Travel Leaders: London the most popular international destination this fall

(Source: Internet)

London is the most popular international destination for fall travel amongst Travel Leaders Group agents, up from its 2015 ranking of third, which the company attributes to the falling British pound following the U.K.’s June vote to leave the European Union.

The ranking was based on booking data reported by 1,145 agents, agency owners and managers in the U.S., who were surveyed about fall bookings from July 28 to Aug. 24.

Rounding out the top five destinations after London are Caribbean cruises (first last year), Cancun (second last year), Rome (fifth last year) and Paris (sixth last year).

“The Brexit vote and resulting fluctuation in the British pound has been incredibly favorable for American travelers, whether for leisure or business,” Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko said in a statement. “While London has always been among the top international destinations on our list, this is further proof that travelers are very willing to adjust and seize upon a prime opportunity when there’s increased value in a particular destination.”

Forty-five percent of agents reported increased client interest in travel to the U.K. following Brexit, and of that group, 61.9% reported an increase in bookings to the U.K.

Domestically this fall, the top five destinations are Maui (third last year), Orlando (second last year), New York City (first last year), Las Vegas (fourth last year) and Alaska cruises (fifth last year).

Chacko said the spread of the Zika virus in the Caribbean could account for Maui’s move to the No. 1 slot this year.

Overall in 2016, 43.1% of agents said bookings this year are higher than they were at this time last year, and 35.9% said they were even versus this time last year.