The latest TSI data is in, with five African destinations proving to be crowd favourites. It is no surprise that the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Zanzibar stood out as winners for beach holidays, while South Africa’s Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Hermanus were ranked highly for their food, restaurants and wildlife, respectively.

We asked travel industry and destination experts to weigh in on the accolades and share things you probably didn’t know about the African destinations currently feeling the love.

Cape Town – home to cuisine over 350 years old

Cape Town restaurants regularly feature in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards – with Fyn Restaurant earning the plum spot of 37 in 2022.

Robert More, custodian and CEO of MORE Family Collection, who recently launched Upper Union Restaurant in Cape Town, notes that Malay Cape Cuisine has become synonymous with fine dining in the Mother City. “Chefs are drawn to the complex combination of strong, spicy and aromatic flavours. It’s no surprise that Malay cuisine is used and interpreted in many Cape Town restaurants, including Upper Union, which is a perfect addition to our globally inspired menu,” says More.   

“During colonial times, many Malaysian, Indonesian and East African slaves who were taken to the Cape in the 17th and 18th centuries had limited access to their traditional ingredients and therefore had to improvise. This has resulted in a cuisine which is solely unique to the Cape, and steeped in history and tradition,” says More.

Seychelles – only 1% of the country is solid land

With over 115 islands but only 459 square kilometres of land, an astounding 99% of this paradise is made up of water. And the island nation has taken impressive steps to protect it, designating 30% of its waters as Marine Protected Areas. “We’re not surprised that Seychelles ranked fourth in the world in the Tourism Sentiment Index. Seychelles’ water means everything to our people and the economy, and we are doing everything possible we protect it with our new Marine Spatial Plan,” says the Principal Secretary for Environment, Dennis Matatiken.

Matatiken continues: “Visitors to Seychelles are likely familiar with its gorgeous coral-filled reefs, but few know that these same waters act as a stopping point for whale sharks migrating from east to west each year. These majestic creatures make their way to Australia annually, taking advantage of this idyllic oasis before continuing their journey.”

Stellenbosch – the birthplace of a unique wine variety

Known for its incredible selection of wine farms, Stellenbosch is a mecca for oenophiles worldwide – hence it scooping the 34^th spot in the Tourism Sentiment Index 2023. It took top honours at the 2022 International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2022 with top trophies for both best red and white wine producers of the year. With more than 200 wine farms to choose from, visitors are spoilt for choice when seeking out their ideal winery experience And in the case of Pinotage, it’s one you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. That’s because scientist Abraham Perold created Pinotage in 1925 in Stellenbosch. He crossed the Cinsaut and Pinot Noir varietals, explains Visit Stellenbosch CEO Jeanneret Momberg.

“Pinotage wine is becoming increasingly popular as wine drinkers worldwide discover its dark fruit and oak flavours. We’ve been excited to see that as it has increased in popularity, more visitors come to Stellenbosch on Pinotage Pilgrimages,” says Momberg. She notes Kanonkop Estate, Beyerskloof and Kaapzicht are prime examples of wine farms in Stellenbosch benefitting by the worldwide “passion for pinotage”.

Hermanus  – has a resident whale crier

While South Africa’s game lodges and reserves are world-renowned, Hermanus wins bragging rights as a wildlife destination of choice thanks to the majestic southern right whales that are drawn to its shallow, sandy covers to breed. “The unique geography of the shoreline of Hermanus means that these gentle giants can easily be observed from the land – or your hotel room, in the case of The Marine Hotel, which overlooks the whale sanctuary,” says Giltedge Group CEO Murray Gardiner.

It was 1991 when Hermanus first made history as the only town on Earth to have its very own Whale Crier. The tradition began informally, with a local alerting tourists of whale sightings, and soon became officially recognised, explains Gardiner. “Thanks to this remarkable innovation, everyone visiting Hermanus is now treated to a unique experience,” he says.

Mauritius – it has more than one island

The Republic of Mauritius is renowned for its idyllic tropical beaches on the coastline, approximately 330 km long. But the country of Mauritius includes the island of Mauritius, Rodrigues and the constituent outer islands of Agaléga and St. Brandon.

Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, offers her insights into Rodrigues, a gorgeous destination with just a short boat or plane trip away from Mauritius. She explains, “this is an area of incredible beauty that remains largely undisturbed and unspoilt and is a must-visit for those keen on water sports”.

Brussels, Belgium

A new generation of South African travellers has begun exploring Belgium, thanks to the reintroduction of direct flights between the two countries after more than 20 years. “Air Belgium’s twice-weekly flights between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town, which we introduced in September 2022, have already led to a spike in visitors from South Africa,” says Emmanuel Menu, CCO of Air Belgium.

Why visit: There’s a lot to love about Brussels, the capital of Europe. Compared to its close cousins Amsterdam and Paris, it’s smaller and less well-known. Still, it can hold its own with art, delicious local cuisine, unique museums, fantastic summer festivals, vibrant nightlife and beautiful architecture. And did we mention chocolate, beer, and waffles on tap?

March through May is a great time to travel, says Menu. “During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 17 degrees Celsius. It’s also a great time for sightseeing, as there are fewer crowds, and you’re more likely to get good hotel deals,” he says. “What’s more is that Belgium is at the heart of Europe. Travellers can catch a quick train or a flight and seamlessly visit France, the Netherlands, Germany or even Italy or Switzerland.”

Koh Mak, Thailand

As always, South Africans will enjoy travelling to Thailand this year, confirms Bianca Mazur, GM Flight Centre South Africa. The country has a lot to offer, including good value and great choice. “Thailand will shine this year and again underpin its popularity as an affordable option for the budget-conscious South African traveller,” says Bianca.

Bangkok and the well-known islands will always be popular, but demand for destinations conscious of protecting resources and the environment has changed. A recent study by Statista found that 81 percent of travellers worldwide consider sustainable travel important. The Tourism Association of Thailand (TAT) is making encouraging moves to prioritise sustainability – a philosophy that environmentally conscious travellers from South Africa and beyond will appreciate.

Why visit: TAT promotes Koh Mak in Trat province as Thailand’s first low-carbon destination. The island, which was closed to tourists until 1985 and is home to the magnificent Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai beaches, is largely privately owned by five families who carefully manage its development.

Manchester, United Kingdom

According to Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre, London was the most popular destination for South Africans in 2022, but Manchester snuck into second place among the most visited British cities. It’s quickly gaining a reputation as one of the coolest cities in the country.

Turner explains that the popularity of the United Kingdom among South African travellers is related to the close relationship between the two countries, which means there are often family and friends living there that South Africans want to visit. “But the UK also has a lot to offer culturally, historically and scenically, and those travelling for business or family also want to explore other cities in the UK if possible,” she says.

Why visit: Move over London’s British Museum. We’re looking forward to the return of the Manchester Museum in 2023, which has undergone a £15 million makeover. The museum will open with an exhibition on the Golden Mummies of Egypt, which will be bucket-list stuff for many South African visitors.

Le Morne, Mauritius

The Indian Ocean island experienced a bumper December. No wonder, then, that it’s on the hit list of South African travellers who missed the boat during the high season. “Mauritius is perennially popular with South Africans, offering options for every budget, and world-class accommodation to suit all tastes and a variety of activities, from water sports and golf to hiking and mountain biking,” says Sean Kritzinger, Executive Chairman of the GILTEDGE Group. Why visit: Mauritius was named the leading destination for adventure tourism in the Indian Ocean at the 2022 World Travel Awards (WTA) and attracts more than just beach lovers to its shores. Hiking is becoming increasingly popular with travellers looking to add a touch of adrenaline to their holiday. Basing oneself at Le Morne on the far southwestern tip of Mauritius and you’ll be right on the doorstep of Le Morne Brabant, the island’s most preserved and wildest mountain – and there are plenty of resorts nearby with idyllic beaches for a perfectly balanced holiday.

New York, USA

About 60% of business travellers expand their work trips to business travel, says Lance Nkwe, Corporate Marketing Manager, Corporate Traveller. “Bleisure travel means workers can enjoy their holidays at reduced expenses. At the same time, this kind of travelling has been proven to be quite motivating for staff,” he says. While London is popular with South African travellers, Nkwe says New York is also a strong market for bleisure travel and he predicts it will shine in 2023.

