What were the most booked destinations in 2019?
A mix of distinct and indulgent cultures, rich historical sites, modern landscapes and with the best street food, Asia was the continent which attracted Mauritian travelers. This dynamic continent which feels like four worlds in one, is not only the most accessible but has also the most affordable destinations.
The four countries which made it to top of the list were: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Thailand and India. Best-known for their cheap cost of living, they are filled with diverse cultural experiences and appeal to all shopaholics. Many prefer these destinations for their wonderful landscapes, astounding architecture and landmarks.
South Africa and France were also among the top-booked destinations, especially because of the African biodiversity and rare wildlife-spotting, the French gastronomic experiences and romantic landmarks. These countries appeal to customers wanting to get off the beaten track and find places where they can relax with their close ones or on their own. Whether it’s jungle trekking, or hunting for fine dining, these 2 countries have hundreds of regions where you can get away from the crowds and create lifetime memories.
Are there any new travel experiences customers are looking for?
2019 witnessed a remarkable demand for cruise holidays and it was a record-breaking year for mostly Europe and Indian Ocean Cruises. Almost all of our Costa Cruise as well as MSC cruise packages were fully booked during the 3 days of ‘Salon du Prêt-à-Partir 2019.’
Holidays by BlueSky, being the only official representative of Costa Cruise in Mauritius, we look forward to continue providing our customers with a selection of cruises in Indian Ocean, Europe, Asia, America and Middle East among others.
We also noticed a strong travel trend of customers seeking to book theme parks and events for their vacation. Disneyland Paris and Puy du Fou for the festive season was in great demand since beginning of the year. Suncity resort was also in full swing as it comprises of indoor and outdoor entertainment venues when it comes to family looking for fun.
Events such as Grand Prix Abu Dhabi and Manchester v/s Liverpool were among the top request for customers.
In 2020, we will be on the lookout for such unique holiday ideas and will create affordable packages for epic holidays!
Finally, from posh with pool to basic but functional, we have noted significant requests for self-catering villas. Even being away from home, vacationers still want to feel cozy and comfortable within an accommodation giving them the sense of ‘home sweet home’. And these villas are ideal since they are secluded and customers actually look for privacy and intimacy. This type of lodging also attracts many travelers who are on a budget as they are more affordable than hotels.
Who are travelling most, in terms of age?
The Generation X were the most active travelers in 2019. This generation born between 1965 and 1980, are deal-conscious and usually opt for family-holiday packages. Some of these include India, Thailand, Bangkok and Cape Town among others.
The Generation Y also known as Millennials, prioritizes their budget on flights and are more likely to seek cheaper accommodation. They are heavily influenced by social media and thus have travelled to instagrammic places like Phuket, Bali, Singapore, Istanbul and Turkey, Reunion Island and Kruger Park or Cape Town.
Baby Boomers aged 50 and above, have booked most of our Costa Cruise packages which are on full-board basis with lots of services and facilities included. This suit the generation as they usually seek worry-free vacations.
The one thing that all generations had in common were that they all looked for genuine and authentic experiences. Whether its luxury or budget travel, they seek to have a 360-degree experience of culture, gastronomic, adventure, and enjoy the ‘’real-thing’’ not something orchestrated for tourists.
