Skyscanner Reveals the Hot Destinations for 2016

Global travel search engine Skyscanner has released its predictions for the hot spots to watch in 2016. These destinations range from the new set of all-inclusive destinations like Cape Verde to the more intrepid destinations, such as the Azores.

The predictions are based on the analysis of millions of Skyscanner flight searches from the last three years, combined with qualitative research carried out by our team of travel experts.

The top five hot spots for 2016 (based on percentage increase in searches from the UK over the last three years*):

1. Ponta Delgada (the Azores) – 63%
With more airlines flying to the Azores, including Ryanair's new weekly flight from Stansted to Ponta Delgada, this autonomous region of Portugal is opening up as a viable budget travel destination and is therefore experiencing a tourism boom. With excellent hiking, whale watching, surfing and diving, the Azores is likely to feature heavily on adventure travellers' bucket lists in 2016.

2. Havana (Cuba) – 33%
After years in the cold, Cuba is back on the world stage as the USA restored diplomatic relations in July and continues to loosen restrictions on trade. If more restrictions are lifted we may see flights from the US and US hotel chains opening in Cuba in 2016. Many are therefore booking flights to Cuba to experience the country before it changes beyond recognition (and before prices rise as a result). Having been shut off for so long Cuba is trapped in a time warp, with crumbing colonial buildings and 1950s cars. It is like nowhere else on earth.

3. Tokyo (Japan) – 25%
Tourism has boomed under the current prime minister's administration. The national tourist board are actively targeting niche UK markets by focusing on ski, honeymoon and adventure tourism offerings. Thanks to the excellent value Japan Rail Passes and Airbnb type accommodation, Tokyo is now 50% cheaper for UK travellers than in 2013 according to the Post Office's Long Haul Report.

What's more, Japan will host the 2020 Olympics and the 2019 Rugby World Cup so attention will only increase throughout 2016. Hokkaido's first Shinkansen high speed train will also launch in 2016, opening up more of Japan to visitors.

4. Copenhagen (Denmark) – 21%
Recently voted the ninth most reputable city in the world, Copenhagen is a must visit for culture vultures and foodies alike. Home to the five-month long Tivoli Festival (May – September 2016), classical music fans can expect a star-studded line up hosted at the stunning Tivoli Gardens.

February is also a great time to visit the capital, with the Copenhagen Cooking festival showcasing ever-increasingly popular Nordic cuisine, whilst fashionistas can immerse themselves in Copenhagen's Fashion Week, the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

5. Sal (Cape Verde) – 14%
With a reputation for unspoilt beaches and cobbled streets, the island of Sal is only just emerging as a tourist destination. Thomson Airways is adding to its portfolio with a new route from Bristol in summer 2016. What's more, with chart topping acts and reality stars frequenting these West Africa isles Skyscanner predicts the destination's popularity will continue to rise. Sal is also a great base for exploring the rest of the archipelago, from the canyons, gorges and valleys of Santo Antao to the Sahara-like dunes of Boa Vista.

Skyscanner has created travel guides to each of these destinations, which can be found at www.skyscanner.net/news.

Commenting on the findings, Skyscanner's travel editor Cat McGloin said, “With 50 million searches to the site every month from all over the world, our search data gives us some really robust insight in to these trends. It's interesting to see how people's travel interests are changing and what these destinations are offering to become even more appealing.”