Why visit: Exploring further than usual is often part of an extended business trip. Sightseeing, discovering culture and shopping are popular reasons to stay beyond one’s original plan. Adding a few days to a trip to New York City is definitely worthwhile when seeking out all this

cosmopolitan city has to offer in its 24/7 lifestyle. From Broadway musicals and plays to evening visits of iconic landmarks such as Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, or 9/11 memorial there’s no shortage of activities available once business hours are done. Plus, NYC restaurants cater until late making it possible to sample all kinds of gastronomic delights too!

Whether you’re toasting to each other under the stars, staying in a luxurious hotel or just partying the night away, we’ve rounded up the six best places to see in the New Year.

Sing in the New Year in Bruges

As the clock ticks toward midnight on December 31, people across Belgium gear up for a long night of celebration. In Bruges, karaoke lovers sing into the New Year on the stage outside the city’s iconic red concert hall. The party goes on until 1:30 a.m., and marriage proposals and cheers from the crowd add to the festive atmosphere. It’s becoming a tradition in what many consider a city as romantic as Venice. For those who want to continue celebrating, there are plenty of bars and restaurants open late into the night. Not ready to give up the Christmas spirit just yet? Celebrate the New Year in Brussels and enjoy the festive atmosphere from the capital’s famous “Winter Wonders”. Brussels Christmas market is one of the few in Europe that remains open until January 1!

Whether you ring in the New Year in Bruges or elsewhere in Belgium, it’ll be unforgettable! And now that Air Belgium operates a direct route between Brussels and South Africa, a Belgian celebration is now closer than you think. Fly comfortably and hassle-free to the heart of Europe all year round.

Sparkle the night away under the African sky

A floating luxury hotel on the Chobe River? New Year goals don’t get better than this. The Zambezi Queen has its own plunge pool and fantastic social spaces on the upper deck – you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect place to relax and toast the New Year. The sunsets in Africa are some of the most beautiful in the world, and when night falls, you’ll be treated to delicious African fusion cuisine washed down with chilled South African wines.

Join the most famous island party of the year

The beaches of the Thai islands are a stomping ground for partygoers all year round, but the wildest celebration of all is New Year’s Eve on Koh Phangan. This is where the world’s most famous full moon party takes place, on Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. The party starts as soon as it gets dark and continues well past sunrise and into the following afternoon. To get ready for the festivities, head to Sunset Beach for cocktails and a dinner of freshly caught and grilled fish. Then, just before midnight, make your way to Sunrise Beach, where the main event will take place.

Embark on a sunset hike with bubbly in hand

Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town, is rich in history and natural beauty. This is vineyard country, and Muratie Wine Estate offers a unique way to welcome the New Year. Hike to a lookout point with spectacular views of Table Mountain and toast to 2022 with a glass of bubbly in hand! Even better, kick off your New Year’s fitness goals with a 30-minute walk before everyone else can sing “Auld Lang Syne”.

Sleep in a retro rooftop caravan in Cape Town

Welcome the new year with the big daddy of street parties on Cape Town’s famous Long Street. The street is closed to traffic for the festivities, and the party atmosphere is infectious as people from all over the world come together to dance, drink and be merry. And when the night is over, you can retreat to your own vintage Airstream trailer to cool off close to the action. At Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel by BON Hotels, you can stay in one of seven unique Airstream trailers parked on the roof! Each trailer has unique decor reflecting a typical South African road trip.

Indulge in French delicacies and fireworks

There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with a delicious French feast known as le réveillon. Paris is the perfect place to enjoy this sumptuous meal, which typically includes oysters, caviar, escargot and foie gras. And what could be more romantic than a midnight kiss with someone special in the city of love? The fireworks on the Champs-Élysées are the centrepiece of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paris. For something a little more relaxed, head to the hilly area around Sacré-Cœur, where there are street parties with breathtaking views of the festivities.

KLM will commence service on October 29^th 2019 on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Amsterdam-Schiphol, San José and Guanacaste-Liberia. The flights will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 30 seats in World Business Class, 45 seats in Economy Comfort and 219 seats in Economy Class.

