ebookers.com, one of Europe�s leading online travel agents, today reveals the top ten holiday destinations for 2010. Despite tightening the purse strings in 2009, Britons are regaining their confidence in the economy and choosing far-flung destinations such as Honolulu, Orlando, Cape Town and Miami Beach for their adventures in 2010.
According to ebookers.com�s customer travel patterns, travellers in 2009 were more cautious with their jet setting, with seven out of the top ten destinations situated in Europe. However, 2010 sees a more positive outlook with an increasing number of travellers booking long haul trips across the Atlantic as the green shoots of the recession start to appear.
Ebookers.com�s Top 10 Holidays (Flight & Hotel) for 2010 (no particular order) Istanbul Honolulu Miami Beach Cape Town Las Vegas New York Orlando Rome Venice Dubai
Please note: The �Hottest Destinations for 2010� list outlines ebookers.com�s UK customer travel patterns for the year ahead, based on the year to date bookings for 2010 departures.
Cultural Pull The pull of eastern culture is still appealing to British travellers with Istanbul once again featuring as a popular destination for the forthcoming year. Titled the �European capital of culture� for 2010 by the EU, Istanbul is set to provide visitors with a colourful array of art, parades, dancing and traditional folk rituals and is considered to be one of the best value for money destinations for travellers.
Ben Reynolds, Head of Marketing for ebookers.com, says: ��This year�s list reveals that people are still visiting old favourites such as New York and Rome, but that travellers are keen to head further afield to the cultural hotspot of Istanbul and the sun kissed beaches of the States. We hope this will give travelers inspiration for their next holiday and whether it�s short-haul or far flung destinations, ebookers.com offers great savings on hotels, flights and holiday packages for 2010.��
Chasing the sun Whilst some travellers are choosing destinations slightly closer to home, others are extending their jet setting to the white beaches and sunshine of Honolulu. The tropical paradise is a new addition to ebookers� Top 10 and looks set to be a popular destination for families, honeymooners and surfers, Honolulu combines sunshine, shopping and crystal blue waters making it the ultimate getaway for those wanting to escape the rainclouds of the UK.
World Cup Fever With the 2010 World Cup nearing, Cape Town is preparing for a tourist invasion as travellers from across the world descend on the City to celebrate football, enjoy the beaches and sample the local vineyards. However, it looks like there might be trouble in store for some Brits heading to South Africa next summer as flight bookings from the UK to Johannesburg and Cape Town steadily increase, hotel bookings are increasing at the same rate which suggests there might be shortage of sleeping space come June.
�With England making it through to the World Cup we knew there would be an increase in flights heading to South Africa, but what the current 2010 bookings data shows is that people are waiting until nearer the event to book hotel accommodation � which could leave thousands of football fans short of somewhere to sleep!� Reynolds adds. �Using ebookers.com new search function means you can search for accommodation to suit your needs, whether you want a bar or childcare facilities, we will be able to help you source the right hotel for your budget.��
-ENDS -
For more information please contact the ebookers press office on 020 7025 6650 or email ebookerspressoffice@redconsultancy.com
Note to editors
Please note: The below hotel, flight and top holiday (flight and hotel) bookings outlines ebookers.com�s UK customer travel patterns for the year ahead, based on the year to date bookings for 2010 departures as well as comparative data from last year.
Ebookers.com�s Top 10 Holidays (Flight & Hotel) for 2009 (no particular order) New York Las Vegas Dubai Amsterdam Rome Istanbul Prague Dublin Paris London
Ebookers.com�s Top 10 Flights for 2010 (no particular order) Perth Hong Kong Tenerife Dubai Cape Town Johannesburg Orlando Las Vegas New York Bangkok
Ebookers.com�s Top 10 Hotels for 2010 (no particular order) Honolulu Pattaya London Bangkok Hong Kong Singapore Dubai Sydney New York Las Vegas
** 2010 HOT DESTINATION SMART DEALS **
All below flights are subject to availability and standard booking terms and conditions apply. Please note prices are correct at time of release.
