NEW YORK, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ — International luxury travel network Virtuoso®, recognized as an influential trend forecaster in the industry, has mined its data warehouse of more than $35 billion in transactions to reveal the top destinations for the upcoming 2016 summer travel season. Upscale jetsetters are largely seeking perennial European favorites for summer vacations, alongside select African locales. However, a few surprises emerged when Virtuoso compared this year’s summer hot spots to last year’s “must-see” destinations.

The Virtuoso Top 10:

The most popular destinations for summer vacations based on future bookings.

Italy
United Kingdom
France
Spain
Netherlands
Ireland
Germany South Africa
Greece
Israel

The Top 10 analysis:  While Europe continues to dominate the list of favored destinations with eight of the 10 countries, the network’s sales to the continent are flat when compared to summer 2015. In particular, France, led by Paris, has rebounded nicely and remains strong. Overall, European countries offering great value to travelers are seeing spikes. Bookings to the Netherlands are up 38 percent this summer over last, with Virtuoso’s partner hotels showing average daily rates (ADR) 44 percent lower than the European average of $793 per night. Ireland’s ADR is 31 percent lower than the European average, leading it to see a 58 percent jump in bookings. Travelers visiting Ireland are flocking to Dublin and Ga...