact the industry.

But now December is upon us it's time to forget the past and look to the future and to what 2009 has in store.

Things move quickly in the travel industry, particularly in this region, and no one wants to be the last one to miss a hot trend, so ATN has gathered the thoughts from Middle East travel professionals of note to find out what they think will be ‘hot' for 2009..

Definite destinations

"Hong Kong and China are going to be two destinations that we'll be pushing really hard for leisure in 2009," says Alpha Holidays product manager John Flower.

"China after the Olympics has that added exposure and Hong Kong has representation in the region (GAA-Marta Consulting) now so we expect that they'll be featuring pretty prominently," he adds.

Kanoo divisional general manager Julian Knott agrees with the general direction of Flower's picks, but has more to add.

"The focus is definitely going to be on the Far East," he states. "Singapore and Malaysia are going to see a lot of custom from this region - there's no doubt about that - but I think a lot of European regions will be coming back strongly too, the Disney factor in Paris and places like that."

Dubai Travel and Tour agents Group (DTTAG) general manager Leo Fewtrell agrees that all indications from the trade point toward the Far East "becoming a big player in 2009", but stresses that "anywhere that's cheap" will get a good look in because of the credit crunch impact.

Emirates Holidays senior vice president John Felix says he believes the US will "start growing again" as it receives more "positive exposure" in 2009 and also volunteers Brazil as a destination he expects to really come into its own next year.

"Once the US can overcome the initial perception that it's too far away it can definitely become a big hit next year," he says.

"It's such a great destination that it can't fail to be a success."

Luxury lowdown

Having already asked the industry "what is luxury" in the November issue, ATN this month polled the experts to find out where the lifestyles of the rich and famous will be played out in 2009.

"Zanzibar in Tanzania is so beautiful; it makes a great luxury getaway," enthuses Luxury Hotels by Dnata business development manager Lisa Balsom.

"We'll be promoting the beach houses there, because the ‘getaway from it all' factor really adds quality. We'll also be promoting strongly on Bodrum in Turkey and on Phuket in Thailand.

"I think the Thai tourism board is doing an excellent job here and we have some really excellent packages there for 2009."

Prime Travel Dubai general manager Richard Evans agrees that Thailand will be "a hot one" in 2009.

"Some of the places we are promoting there are more like dreams not holidays. We have packages for villa holidays in Koh Samui that are just out of this world; it's luxury re-defined and really fits the trend that's been creeping in through 2008 that will be big in 2009 - exclusivity and isolation; stunning places that aren't cheap, but are worth every penny."

The Travel Collection managing director Jacqueline Campbell says it will be "no surprise" if Thailand is hot again in 2009, but points to other destinations in Asia as ones to watch also.

"We think Bali will make a big comeback and will be slightly more price led because of the credit crunch," she says.

"We represent a property there called The Legian, which boasts a private beach house with a private beach within the grounds; it's a stunning option that will definitely catch the eye of the luxury crowd."

Corporate ladder climbing

Trends in the corporate market seem easier to spot, but in some ways more difficult to exploit as agencies and hotel groups must be wary of scrambling after the same business.

Kanoo Travel's Knott stresses that companies will be more likely to be "looking at working more closely in partnership with travel management companies", to ensure they have access to intelligent price management systems.

"I'm not saying this will be a panic dash towards low cost on the corporate side," he says, "but more an advance in sophistication on the company's part - really looking at what they can get for their money."

He believes business and MICE travellers will look to Asia for business meetings, conferences and incentives.

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