Overtourism and the consequent degradation of many iconic tourist destinations is a fact in 2024. While authorities respond to the situation with increased tourism taxes, caps on visitor numbers and stringent regulations on tourist behaviour, tourists themselves are responding by showing a new interest in far-flung, unusual destinations. These tourists seek experiences that leave a positive impact and provide memories that last well after check-out.
The New York Times recently released a list of its top 52 destinations to visit in 2024. These are not run-of-the-mill destinations – the Albanian Alps, El Camino de Costa Rica, and Mustang in Nepal feature near the top of the list.
Travel News spoke to Penny Bannerman, Founder, Director and Product Development at Curious Traveller, to find out if outgoing South African travellers are following this worldwide trend.
“South African travellers are looking for unique and less-travelled destinations. Part of the appeal is the experience. Food, adventure, culture and wellness are high on their agendas.
“Less popular regions are also appealing because they are not as overcrowded during the tourist season as the more common destinations, particularly in Europe.
“I have had clients travel to Greenland recently. It is an incredible destination that offers both summer and winter season opportunities. Summer makes it a wonderful destination for wildlife tours, mountain biking, and boat trips through the fjords. The land is flooded by the Midnight Sun providing 24 hours of daylight. Winter, of course, makes it the ultimate destination for polar adventures and, due to the country’s remote northerly location, is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.”
Bannerman says South America is becoming a particularly sought-after destination, with the following attractions being at the top of many travellers’ itineraries:
- Patagonia, Argentina, for walking tours during both the summer and winter months.
- Easter Island, a Chilean territory, to experience the almost 900 monumental statues called moai, created by inhabitants in the 13th-16th centuries.
- Cusco, Peru, is popular for adventure tours and tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations.
“Lesser-known Vietnam is extremely popular now and very reasonable for package holidays. Historic sites, Buddhist temples, fishing villages, and pristine beaches, all offer a mix of magnificent landscapes and a taste of authentic local life.”
Hoi An, on the central coast of Vietnam, is one of the oldest and most significant trading ports in Southeast Asia. Established between the 15th and 19th centuries, this charming town boasts a unique blend of Asian and European architectural styles, showcasing the rich historical tapestry of the nation. Renowned for its captivating lantern festival, held during every full moon, the town transforms into a spectacle of lights.
Bannerman says repositioning cruises are now being requested more than ever before by her clients. “These cruises offer the opportunity to explore interesting itineraries and offbeat ports as ships sail from one region of the world to another as the seasons change. The average daily cost of a typical repositioning cruise is less than half of a turnaround cruise. Generally, repositioning cruises are less crowded. As they often sail below capacity, there are fewer passengers, which makes them appealing.
“I am getting queries in every day for Japan and China. The Silk Road is also coming up quite often. It is exciting, albeit challenging, to put together tours to these different destinations and as much as I have travelled in my life, I am finding unusual destinations all the time, which SA travellers want to explore.”
