More travellers seeking a break from beaches in Asia

Ecotourism and wildlife offerings are holding more sway among European travellers as they start to tire of the traditional beach holidays in Asia.

Diana Lozanova, director of Sofia Luxury Travel in Bulgaria, said while Asia remains the most popular destination, she has seen a recent rising trend in clients wanting more than the usual popular Asian beach destinations that initially drew travellers to the region.

She said: “Bulgarians love the beach, but now they want to explore something new. They normally go to Phuket or Bali for the beach. They want wildlife and nature, so we are looking for destinations that can provide that.”

Lozanova noted that interest in wildlife, adventure and trekking trips are on the rise, with Cambodia and Japan on their radar. She added: “Japan is a new market and is very different, but it has been hard to find a travel agent with reasonable prices.”

Jana Oberreiterova, product manager of Fun Express in the Czech Republic, said while Asia remains the most popular longhaul destination with clients, they are searching for emerging destinations.

Said Oberreiterova: “They are no longer looking at Thailand and Indonesia and the beaches. (These beaches are) too touristy now and people looking for somewhere else. They want wildlife and nature.”

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