THE new travel trends are out! It's slow travel for some and debaucherism tourism for others.

Which of these travellers identified by Euromonitor for the London World Travel Market do you increasingly recognise among your clients?
 
1. Debaucherists seek out-of-control fun
 
Prolonging their uninhibited youth these travelers are following in the footsteps of tabloid celebrities. Work harder, play harder is their mantra. The US leads the way with Las Vegas resorts hosting pool parties that continue 24 hours a day. Niche cruises offer excessive drinking and gambling while Caribbean resorts specialise in erotism for those looking to fulfill their sexual fantasies. Long-haul exotic destinations are expected to benefit as party addicts search out the next thrill and then use social media like Facebook for all to see and imitate.
 
2. Slowly on the up
 
Back in Europe, slow travel is the perfect antidote to the stresses of life. Direct contact with nature and simpler pleasures allow travelers to regain time. They stay in the country, travel by train and buy into the concept of responsible travel. Slow travel is expected to increasingly compete with beach and cultural tourism and “slow hotels” and “slow packages” will allow consumers to enjoy a more authentic travel experience.
 
3. Have pet, will travel
 
Pets have become an integral part of consumers' lives. The trend is for pets to be treated as a member of the family and in the UK with its 49 million pets, a golden opportunity has arisen for the tourism industry. Independent hotels were the first to see the possibilities but now that pet schemes have been successfully introduced by some leading chains in the USA, other countries are sure to follow. Potential exists for operators and retailers to offer value add-ons that can be premium-priced. Pet health, wellness and pet travel insurance should be future money-spinners.
 
4. The End of the World
 
With impetus from films such as “The March of the Penguins”,  Ushuaia, Argentina, once considered The End of The World, is now benefiting from a boom because it is. Baby boomers in North America and Europe want to venture further afield in their search for new experiences. Hotel chains and cruise lines are catering for these demanding travelers by expanding their capacity and the number of cruises along Latin America's southern coasts.
 
5. Asia's lesson to Africa
 
With 950 million mobile phone users, Asia is ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to the use of the instruments for mobile TV and the development of “m-commerce”. As in Africa, mobile phones have jumped ahead and are now a common tool among the masses, many who have yet to join the internet revolution. Apart from communication, SMS is being developed for ticketing and promotion and is expected to become a key distribution channel for travel. The popularity of “moblogs” (mobile blogging) where travelers instantly record and share their travel experiences is changing the way travel decisions are made. Which of these trends do you think Southern Africa caters for and could benefit from? Send us your views by clicking on the 'Reply to the editor' button.