NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Having
already announced the highest ranking international and domestic
destinations booked by its luxury leisure clientele for the rest of
2019 and into 2020, Ovation Travel Group – one of the largest
independently owned travel management companies headquartered in
the US – is today sharing the top "emerging" international
destinations for which Ovation travel advisors have seen
substantial surges in demand. Ovation advisors have experienced
specific increases for two southern Italian regions – Puglia and
Sicily – as well as other
noteworthy spikes in interest for Croatia, Israel, Japan, Rwanda
and Tanzania.
"We recently asked Ovation Travel Group's expert luxury leisure
travel advisors to name the top emerging destinations
internationally that they previously booked infrequently at best,
but have now noticed significant growths in popularity," explained
Paul Metselaar, CEO and Chairman of
Ovation Travel Group, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
"Since our goal is to be 'your trusted travel partner,' it is
imperative that our leisure travel advisors remain at the forefront
of all trends globally, including which destinations are emerging
in popularity, particularly so they can counsel their clients from
positions of unparalleled knowledge and expertise."
Italy's Puglia and Sicily enjoy surge in client interest
"Our clients simply can't get enough of Italy. While the country remains the premier
international destination for our clientele, perhaps it should come
as no surprise that they are now seeking out unique new places
within Italy to experience
including Puglia and Sicily,"
explained Gina Gabbard, Senior Vice
President of Leisure & Independent Advisors, Ovation Travel
Group. "Up until the last few years, most of our Italy-bound clients headed to points in the
country's north, including Rome,
Florence, Milan and Venice. Now, they are expanding their horizons
significantly by venturing farther south to enchanting and less
crowded places like Lecce and Alberobello in Puglia and
Palermo and Mount Etna in
Sicily."
"The beauty of Puglia is found in its authentic experiences. Its
olive growers, vineyards and rustic landscapes make the place a
true jewel," noted Andrew Steinberg,
a luxury travel advisor with Ovation Travel Group in New York City. "Not yet overrun with visitors
– and it's not a stop for larger cruise ships, which can change a
location due to the volume of people – Puglia still has an old
world sense of history, beauty and charm, along with some of the
best food and wine in the world."
"My clients have discovered an authenticity to Sicily that they can't find anywhere else,"
stated Ashley E. Diamond, a
New York-based luxury travel
consultant for Ovation. "In addition to its unspoiled beaches and
Greek ruins, my clients love the villages dotting the island with
unique local shops and restaurants."
Demand for Croatia continues to
soar
"Twenty-five years ago, Croatia
was a war-torn country angling for opportunities to attract
travelers from the United States.
Now it has come into its own with world-class destinations
including Dubrovnik and Split, among many others," Metselaar said.
"Its popularity has soared dramatically, not just because of being
prominently featured on 'Game of Thrones,' but because it is
absolutely stunning geologically with beautifully preserved
medieval cities along its pristine Adriatic coast. Plus, even
though it is part of the European Union, it still uses its local
currency, which in turn helps keep prices more reasonable."
"My clients love Croatia
because there is so much to see and do," noted Harlee Rosenberg, travel advisor for Ovation in
New York. "They also enjoy
traveling to Croatia because of
the great value for their dollar."
Japan emerging in advance of
2020 Olympiad
"With the 2020 Summer Olympic Games slated to begin in
Tokyo next July 24, Ovation Travel Group's advisors are
already seeing increased demand for one of Asia's most unique island nations:
Japan," stated Gabbard.
"Japan offers everything from the
most cutting-edge modernity to awe-inspiring ancient traditions. It
is a mesmerizing destination."
"Japan's culture is so
different and vibrant, as is its amazing cuisine," added
New York-based Barbara Hammer, an Ovation luxury travel
advisor. "My clients are especially intrigued and delighted by
their traditional customs and ceremonies."
Rwanda and Tanzania attracting wildlife enthusiasts
"Within Africa, Ovation Travel Group luxury advisors have been
sending clients throughout the continent in higher numbers than
ever, ranging from Morocco and
Egypt in the north all the way
down to South Africa," noted
Gabbard. "However, where we have seen the most dramatic growth
recently has been in Rwanda and
Tanzania. Rwanda is the perfect place to see gorillas in
the wild, and Tanzania offers
countless safari opportunities to see most of the other big game
for which Africa is renowned."
"Rwanda has really come into
its own since the unspeakable genocide in 1994. It is perfect for
anyone who wants a gorilla trekking experience," stated
Judy Stein, President of The Stein
Collective, an affiliate of Ovation. "While Rwanda's capital city
of Kigali serves as the gateway to
gorilla trekking, it is fast becoming a destination in its own
right with cultural experiences, world-class art galleries and
fashion, plus it is clean and safe."
"So many of my clients are looking to travel to Tanzania. Witnessing the migration of its
amazing wildlife is something really special to be seen," noted
Hammer. "My clients are 'wowed' and enjoy peace-of-mind when I
recommend one of Tanzania's
extremely unique, top-tier lodges, especially the Ngorongoro Crater
from &Beyond, as well as Gibbs Farm outside the crater."
For counsel and assistance with international luxury vacations,
as well as domestically, travelers are invited to tap into the
expertise of Ovation Travel Group's experienced advisors by calling
800.977.5893 or emailing vacations@ovationtravel.com. Ovation's
luxury leisure travel division is also inviting independent
advisors to learn how to qualify for its program by visiting
https://www.ovationtravel.com/become-an-independent.
About Ovation
Ovation Travel Group, whose flagship brand, Lawyers Travel, began
operations almost 35 years ago, is one of the largest independently
owned travel companies headquartered in the US. Ovation is a
$1.4 billion travel company with
travel consultants in more than 30 locations throughout
the United States and the
United Kingdom. Ovation is
committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable luxury
leisure travel experiences for its clientele. Its trusted advisors
act as a one-stop shop source for the best value and candid,
personalized advice. From traditional getaways to exotic
adventures, Ovation's leisure travel consultants develop the right
vacation experiences for its clients year-round. For more
information, please visit https://www.ovationtravel.com.
SOURCE Ovation Travel Group