Were you thinking your 2011 holiday would be relaxing on a beach somewhere? Think again, because the travel experts say you might instead end up at boot camp. Though Sly Stallone probably won't be there.
The reason? Vacationers follow trends: not so long ago it was Berlin you had to go see, then everyone was off to marvel at Petra, then the whole of America vacationed in Cancun. Next year, though, the experts are forecasting some unexpected favorites. The World Travel Trends Report is a bible for the places we will want to go. And among their tips: Deprivation Holidays in the USA, Scent Branding in Asia and a flurry of tours to Iraq. Vacation-type tours, we stress, not tours of duty.
The Deprivation vacations are all about business execs who want to push themselves, with a view to being fitter and tougher at play and work. Boot-camp-style spa resorts and extreme trekking will be the flavor here.
Scent branding is a term you need to know, even if you can't bring yourself to use it. The idea, spreading across Asia like a pungent wildfire, is that scents trigger emotions and encourage brand loyalty. So, expect smellier hotels and airlines. But in a good way. Or a bad way.
The Iraq experience will be mostly for business and religious tourists, many from the region, as the country's neighbors drive post-war investment.
Other tips? Space tourism will take off. Make sure you have your outfit ready.
