Top ten emerging destinations

Bulgaria is the top emerging destination for holidaymakers in 2007, according to new research.

The report on the top ten emerging place to holiday included some unlikely destinations, including Russia in second place, as well as less surprising results such as Morocco at number three and Cuba at four.

Australia, Brazil, India and Dubai were more obvious choices in the list, however China's inclusion in ninth place, ahead of current top destination South Africa in tenth was more surprising.

Neil Mott of travel website Opodo, who conducted the study, said: "2006 has seen a strong rise in travel to eastern European countries since whilst being accessible, they still hold a certain 'mystique' for the traveller.

"Bookings to Bulgaria have risen by 40 per cent in the last six months and with the prospect of joining the EU in January 2007, we expect to see a significant increase in the number of tourists heading there to take advantage of the euro.

"Russia will also continue to grow in popularity for those looking for their next eastern European adventure, an insight which is apparent from the 24 per cent increase in bookings so far this year."

He added that he believed Morocco would become one of the biggest tourist hotspots of 2007 as flight prices had dropped dramatically and because the country is much more accessible than before.

Last Wednesday low-cost airline Ryanair announced two new routes from London to Morocco.

"It is a reasonably short flight and the country is so vastly different that tourists can quickly immerse themselves in another culture. The stunning hotels and a quick flight, mean that the country is now appealing to the cash rich and time poor."

Opodo predicted "fierce competition" between airlines to Australia once the Airbus A380 'superjumbo' takes to the skies.

"This will naturally bring prices down and make Australia a more accessible holiday destination," the online travel company said.

Brazil's inclusion was not just down to the high profile footballers, and the country's reputation.

"The northern parts of Brazil still remain undiscovered and unspoilt, qualities that intrepid travellers are searching for." XXX