Cape Town once again top of BA`s global tourist pops

Source: Biznews, 22/12/2015

It`s not really surprising that British Airways considers South
Africa`s Mother City high up on its list of eight of its top favourite
long-haul tourist destinations. Cape Town has much to recommend it:
cable car up Table Mountain, better still when it goes above the
clouds that become the mountain`s table cloth; winelands close by,
exquisite beaches and beautiful, clean, clear ocean waters that are
the penguin`s and shark`s natural habitat. I refuse to call the waters
"shark-infested" as journalists tend to do, as if the magnificent
creatures are monsters. I`m on board with Shark Savers on proper use
of language in this instance. I`m also firmly on board the assessment
of BA`s travel experts in this press release of their annual
compilation of global tourist hotspots based on past performance,
forward-booking profiles, global events, travel patterns and
international trends. – Marika Sboros


Cape Town has again made the list of British Airways` top long-haul
holiday destinations for 2016.


British Airways` travel experts compile the annual holiday hotspots
snapshot based on past performance, forward-booking profiles, global
events, travel patterns and international trends.


Cape Town is typically amongst the favourite long-haul holiday choices
and this year is no exception. The Mother City comes in at fifth in
the top eight behind Lima, Kuala Lumpur, San Jose (Costa Rica), Rio de
Janeiro and ahead of San José (California), Punta Cana (Dominican
Republic) and Tampa.


"It`s certainly possible that Cape Town could overtake some of the
other destinations during 2016. It has a number of advantages. It`s
established, it appeals to everyone from thrill seekers to wine
aficionados, it has fantastic hotels and infrastructure, an abundance
of natural beauty and offers incredible value for money," says Edward
Frost, BA commercial manager for South and East Africa.


British Airways is the only airline to fly directly between Cape Town
and London, with two flights a day during the busy Cape summer season.
It operates Boeing 747-400 aircraft, amongst the largest in its fleet,
with a choice of four cabins. These include the new First,
ever-popular Club World, World Traveller Plus premium economy and
World Traveller.


Amongst the other leading leisure spots, Lima secured its place thanks
to the increasing number of travellers keen to walk the world-famous
Inca Trail and see the majesty of Machu Picchu.
San Jose, Costa Rica owes third place to its incredible wildlife, with
adventurers of all ages keen to explore its rain forests and stunning
beaches.


Rio, much like Cape Town did after 2010, is still benefitting from the
international exposure it enjoyed during the 2014 World Cup. Of
course, the much anticipated 2016 Olympics will also increase its
popularity.


Outside of South America, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia owes second spot to
the bleisure travel trend, with business travellers opting to extend
their stays to enjoy some leisure time. Its business-friendly
reputation, rainforests and beautiful beaches combine to make it the
`pearl of the Orient`.


British Airways` experts are betting that San José, California will
quickly make up the numbers when it starts daily flights with its
787-9 Dreamliner to the capital of Silicon Valley. As well as being
the world`s software powerhouse and home to tech giants Apple, eBay
and Google it is the gateway to Carmel and Monterey and provides easy
access to the Yosemite National Park.


Punta Cana, with its abundance of resorts and palm-lined beaches is
going to be hard to beat as a value-for-money Caribbean island
getaway.


Tampa is a perennial favourite. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico,
extensive beaches and sultry climate make it a must-visit destination
for families wanting a relaxing break in the sun.