Travel Trends 2007

After a tumultuous year in travel that brought confusing new airport security rules, airport closings, mergers and talk of more mergers, what's ahead for travelers in 2007? Glad you asked. We're already seeing a number of key trends that are sure to impact travelers in the coming year, including the opening up of many Asian countries, especially China; the flood of financially and physically fit baby boomers into the ranks of the recently retired; changing security requirements, especially for passports; and the continued growth of niche travel.

Asia
Travel to Japan, Hong Kong and India was up 20-40 percent last year, but it's mainland China that will be the story in 2007. Tourism in China has been on the rise for some time, and the trend will only accelerate in anticipation of the 2008 Olympics. In a recent industry survey, Beijing tied with Venice on the list of top vacation destinations — a result that would've been unthinkable five years ago. Further, Americans are starting to consider travel to other previously "taboo" destinations such as Vietnam, where the dollar is strong and Americans find they are extremely welcome.

Additionally, the explosion of immigrants from southern and southeastern Asia, including Pakistan, Thailand and particularly India, will cause considerably more back-and-forth travel among immigrant families and groups, and non-immigrant U.S. travelers will be sure to follow as this part of the world warms up to global tourism.

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Source - MSNBC

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