Istanbul
This ancient city is fast blossoming into the hippest city of Eastern Europe. Where the East meets the West, Istanbul is renowned for its enriched history and travellers can take to the many museums and galleries without missing out on the �Grand Bazaar� which is one of the world�s largest covered markets. Best for: History and Culture
Flight + 3 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 3* Deniz Konak Hotel Istanbul �167pp inc taxes Includes buffet breakfast Departing on Mon, 22nd Feb 2010
Honolulu
The �aloha� city of the US, this island gem has beaches, volcanoes, luaus and continues to be a popular surfing spot. Containing the USA�s only royal palace, beach goers can be seen on the infamous Waikiki beach to sunbath, play in the water and relax as the Hawaiian tunes are played well into the evening. Best for: Family Holidays, Sun Seekers and Surfing
Flight + 7 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 3* Ohana Waikiki West �720pp inc taxes Departing on Tues, 23rd Feb 2010
Miami Beach
Sun, sport, water or salsa, Miami Beach is an all year round hotspot! With a nightlife that never sleeps, South Beach is a magnet for revellers and offers Art Deco Hotels, bars and carries a young hip ambience. Best for: Sun Seekers and Partying
Flight + 5 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 3* Best Western On the Bay Inn & Marina �597pp inc taxes Departing on Wed, 3rd Mar 2010
Cape Town
With the 2010 World Cup round the corner, many Brits are extending their sights to South Africa�s capital. Cape Town has beautiful beaches, surrounding vine yards and many wildlife spotting opportunities, yet the impressive Table Mountain remains at the heart. Best for: Sun Seekers and Sport
Flight + 7 Nights Departing From London Gatwick 3* Sunset Manor �714pp inc taxes Departing on Tues, 16th Mar 2010
Las Vegas
Vegas is the ultimate decadent escape! Time is out the door as visitors hit the casino strip of endless buffets, continuous flow of drinks and take part in the many gaming tables as the US� fastest growing city takes care of your every whim. Best for: Partying and Shopping
Flight + 5 Nights Departing From London Gatwick 3* Excalibur �448pp inc taxes Say 30% Departing on Mon, 25th Jan 2010
New York
For a city that never sleeps visitors to the Big Apple can see an array of sights from the �razzle dazzle� of Broadway to the heights of the Empire State Building to taking a stroll around Central Park where you can visit the Zoo and even check out local artists and their works. With so much character it�s any wonder why this cosmopolitan metropolis is firmly placed high with everyone�s diaries! Best for: Culture, Shopping and Partying Flight + 7 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 3* Amsterdam Court Hotel �587pp inc taxes Save 30% on 3 nights or more Departing on Wed, 17th Mar 2010
Orlando
A popular family destination Orlando is the place to go for all things Disney! Fans of theme parks are also drawn year on end to take to the thrills of the many rides on offer. The city also boasts a stylish downtown district and a bustling nightlife scene. Best for: Family Holidays
Flight + 7 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 3* Crestwood Suites - Disney Orlando �514pp inc taxes Departing on Tues, 6th Apr 2010
Rome
Enriched with history, Rome is a firm favourite with all travelers alike. From strolling to Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon to the gory battleground of the Colosseum and the wonder�s of Michelangelo within the Sistine there is a little piece of history on every corner! Best for: History and Culture Flight + 5 Nights Departing From London Gatwick 3* Hotel Stromboli �236pp inc taxes 33% off Departing on Tues, 2nd Feb 2010
Venice
Venice is one of those meandering cities where getting lost is recommended! It�s only when you step foot in Venice�s many streets and alleys where you can find the many hidden gems and marvels. Taking a gondola down the canals, diverting the pigeons in St Mark�s square, visiting St. Mark�s Basilica or watching traditional glass blowing demonstration this romantic Italian city enables visitors to discover why it�s one of Italy�s favourite cities. Best for: Romance and Culture
Flight + 3 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 3* Locanda Conterie Hotel Venice �152pp inc taxes 33% discount on 3 night stay Includes breakfast Departing on Sun, 17th Jan 2010
Dubai
Stepping into Dubai, you immediately feel like you�re a VIP. A penchant for glitz and glamour, Dubai has glamourous shopping outlets, bars and hotels. A city like none other, Dubai is a frenzied environment at times but by escaping to the streets of tranquil Bastakia areas or through the multicultural Satwa or Karama, visitors will take in a different Dubai.
Best for: Culture and Shopping
Flight + 5 Nights Departing From London Heathrow 4* Al Manar Hotel Apartments �334pp inc taxes Free Airport transfer Stay 4 nights - Get 30% Off Departing on Thurs, 21st Jan 2010
About ebookers.com ebookers.com, one of Europe's largest online travel agents, prides itself on making travel booking decisions easier and offers excellent value travel with a best price guarantee. ebookers.com is a brand that is owned and operated by Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW). It has origins going back 20 years and has close relationships with leading travel suppliers of hotels and airlines. It offers a huge selection of choice from over 200 airlines, 86,000 hotels around the globe and car hire from most of the major international brands as well as providing both ski and cruise packages.
About Orbitz Worldwide: Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travellers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz (www.orbitz.com), CheapTickets (www.cheaptickets.com), ebookers (www.ebookers.com), HotelClub (www.hotelclub.com), RatesToGo (www.ratestogo.com), the Away Network (www.away.com) and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business (www.orbitzforbusiness.com). For more information, visit the Orbitz Worldwide Investor Relations website at http://www.orbitz-ir.com