Korea
This year, Indian travellers have
shown a remarkable shift in
their perception of Korea.
As the destination moves from
predominantly being a MICE
destination to a luxury leisure
destination, we find travel
curators introducing itineraries
to help tourists travel deeper into
the country, beyond the capital
city of Seoul, to Busan, Jeju, and
Gyeongju. The safe environment
in Korea may be attributed to this
increase in traffic, especially of
solo travellers, who find the
well-built infrastructure easy
to navigate.Bahrain
On the other hand, people with
a fascination for the Middle
East have travelled beyond the
glittering Emirates of Dubai and
Abu Dhabi to arrive in Bahrain.
An upcoming destination that
promises luxury shopping,
world-class hotels and
experiences, great roads with
zero congestion, and a burgeoning
international crowd, Bahrain has
a lot on offer.Stepping out of their shell and setting new travel goals for
intrepid travellers are four destinations.Jharkhand
A state still in its teen-years, Jharkhand has been put on the world map
because of its abundance of natural wonders and minerals. According to
a recent study, the state's tourism promises to better present growth
rates of eight per cent and nine per cent for domestic and foreign tourist
arrivals respectively. The ‘Land of Forests’ offers an optimum mix of
experiences—from rural tourism to adventure to eco-tourism and even
mining excursions.Assam
The land of the red river and blue hills, Assam is the gateway to a largely
untouched part of India. The tea plantations, substantial biodiversity,
and the largest freshwater island in South Asia, Majuli, make it a major
draw for tourists. In an effort to bring together the culture of Assam and
the prospects of the Brahmaputra, the government recently organised the
Namami Brahmaputra festival. The capital city, Guwahati, was illuminated
with hallogen bulbs and the streets were full of excited onlookers who
descended upon the town from all over to celebrate the river.BEST EMERGING
DESTINATION
Kaziranga
National Park in
Assam has the world's
largest population of
one-horned
rhinoceroses.Go on a safari to spot the
endangered one-horned
rhinoceros at Kaziranga
National Park.Sinheungsa Temple in
South Korea.FROM LEFT: MINDEN PICTURES/ALAMY; FRÉDÉRIC LAGRANGE
INTERNATIONAL
DOMESTIC
WINNERS
► Best MICE Destination
(INTERNATIONAL)
Hong Kong
Japan
► Best One-Stop Shopping
Destination (INTERNATIONAL)
Bicester Village, UK
Fashion Island, California