We’re all celebrity mad and this is influencing where we are holidaying. British Airways – which has shared its predictions for 2015 holiday hotspots with YourHols – says Brits are flocking to destinations influenced by high-profile celebrity holidays and weddings (including George Clooney’s in Venice) and TV series such as Mad Men and Game of Thrones.
Claire Bentley, MD at British Airways Holidays, said: “We’ve realised that popular culture and celebrity events now play a big part in holiday decisions. This year the TV series X-Factor created a 400 per cent increase in the number of views on our Bermuda travel page in the days after the destination was featured on the judge’s houses episode of the show.
“We are already preparing for interest in destinations like Seattle, ahead of the buzz created around the return of TV programme ‘Twin Peaks’ and the launch of the film ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, both tipped to be huge hits next year.”
BA also says short-haul destinations will be a winner in 2015, and they are launching new routes. Friedrichshafen, Grenoble, and Fuerteventura launch this December, with a further 15 short-haul routes from Heathrow and Gatwick taking off next year.
Robin Glover-Faure, British Airways’ head of short-haul, said: “In 2014 we launched a day-tripper fare, which allows people to get to Europe and back in a day, for less – we couldn’t believe how well received it was. We expect this trend to continue in 2015 and so we are launching a selection of new routes to meet customer demand.”
TOP 5 LONG-HAUL 2015 HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS:
Seattle
With the news that the cult TV series Twin Peaks is returning after 25 years, interest in Washington State (where it was filmed) is expected to rise. A forty minute drive from Seattle lies Monroe, Snoqualmie Falls and North Bend – three of the set locations, where dedicated fans are expected to visit. Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey may also be drawn to the city, after the launch of the film in Spring 2015, which is set in Seattle. The state is also home to the Boeing Factory, Starbucks, the Space Needle and is the birth place of Kurt Cobain.
Rio de Janeiro (and Brazil destinations in general)
Next year will start to see the buzz begin for the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, with visitors to Brazil increasing. Despite being one of the longest flights on British Airways’ network, interest in the destination is anticipated to be sky-high next year. The world’s most famous carnival is expected to attract huge numbers of visitors from the UK in February and increasing numbers of younger people are heading towards South America for gap-year adventures.
Hawaii
A popular honeymoon and holiday destination in past decades, Hawaii is tipped to be the new hot destination for couples in 2015, with Honolulu and Maui taking the top spots. Holidaymakers looking for the perfect combination of city/beach holidays will also grab the opportunity to stop in Los Angeles on route.
Dubai
Tourism in Dubai has exploded over the past 15 years. Bathed in sunshine all year-round, the city offers a haven for shopaholics and families looking for all-inclusive resorts with impressive leisure facilities. With one of the world’s most famous skylines, and an impressive new line up of hotels opening, we expect Dubai to be a hot destination in 2015 and beyond.
Singapore
An important business centre and stop-over on route to Australia, Singapore is gaining momentum as a destination in its own right. The opening of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, with its infinity pool which towers 200m above the city and the botanical gardens has put Singapore on the map with pleasure-seekers. Also hosting the Grand Prix each year, the city will continue to be popular with celebrities.
TOP 5 SHORT-HAUL 2015 HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS
Berlin
After celebrating 25 years of the fall of the Berlin wall in 2014, Berlin will be drawing in crowds of all ages in 2015. Football fans will be heading to the city for the 2015 UEFA Champions League final at the Olympiastadion, and fashion, music and art events continue to attract a younger audience. A short hop from London, the city is the perfect place for day out or a weekend break.
Dalaman, Turkey
Istanbul proved to be one of the European hotspots of 2014, and with demand high, British Airways is launching a new route to Dalaman in 2015. Known as the turquoise coast, the region is in the South West of Turkey. Temperatures remain high all year round, making it perfect for winter sunshine.
Crete
Mykonos and Santorini proved to be two of the most popular new routes in 2015, and Crete is also anticipated to do well as British holidaymakers seek out stunning island destinations closer to home. Sunshine-soaked Crete offers 1,000 km-long coastline dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas, which afford a multitude of soft, sandy beaches along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Growing in popularity, the Canary Islands are attracting more than just families in search of the sun, sea and sand. BA will be flying to four destinations by 2015. The islands also offer a diverse range of beautiful landscapes – Gran Canaria in particular boasts houses built in to lava bubbles and breathtaking tours of the dormant volcanoes.
Malta
Malta has already grown in popularity, after the Royal visit from The Duke of Cambridge in 2014. Next year, the new series of Game of Thrones will also feature scenes shot there. With a huge following, the programme is expected to catapult the region in to the hot list. Steeped in history, it’s the perfect destination for sun, sea and culture.
See ba.com