• KL0717/KL0719 departs Amsterdam-Schiphol at 11:35, and arrives in San José (Costa Rica) at 17:15 Local time. From there, the flight departs at 19:15 towards Guanacaste Liberia, to arrive at 20:10.
• After a short 65 minute stop on ground, the flight continues under the same flight number directly to Amsterdam-Schiphol, with a departure out of Guanacaste Liberia at 21:15 Local time; to arrive at Amsterdam-Schiphol at 13:20 Local time the following day.

It is possible to arrive in San José, and depart from Liberia on the same ticket, making it an ideal combination for all travellers that want to discover the beautiful nature and pura vida of Costa Rica. Likewise, passengers originating in Costa Rica can start and end their journey in either San José or Guanacaste Liberia in both directions on the same ticket.

Etihad Airways is offering two free nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi for all guests booking flights to and from all Etihad destinations via Abu Dhabi. Guests can choose from a range of 15 hotels located across the city including the five-star Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, as well as the Courtyard by Marriott WTC, Crowne Plaza and Radisson Blu.

The free Abu Dhabi stopover promotion is available for bookings online through etihad.com or via a travel agent from 10 April to 15 June 2019, for flights between 21 April and 15 July 2019.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer Etihad Aviation Group, said: “The number of visitors to Abu Dhabi continues to grow every year, and this incredible promotion allows us to showcase our extraordinary home to more visitors worldwide. Guests will be welcomed with traditional Arabian hospitality, and will enjoy a modern infrastructure, multi-cultural society, and the many unique attractions the city, and wider emirate, have to offer.”

Abu Dhabi visitors can experience cultural masterpieces and architectural highlights including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan.

Tourists seeking nature can escape to the beautiful sand dunes of the Arabian desert, or find calm on the pristine coastline and beautiful beaches surrounding Abu Dhabi island.

Adrenalin-seeking adventurers can revel in the thrills of the city’s theme parks including the intense G-force experienced on Ferrari World’s roller-coasters, as well as the rides and attractions at Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World.

Unforgettable desert safari expeditions, a myriad of world-class golf courses and an exceptional range of local and international dining experiences ensures there is something for everyone.

The advantage of a stopover goes beyond creating two holiday experiences out of one and can also support with combating jetlag. Global travellers on long-haul journeys will benefit from adjusting to the time zone along their journey, arriving at their final destination feeling more refreshed.

Etihad guests booking online should select a multi-city flight and will be directed to the stopover booking page once the booking is confirmed. Guests then have the option to choose a hotel package with one of the many hotel partners operating this promotion.

Ranging from a vehicle-free island off the coast of southeastern China’s Xiamen, to the site of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary celebration next year, we’ve found that most of Airbnb’s trending destinations are places where the increased “healthy,” more sustainable and authentic tourism will benefit residents and travellers alike, promoting emerging locales like Accra, Ghana; supporting environmental sustainability in places like Calabria, Italy; and offering the chance to help rebuild communities after natural disasters, starting with the top-trending destination on our list: Kaikoura, New Zealand.

Here are Airbnb’s 19 trending destinations for 2019 along with a sampling of listings to stay in and Experiences to try:

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Heavily damaged by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016, this coastal town in the South Island is staging a marvelous comeback with the strongest increase in both bookings and search on our list. With train and other transportation services coming back online, avid whale- and seal-watchers will find it easier and easier to experience the town’s notable sperm whale population and historic whaling past.

Xiamen, China

A romantic port city surrounded by abundant islands takes the second spot on our list. Xiamen is also home to Kulangsu, a pedestrian-only, vehicle-free island just off the coast that is ideal for local seafood-loving couples. If travelling solo, learn how to bake bread at a local dessert studio or experience nightlife like a local on a pub crawl with host Cong.

Puebla, Mexico

Just a two-hour drive from Mexico City, Puebla provides a unique alternative to the typical Mexican beach vacation and trip to the capital city, and we’ve seen tremendous inbound growth and wanderlust despite 2017’s earthquake. Travelers can experience the best of the city’s architectural and culinary history through a cooking class with host Andrea or for the more sporty types, ring side tickets to a live lucha libre event with host Rubén.

Normandy, France

History buffs may be inclined to witness Normandy’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings next year, making it the ideal time for them to visit — perhaps with historian and host Johann as their guide. Only a two-hour train ride from Paris, locals and travelers can experience the region’s lush landscapes, architectural gems, and Route du Camembert, the trail named after the popular cheese.

