Albania, Zambia and Shropshire named as 'destinations to watch' this year

Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, which form the Dutch Antilles off the coast of Venezuela, have soared in UK popularity with the launch of direct Tui flights in winter 2023 and those from British Airways last summer. Abta said the islands offer idyllic beaches and beautifully restored buildings. The islands’ cuisine is also an appeal, marrying Caribbean style with quirky dishes like Keshi Yena, a dish of varied ingredients cooked in the hollowed-out rind of an Edam cheese.

Abta predicts this perennial Greek favourite will continue to attract UK visitors with its large landmass and range of accommodation, saying: “Those looking for glamour and five-star luxury should head to the resorts of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.” It adds: “Beach lovers are in for a treat, as the island has some of the best in the Mediterranean with some of the standouts being Balos Lagoon, Falassarna and Elafonisi.”

Abta rates this Spanish region, north of Seville, as “a largely undiscovered gem”. It suggests starting in the capital Merida, where extensive Roman remains “rival any found in Italy”. It also recommends Caceres, with a medieval centre (pictured) that has survived largely intact from the 1500s behind its defensive walls, followed by Trujillo, another historic town. Rural areas are recommended for bird watching, particularly the Monfrague National Park. Abta adds: “The Jerte valley is an undoubted high point in Extremadura, particularly in the spring when its multitude of cherry trees are in bloom.”

Abta mentions the general beauty of Mauritius as a draw in 2024, but a more solid reason is an increase in flight capacity. Air Mauritius has moved from Heathrow to Gatwick and increased frequency from three a week to daily, adding to British Airways’ five flights a week over the winter.

Abta rates this eastern region of Germany as one of the country’s most beautiful. It includes the cities of Dresden and Leipzig, the latter now with a thriving street art scene and which Abta says “has begun to rival Berlin as a happening destination”. Saxony is also known for its castles, including Kreibstein and Schloss Moritzburg (pictured). Abta says the Saxon Switzerland National Park “is regarded as perhaps the most beautiful in the country”, including the iconic Bastei Bridge.

Abta describes Shropshire as “a rural gem”, but also the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Attractions include Ironbridge Gorge and Ludlow, regarded as “a foodie paradise”. The Shropshire Hills are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with The Wrekin (pictured) near Telford a highlight.

The Austrian Tyrol is famous for its ski resorts, but Abta believes equal recognition should be given to the area as a summer destination, including visits to Innsbruck and Kitzbuhel. An extensive rail network means there’s no need for hire cars, while ski lifts transport passengers “into a magical world of idyllic meadows and delightful hamlets, set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain vistas”. Across the Italian border, the Sud Tyrol is home to the Dolomite mountains. The capital Bolzano’s most famous resident Otzi, an ancestor from over 5,000 years ago whose body was recovered from a glacier, now resides in the town’s archaeological museum.

Abta tips Vietnam to be popular in 2024 aided by the fact UK visitors can now stay for up to 45 days without needing a visa. It recommends a leisurely rail trip between the main cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Abta describes Zambia as “nature at its finest” with 20 national parks and almost a third of the country set aside for wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant). Victoria Falls (pictured) is a must-see, while the Zambezi River offers “some of the most spectacular white-water rafting in the world”. Abta says the capital Lusaka “is a proud showcase for the country’s increasing prosperity”.