by Suman Gupta
Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, announces ten of the top emerging travel destinations for Indian travellers for 2019. From Turkey’s open-air museum at Goreme to the religious architecture of Kiev in Ukraine and the beautiful wildlife & captivating beaches of Mirissa, Sri Lanka there’s a new find to tempt everyone in the new year.
Research reveals that almost half of Indian travelers say that their main motivation for travelling in 2019 is to escape from normal life (47%), which makes these up and coming destinations the perfect places to put on your 2019 bucket list. In 2019, over two thirds of Indian travellers would like to do something unique: visiting a destination that none of their friends have been to (68%) while over a quarter of them say that they prefer unique and quirky accommodation (27%) over more traditional places, so time to make the most of your next vacation with Booking.com’s top trip hotspots!
Göreme (Cappadocia), Turkey
Featuring as the backdrop to many blockbuster films in Cappadocia, Goreme is a place so picturesque and full of magic, that words are not enough to describe the beauty. Explore amazing volcanic cones and fairy chimneys in Devrent Valley and Pasabag, then visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and Kaymakli Underground City for a look into the past. Göreme is rich with history, but not all of Cappadocia’s dwellings are museums. Some still serve as homes and others as hotels, which offer a truly unique hospitality experience. Cappadocia is not just a summer destination but it can be enjoyed throughout the year. The top endorsements for Goreme by Booking.com Indian travellers include scenery, nature and history.
Where to stay: Situated in the best rated area of Gonema, Charming Cave Hotel has rooms built into volcanic rocks with vaulted ceilings and traditional Turkish style decor. This cave hotel also serves traditional Cappadocian meals prepared with organic products and breakfast is served as an open buffet with homemade jams, local honey.
Kiev, Ukraine
As one of the oldest cities in eastern Europe, Kiev is a place of incredible history that has managed to embrace Western influence in recent years without sacrificing its Slavic roots. Overlooked by most tourists, affordable to an almost guilty-inducing degree, and bursting with culture and energy, Kiev is the next European hotspot for Indian travellers. Its food and culture rival the best of Europe at a fraction of the price. From a booming nightlife to modern sporting facilities to world-class theater to immersive museums, the Ukrainian capital offers dynamic experiences that make it worthy of any travel bucket list. The top endorsements for Kiev are citywalks, restaurants and sightseeing.
Where to stay: Opera Hotel is a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of Kiev and is a great choice for travelers interested in walking, history and architecture. Opera Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the National Opera House and St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral. St. Sophia’s Cathedral is a 20-minute walk away.
Doha, Qatar
Officially one of the richest cities in the world, Doha is a bustling new-age metropolis on the cusp of international greatness filled with dazzling markets, Islamic art, falconry and fantasy hotels. Qatar is also a popular destination for sports and adventure tourism, and hence, enthusiasts can look forward to participating in various activities, including water sports, cruising, sailing, and scuba diving which are the favourites among foreigners. An absolute must-see is the falcon souq, and the ancient sport of falconry is alive and well here. Souq Waqif means ‘standing market’ in Arabic. Dating back over a hundred years, this bustling pedestrian area and open-air market is truly a sight for sore eyes. Top endorsement for Doha by Booking.com travelers are business, shopping especially luxury brand shopping.
Where to stay: Nestled in the heart of West Bay, the newly opened 5 star Fraser Suites West Bay is located with close proximity to the Corniche, multiple malls, and the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). It is a destination for both long-term and short-term stays catering to all traveler’s needs. The hotel offers outstanding level of service, in-suite amenities, design, architecture, furniture and finishing.
Pokhara, Nepal
Idyllic waters, majestic snow-capped mountains, crisp air, and friendly people await you at Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations of the exotic East! Cradled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara is a metropolitan city in Nepal – it is even called the Tourist Capital of Nepal. This city offers a myriad of options for travellers of all kinds – from thrilling adventures and unforgettable journeys into the wild, to tranquil contemplation and serene meditation. Delve into the magic of this hilly city, for a truly memorable vacation. This gateway to the Himalayas stuns tourists all year round with its gorgeous views, wonderful weather and exciting activities.
Where to stay: Situated in Pokhara Mingtang Holiday Cottage is cozy garden cottage within walking distance from Mahendra cave, Begnas Lake and Fewa Lake. The cottage offers leisure activities including a sunbathing terrace and a library.