Great Smoky Mountains, US

Home to America’s most visited national park due to its central location, general ease in getting there, and affordability, the Smokies are calling. Two of the park’s most iconic trails (among the 800 miles of trails to choose from) are reopening after a wildfire two years ago. Nature-lovers can also revel in the varied plants and animals in the area as it’s part of UNESCO’s International Biosphere Reserve and be interested to know it’s also home to the biggest black bear population in the eastern U.S. — prime surroundings for learning how to take photos with a pro. A year-round destination, the Smoky Mountains also have Pigeon Forge nearby, home to Dollywood, with its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival getting bigger and bigger every year.

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The rankings are based on an analysis of more than 800 000 individual trips booked on Travelstart.co.za since the start of 2017.

Top 5 International Destinations 2018

1. Harare (Zimbabwe)
2. London (UK)
3. Windhoek (Namibia)
4. Mauritius
5. New York City (U.S.A.)

For the first time, Harare tops the list of most popular international destinations for flights originating in South Africa in 2018. While the top spots were always held by London (2014 and 2017) and Windhoek (2015 and 2016), Harare’s breakout growth this year may be a result of the changing political climate in Zimbabwe.

London remains an important tourism and business air route for South Africans and has seen increased capacity with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and SAA offering direct flights between Heathrow Airport and South Africa. From October 2018, BA will launch direct flights between Durban and London marking the first time three of South Africa’s largest airports are served with non-stop connections to Heathrow at the same time.

Despite being a long-haul destination (16 hours one way from Johannesburg), New York City has become a top five contender for the first time in 2018 moving past Dubai which is operated by Emirates direct from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban daily.

Top 5 Domestic Destinations 2018

1. Cape Town
2. Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo Airport)
3. Durban
4. Johannesburg (Lanseria Airport)
5. Port Elizabeth

Since 2014, there has been little movement in the domestic category with Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban maintaining their first, second and third place rankings respectively for the past 4 years. In 2017, George Airport (GRJ) exited the top 10 domestic destinations list after appearing consecutively in 2015 and 2016.

Lanseria, South Africa’s fourth largest airport by passenger numbers, has moved up the rankings in the past two years owing to increased capacity and a runaway upgrade in 2013. South Africa’s dominant low-cost carriers, Mango Airlines, kulula and FlySafair, operate flights to Lanseria. kulula initiated its Lanseria operations in 2006, Mango followed in 2010 and FlySafair in 2016. In May, Lanseria announced plans to double its passenger numbers to more than 4 million within the next six years.

Routes on the Rise

Flights to London Heathrow from Johannesburg increased by 88% between 2014 and 2017 and regional destinations such as Windhoek and Harare increased by 51% and 118% respectively.

International routes between Cape Town and the UK and Namibia have seen noticeable increases since 2014.

CPT – LHR bookings increased by 62% between 2014 and 2017
CPT – WDH bookings increased by 107% between 2014 and 2017
CPT – WVB bookings increased by 219% between 2014 and 2017

As Durban’s King Shaka Airport has attracted more international carriers, outbound passenger numbers have increased with Dubai (+273%) and London (+118%) showing the most growth between 2014 and 2017.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “We are very happy and proud to be a very strong instrument in connecting Africa in line with our motto of the last 70 years-Bringing Africa together and closer to the rest of the world. When we open these three destinations, we may look at only the direct services we are going to operate between Addis and these destinations. But what is more important and may not be visible is that we are connecting these destinations with more than 100 destinations all over the world. Kisangani and Mbuji Mayi will be two additional points to the already three points we fly in the DRC; so we are now flying to Kinshasa, Goma, Mbuji Mayi, Kisangani and Lubumbashi. “The beautiful island of Nosy-Be is a popular tourist destination for Europeans, and since we announced that we are going to connect it with our network in a direct service, the Madagascar Embassy in Addis has been overwhelmed by visa requests. This shows that the trend is changing; nowadays Africans are visiting African friends for tourism which is very encouraging development.”

With the launch of the new flights, Ethiopian now serves 58 destinations in Africa and more than 100 destinations globally, solidifying its stature as a veteran Pan- African airline with the largest number of destinations in the continent.