UK holidaymakers plan to splash out on luxury Christmas trips with demand for Maldives on the rise, according to Kuoni.
After travelers taking summer staycations, Kuoni said bookings for December departures to for Maldives has increased by 20%. Derek Jones, chief executive of Kuoni’s parent company DER Touristik, said: “Inquiries are really picking up for December holidays and over the past few weeks we’ve taken some big family bookings for the Christmas break. Many of our long-haul destinations are at their best in December, so it’s an ideal time to travel to places such as the Maldives, the Caribbean and Africa.”
Mr Jones explained that although Christmas is among the most expensive periods of the year to take a holiday, many hotels are offering savings to attract customers after the collapse in demand for travel caused by the COVID-19 crisis. “The year 2020 will always be remembered,” he added. “Lots of us will be glad to see the back of it, and maybe heading to the sun for a special Christmas holiday this year will be a way to put it behind us and see in the New Year with hope and optimism.”
Kuoni’s bookings has also spikes for 2021 with Maldives in the lead. The destination swept up 56% of the bookings, the travel firm revealed.
Various other online surveys have landed Maldives on top searches list of Indian luxury travelers, Chinese, US travelers, Brits and Singaporeans during the pandemic.
Maldives opened the borders for all nationalities from 15th July 2020. Tourists travelling to Maldives are provided a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