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular of the 3 Gilis, thanks to its well-established infrastructure that preceded the other two islands in the group: Meno and Air. As a premier diving destination, Gili Trawangan is home to some of the Gilis’ pioneering dive shops where you can get your PADI Open Water or Advanced diver certification, or just roll up and take part in a fun dive. Alternately, the easiest way to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Gilis is by snorkel and fin, widely available for rent from local seaside stalls. To replenish, seaside bars and restaurants are aplenty, such as The Beach House and a seafood night market. Gili Trawangan is highly endorsed for its beach, relaxation and snorkelling.
Where to stay: Boasting a beachfront location and an outdoor pool with a swim-up pool bar, Pearl of Trawangan is located on the beautiful island of Gili Trawangan. The hotel is located only a few 100 meters away from Gili Trawangan promenade where guests can find several restaurants and bars. The island’s traditional market and boutiques are also just 800 meters away.
Mirissa , Sri Lanka
Mirissa is one of the main beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka. From whale watching to surfing to mouthwatering Rotis, Mirissa has it all! The area has it all, beautiful beaches, surf waves, whale watching and great bars and restaurants. Mirissa is a world famous destination for whale watching especially the blue whale. Also worth trying is sailing off the coast of Mirissa to witness the sun drop slowly over the horizon – it is indeed a majestic and unforgettable experience. Mirissa is highly endorsed for its beach and whale watching.
Where to stay: Discover bliss and tranquility with this elegant hideaway by the beach. Located on a private beach Sri Sharavi Beach Villas and Spa offers spacious villas and suites with a panoramic view of the turquoise sea or the tropical gardens. The property offers a fusion of international flavours that range from traditional Sri Lankan curries to fresh platters of succulent seafood to delicious western cuisine for a memorable experience.
Thimphu, Bhutan
In the midst of a landlocked country settled among the snow capped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalayas, the capital of Bhutan is a city that promises tourists plenty of attractions. A mixture of alpine rugged peaks and fertile valleys filled with rhododendrons and orchids, Thimphu (pronounced tim-poo), with its scenic beauty has attracted travellers from far and wide. Be it the meditation caves or the mountain trails, the monasteries or the museums, tourism in Thimphu has it all. This is a place where you would find a very clear glimpse of what Bhutanese culture is about while you relax and unwind. Thimphu has been top endorsed for nature, sightseeing and relaxation.
Where to stay: Five-star luxury awaits at Taj Tashi Bhutan, set in the heart of Bhutan’s Thimphu Valley. Featuring elaborate Bhutanese architecture, the hotel offers a fitness centre and luxurious spa and restuarnts Chig-ja-gye and The Thongsel that specialise in Bhutanese cuisine.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
If you’re seeking peace and harmony, then Ubud is the place to be. Often described as the cultural hub of Bali, it is now a gathering of villages and the island’s centre for fine arts and cultural performances, attracting art collectors, connoisseurs, writers, mystics, and people who are actively involved in art, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism and alternative healing. Ubud is the perfect zone to setup as a base when travelling to Bali, the town is surrounded by most of the characteristics that entice people to this extremely gorgeous island – emerald rice terraces, traditional art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, and breathtaking river valleys. Ubud has been endorsed by travelers for its culture and its natural beauty.
Where to stay: Built high on the bank of the Jero Gadung river Kano Sari, is a luxurious private villa in the centre of Ubud, with five uniquely designed suites that can be booked individually or as a whole (for family and groups). Kano Sari also boasts lovely spaces overlooking the river, perfect for yoga, massage or just relaxing with a good book.
| Top 10 up and coming destinations in 2019 | |
| Indian Travellers | Global Travellers |
| Göreme (Cappadocia), Turkey | Wadi Rum, Jordan |
| Kiev, Ukraine | Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
| Doha, Qatar | Bacalar, Mexico |
| Pokhara, Nepal | Ouarzazate, Morocco |
| Gili Trawangan, Indonesia | Mestia, Georgia |
| Mirissa, Sri Lanka | Palomino, Colombia |
| Thimphu, Bhutan | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Ubud, Bali, Indonesia | Leeuwarden, Netherlands |
| Hanoi, Vietnam | Ksamil, Albania |
| Katunayake, Sri Lanka | Nusa Penida, Indonesia |
Research Methodology
Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 21,500 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China, Brazil, India, US, UK Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 10th August to 30th August 2018.
For The Emerging Destinations,
Booking.com compared year-over-year international bookings (i.e. excluding domestic travelers) between 2016-17 and 2017-18 from September to August. The selection is based on the most appealing destinations with the highest year on year increase. In order to be considered the destination had to be booked at least 1,000 times in the past year.
