Travel trends 2009

(27 December 2008)

The travel industry will be affected by the economic downturn in the year ahead, but it's not all doom and gloom for travellers.

As companies compete for important business, holidaymakers can expect to bag some great bargains. There will be a big focus on local travel to avoid the cost of flying, which has been hit hard by soaring fuel costs.

Tour operators will also be exploring lesser known destinations that offer something unique to the traveller or better value for money.

Here are our predictions for the hot destinations and trends for 2009. Catch our full rundown in our January feature.

1. Philadelphia

2. Belgrade

3. The Corn Islands, Nicaragua

4. Budoni, Sardinia

5. Ecuador

6. Hospitality tourism

7. Eco trekking in the Nam Ha national park, Laos

8. Yemen

9. India

10. Musandam peninsula, Oman