Italy, Tanzania Lead Virtuoso's Hottest Summer Destinations

tanzania
Tanzania tops Virtuoso's list of up-and-coming destinations. // Photo by Freeimages.com/Barbara Schneider

Virtuoso has released its lineup of the hottest destinations for the 2016 Summer. The report is based on data mined from the company's $35 billion worth of travel transactions. The results: Europe remains a favorite, with select locales in Africa on the rise. 

The Virtuoso Top 10

The most popular destinations for summer vacations based on future bookings for Summer 2016.

1. Italy
6. Ireland
2. United Kingdom
7. Germany
3. France
8. South Africa
4. Spain
9. Greece
5. Netherlands
10. Israel

While Europe continues to dominate the list of favored destinations with eight of the 10 countries, Virtuoso said, the network's sales to the continent are flat when compared to summer 2015. In particular, France, led by Paris, has rebounded and remains strong. Overall, European countries offering value to travelers are seeing spikes. Bookings to the Netherlands are up 38 percent this summer over last, with Virtuoso's partner hotels showing average daily rates (ADR) 44 percent lower than the European average of $793 per night. Ireland's ADR is 31 percent lower than the European average, leading it to see a 58 percent jump in bookings. Travelers visiting Ireland are flocking to Dublin and Galway in particular, along with county Laois in the center of the country.

The Virtuoso Hot 10

The countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings.

1. Tanzania (+98%)
6. Russia (+44%)
2. Portugal (+88%)
7. Netherlands (+38%)
3. Ireland (+58%)
8. Jamaica (+28%)
4. Brazil (+53%)
9. Sweden (+23%)
5. Mexico (+48%)

10. Poland (+18%)

Africa is hot, according to Virtuoso, with 15 percent growth in travel to the continent over last year. Tanzania is experiencing a huge increase in bookings, as travelers seek out its incredible scenery and diversity of wildlife. South Africa is also up from 2015's summer bookings; together the two countries represent 80 percent of Virtuoso's travel to Africa. Portugal is also up significantly, with travel to the Azores of particular interest. Its hotel ADR is also favorable for travelers at 58 percent lower than the European average. Of the European countries, it's exhibiting the strongest growth year over year, although Ireland, Russia, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland also rate slots on the Hot 10. Brazil is seeing a big boost due to the Summer Olympics, being held August 5-21. Mexico and Jamaica, more typical winter travel destinations, are benefiting from inexpensive direct flights from the United States as well as reasonable hotel rates.   

Data is sourced from Virtuoso's United States and Canadian-based travel agency members and reflects future travel for June, July and August 2016. The Top and Hot 10 lists represent international travel only, so neither the U.S. nor Canada is mentioned on them. The findings were announced during the group's annual Symposium taking place in Cape Town this week.

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