WTM Global Trends Report correctly predicts the future

The launch of the 2010 WTM Global Trends Report, taking place on Monday, November 8 at World Travel Market, will be no exception when the key trends to hit the sector will be shared with the international media.

Here are a collection of correctly predicted trends from the 2009 Global Trends Report.

THE “OBAMA EFFECT" AND AFRICAN TOURISM

The 2009 Global Trends Report once again proved its track record when it highlighted the “Obama Effect" and its impact on African tourism as a key trend to watch.

The study anticipated a surge in interest in “roots tourism" or visits from Africans living abroad following the election of Barack Obama, the first US president with African heritage.

Experts widely believe the “Obama Effect" has helped drive interest in the region, and international tourists increased 5 percent in 2009 bucking the downward trend in most other destinations.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted by South Africa, also helped spark interest and figures released in July by the Home Affairs Department and showed foreign tourist arrivals up about 25 percent to 1.02 million from June 1 to July 1 compared with the same month last year.

POP-UP HOTELS

The 2009 WTM Global Trends Report also tipped pop-up hotels as a key trend, and this was borne out in events such as the “Only In London" event in March when the world’s smallest pop-up hotel was set up in key tourism landmarks across London.

FEMALE-ONLY ACCOMMODATION

Female-only accommodation was also highlighted in the 2009 WTM Global Trends Report and London’s Dukes Hotel launched its Duchess Rooms targeting female business and leisure guests to capitalize on this trend.

LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL

Economic growth and increasing disposable income in Latin America has sparked demand for long-haul travel for tourists in the region, a trend highlighted in the 2008 report. In June this year, Qatar Airways began daily flights to Brazil and Argentina tapping into this trend.

PET TRAVEL

A growing demand for pet facilities from airlines and destinations was another trend identified in the 2007 Global Trends Report. Since then, Lufthansa has opened a luxury lounge for pets at Frankfurt Airport. In addition, Walt Disney World, Florida, is now offering Best Friends Pet Care, a full-service pet resort accommodating up to 300 pets and including a grooming salon.

The results of the 2010 WTM Global Trends Report will be launched by BBC presenter Fiona Foster to members of the press at World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, on Monday, November 8 in Platinum Suite 4 at 1:00 pm.

World Travel Market chairman Fiona Jeffery said, “The launch of the 2010 World Travel Trends Report will provide the latest insight into the big trends for the year to come, making it a must-attend event for the travel and tourism media.”