* Australia beats US as most popular long-haul holiday destination * China, Costa Rica and Argentina tipped for 2006 tourism growth

Australia is the British people's most popular long haul destination according to figures released today by tailor-made holiday specialist, Travelbag. Australia had an amazing five of its cities in the top ten travel destinations for 2005: Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Malaysia and Thailand also featured for the first time, replacing US favourites, New York and Las Vegas as holidaymakers' love of far-flung, exotic destinations continues.

Despite the tsunami, Thailand fared much better in 2005 than it did in 2004. While Bangkok remained the second most popular destination, Phuket went up from 11th in 2004 to 8th place in 2005.

The top 10 destinations for travel in 2004 were: 1.Sydney 2.Bangkok 3.Auckland 4.Perth 5.Christchurch 6.Brisbane 7.Cairns 8.New York 9.Melbourne 10.Las Vegas The top 10 destinations for travel in 2005 were: 1.Sydney 2.Bangkok 3.Auckland 4.Perth 5.Christchurch 6.Brisbane 7.Melbourne 8.Phuket 9.Cairns 10.Penang

For 2006, Travelbag predicts Australia and New Zealand will stay on top, but Thailand could be challenged by other up-and-coming South-East Asia destinations, such as Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. China is also being tipped as the destination to watch this year with the country's total inbound tourism set to rise by 8% in the next five years, according to a World Tourism Organisation forecast.

Whilst not making the top ten this year, Travelbag also expects Africa to be popular. Last year Travelbag saw a 35% increase in visits to Kenya and emerging destinations such as Mozambique, with its unspoilt beaches, are also gathering popularity.

Matthew Foster, Marketing Director, Travelbag says: "Australia is just huge for the UK at the moment. Whereas it used to be considered a 'once in a lifetime' trip, a two-week annual holiday to Australia is now no more unusual than any other destination. As more hotel properties open next year and flights remain competitive, we expect Australia to continue its growth. But the new ones to watch this year are definitely China and Latin American countries such as Costa Rica - for the beaches and eco experience - and Argentina for hip cities like Buenos Aires."

"The US is still incredibly strong and remains popular with British travellers even if other, more exotic, destinations are becoming easier to travel to - and let's face it, most of us like the idea of exploring somewhere new. But the US is always likely to stay popular with the Brits because there's just every type of holiday you could possibly want there."

Travelbag specialises in tailor-making long-haul holidays to inspire and delight its customers - whether it be tracking game across the African plains, experiencing a night in a Mongolian 'ger' (traditional hut) or being one of the first to sample the new luxury accommodation at Banyan Tree Ringha in Bhutan.

Editor's notes:

*Based on number of tailormade holidays sold by Travelbag during 2005

Travelbag Ltd is the UK's leading mid and long-haul tailor-made operator. With expertise in Australasia & Asia, its worldwide brochures include Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Canada and Alaska, Asia, USA and Latin America and the Little Gems range of niche boutique properties across the world. Travelbag also offers holidaymaker's escorted tours, safaris, round-the-world travel and insurance. All fares quoted are subject to Travelbag's usual terms and conditions and all fares shown are subject to availability. Travelbag is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant Corporation and part of Cendant Travel Distribution Services one of the foremost providers of travel transaction, information processing and technology in the world. For more information about Cendant, please visit www.cendant.com

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