Cuba named as top luxury travel destination in 2016

Cuba is set to be a top luxury travel destination in 2016, according to Travel Leaders Group.

Havana, Cuba. Image by Miguel Discart / CC BY-SA 2.0

The group, one of North America’s largest travel companies, released its top luxury travel trends for the year, putting Cuba at the top of its up-and-coming destinations.

The list also includes United Arab Emirates, African safaris, Iceland and Antarctica. The company also notes that top destinations outside of North America include European river cruises, Italy, Mediterranean cruises, Australia and England. The travel trends are based on responses from more than 1000 luxury travel agents.

Vinales, Cuba. Image by Simon Matzinger / CC BY 2.0

One expert, Patrick Fragale, the president of Protravel International said that as Cuba “will undoubtedly change rapidly in the coming years due to the influx of American tourists and business influences” so many clients want to “experience its captivating time-stands-still charm now”.

According to the Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko, more luxury travellers are seeking authentic and memorable experiences and not just five-star hotels, “so it makes perfect sense that Cuba, Antarctica, and African safaris are among the top ‘up-and-coming’ luxury travel destinations”.

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