MUMBAI 25 October 2019: Jodhpur in India has found its spot in Booking.com’s top 10 list, alongside the hidden gems in Eastern Europe to under-the-radar spots in Asia.
The latest Booking.com study delves into global booking trends to reveal 10 of the top emerging travel destinations for 2020.
These up-and-coming destinations promise the opportunity to soak up the magic before everyone else catches on. India joined the top list of places travellers want to explore alongside New Zealand, Croatia and Mexico.
Commenting on the study, Booking.com country manager, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives Ritu Mehrotra, said: “We see travel becoming more sustainable and technologically-advanced, further aided by enhanced services and offerings that enable the modern-day inquisitive traveller to experience the world.
Travel planners are looking at under-the-radar spots in Asia. Here are the top contenders.
Jodhpur, India – The stunning city of Jodhpur is known as one of the most colourful cities in the world, with thousands of blue houses transforming the urban landscape into a sea of ocean-coloured buildings. Aside from its vibrant setting, Jodhpur is home to the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Mandore Gardens, ideal for culture vultures interested in architecture and museums. Foodies and shopaholics will also love exploring the winding medieval streets of Jodhpur and sampling authentic Indian food and spices at one of the many bazaars. The top three markets who want to visit India in 2020 are New Zealand (13%), Croatia (10%), and Mexico (8%).
Ninh Binh, Vietnam – Thanks to its breath-taking scenery, Ninh Binh is often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land” as the dense greenery of the landscape surrounding the city emerges from land rather than water. Quieter than its nearby namesake, Ninh Binh offers travellers a scenic escape just a few hours away from bustling Hanoi. Outside the city itself, Ninh Binh province is a medley of mountains, rivers, caves, rice fields and pagodas. Taking a boat tour in this picturesque natural area may look like something from a movie, especially given its starring role on the big screen in the past.
The top three markets who want to visit Vietnam in 2020 are South Korea (14%), New Zealand (9%), and the Netherlands (7%).
Seogwipo, South Korea – The second largest city in South Korea’s Jeju Island, Seogwipo, is a bustling coastal city surrounded by natural wonders of the volcanic coastline. Ideal for active travellers, Seogwipo’s clear blue waters will prove popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts, while nearby Mount Hallasan is a great option for those looking to lace up their boots and take a hike. Seogwipo is also the perfect base to visit the nearby waterfalls – Cheonjiyeon Falls and Jeongbang. To refuel after a day of adventuring, the Seogwipo Olle Market offers tastes of the region with various street food and fresh produce stalls, while downtown Seogwipo is home to many traditional Korean restaurants and BBQ spots. The top three markets who want to visit South Korea in 2020 are Mexico (17%), Brazil (13%), and Singapore (12%).
Takamatsu, Japan – Takamatsu, also known as the Udon Kingdom and the Gateway of Shikoku, is a port town that’s the perfect vacation for travellers interested in vibrant food scenes and scenic backdrops. Once you have finished feasting on noodles, a must-visit is the picturesque Ritsurin Park. The park is a Japanese national treasure and is home to many tea houses where travellers can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony; plus the Engetsu-kyo (moon crossing) bridge and iconic lotus ponds. The top three markets who want to visit Japan in 2020 are Taiwan (63%), Hong Kong (60%), and Thailand (59%).
The data analysts at Booking.com selected the top 1,000 booked destinations during the time period August 2018 – June 2019 and ranked them by fastest-growing when compared to the window of time of the previous year. Only international and leisure trips were taken into account, and the destinations were slightly curated to ensure geographic distribution.
