Traveling green for 2010

Read more about: adventure, Africa, beaches, Cape Town, cities, CityCenter, coral reefs, culture, destinations, India, Las Vegas, Maldives, New York City, Olympics, South Africa, sustainable tourism, World Cup

The new year’s top ten travel and vacation destinations show how travelers want to go green, get active and find adventure.

According to new travel trends report by British Airways, ecotourism as well as sporting events are having a major impact on travel activities for 2010. With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Winter Olympics in Vancouver, hotels and other hospitality services are gearing up for huge peaks in tourism – while bookings are already spiking for the new year to cities like Stockholm due to its title of European Green Capital for 2010 or Istanbul for its European City of Culture title.

The study suggests that, despite a down economy, the avid traveler will not be stopped. In line with the coming World Cup, Cape Town, South Africa is expecting over half a million travelers.

“Cape Town has always been a popular destination; we expect the World Cup to push it to the top of the long-haul league table as the best place to be in 2010,” said Sue Botes, British Airways commercial manager in South Africa.

Countdown to 2010

1. Cape Town
Breathtaking beaches, mountains and vineyards will offer a warm and inviting welcome to the thousands of visitors to Cape Town Stadium for the 2010 World Cup.
Nearly half a million supporters are expected to visit South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June. With Cape Town home to stunning beaches, mountains, vineyards and the Cape Town Stadium, it’s sure to be a popular base for fans.

2. Istanbul
As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is Europe’s hotspot in the New Year. Offering great value for money and something for everyone – from beaches and bazaars to the breathtaking Bosphorus. Secret music gigs, rooftop bars and underground clubs dominate the social scene for the party-hard locals.

3. Las Vegas
If Sin City’s reemergence on the sustainable tourism scene with the new “CityCenter” is any indication, this oasis in the desert will be a prime spot for eco-travelers in the states to let off some steam – and perhaps some guilt as well.

4. Vancouver
With preparations for February’s Olympic Games well under way, this mountainesque destination will not be beat. Expect some crowded slopes this year as tourists and global sports enthusiasts alike hit the powder. Already a must-go destination for skiing and snowboarding, it’s no surprise that Canada will play host to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March.

“Vancouver is one of best all-year round destinations for snowboarding and Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is one of my favourite spots to train,” said UK snowboarder and Olympic-hopeful Zoe Gillings.

Rounding out the rest of the list is Punta Cana, DR at the number five spot, followed by Croatia’s Dubrovnik. Coming in at number seven is the always popular New York City, and then Stockholm, Sweden at number eight.

Stockholm was recently voted the Best City to Live In, and is recognized as being Europe’s central hub of biodiversity and ecology. Rated as the official “European Green Capital’ for 2010,” the city is a popular choice for eco-tourists.

Following is The Maldives, the carbon-neutral vacation destination boasting abundant coral reefs, and then Delhi for its amazing wildlife scenery and adventures. like Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanha National Park.

“There has never been a better time to visit India,” said Judy Jarvis, British Airways commercial manager in South Asia. “Next year marks two special occasions – 80 years of British Airways flying to India and the first time Delhi will host the Commonwealth Games.”

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