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In recent years, travel has become increasingly fashionable. In 2018, 66% of 15+ years old have travelled in the context of leisure activities, notably thanks to the growth in short stays. This represents more than 35 million people, breaking the records set since the barometer was created 17 years ago!
In 2019, more than half of French people have expressed a vital need to get away, and are even willing to sacrifice other expenses.
Around the world, the tourism industry has experienced constant growth almost every year. 528 million tourist arrivals in 2005, 1.19 billion in 2015 and over 1.8 billion by 2030. Hence the increase in property investments and rental management agencies!
Travel trends are changing and so are the destinations; Today, the trend is towards sustainable tourismWe avoid metropolises in favour of more natural areas, we avoid mass tourism... Cultural and tourist events also play a role in this selection.
Based on travel trends and the real estate market, here are the top 9 destinations to invest in 2020:
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is the trendy destination in 2020. All the articles, blogs and travel industry players are talking about it, and not for nothing. AirBnb saw an increase in bookings of 55%The Netherlands is a major tourist destination, especially in Maastricht, where TEFAF, the world's most prestigious art and antiques fair, is taking place in March 2020. More and more investments and trips are being made to the Netherlands for its quality of life and charm.
Norway
...and especially Lapland! Not so far (2h30 flight) and accessible by train, Norwegian Lapland attracts more and more tourists, in search of nature. Native people, extraordinary landscapes, and a change of scenery are the key words of the current trends. Investing in Norway can be very beneficial: the Norwegian economy is very strong and constantly evolving.
France
How not to talk about France... 1era world tourist destination for 20 years with more than 90 million tourists this year. Thank you Louvre and DisneyLand Paris! Investing in real estate in France is always a good idea but you have to invest in the right place. Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse or Bordeaux are to be preferred, in particular for the presence of schools and universities which attract a lot of students, and for the price of the rents always less expensive than in Paris or Lyon.
Portugal
Recognized in 2019 as an "Accessible Tourist Destination" by the World Tourism Organization, Portugal attracts a lot: the sun, the coastline, the twenty or so Unesco Heritage sites, the gastronomy and the kindness of the locals is not for nothing. Not to mention the country's accessibility and the many events such as the Web Summit for example. Since 2016, Portugal is the favourite destination for French property investors Not surprising given the market prices: 1300€/m² on average... Not to mention the rates of return which are among the highest in the European market!
Costa Rica
Home to 5% of the world's biodiversity, Costa Rica is very popular with nature lovers and eco-tourism seekers. With protected foreign investment and no dictatorship, this natural paradise is one of the most popular countries for investors because of its political stability and its economic and social development. According to the Real estate in Costa RicaThe potential is enormous!
The Philippines
Unlike Thailand and Cambodia, which were very trendy destinations a few years ago, where mass tourism is very present, the Philippines still has many natural spots not taken by tourists. Aware of the impacts of mass tourism, the Philippine government has taken measures to limit access to certain sites, such as Boracay Island for example.
Spain
Having beaten a new record of affluence in 2018, Spain remains the second tourist destination in the world! Increase in the number of tourists, average budget, recorded overnight stays... Between Barcelona, Ibiza and Marbella, Spain is on a roll. According to several real estate agencies in Spain, holiday rental houses are one of the most profitable options in Spain.
Jordan
After a few difficult years in terms of tourist arrivals due to political instability in neighbouring countries, one of the most beautiful countries in the world is picking up colours: +43% of French visitors between 2018 and 2019! According to Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, CEO of the Jordan Tourism Board, attendance will have boomed in 2019, and marketing partnerships are multiplying to encourage this trend.
Japan
In 2019, Japan records a new attendance record for the 6thème year in a row. Japan has indeed recorded more than 30 million tourists in 2018, despite the price of travel being among the highest. In terms of seasonal rentals, AirBnb counted more than 62,000 accommodations in Japan in June 2018, in only 3 years since the platform was born in Japan only in 2015, success generated in particular by the lack of hotels and the meteoric increase of tourists. With the 2020 Olympics approaching, Japan is a good business opportunity!
The United States
...and especially Wisconsin and Oregon ! According to AirBnb, there are +729% of bookings in Milkauwee in Wisconsin, a city that will notably host the Democratic National Convention, which will name the party's candidate against Trump. As for Oregon, +213% of bookings for the city of Eugene, which has become known for its ecological commitment.
