DRMumbai: Here are Airbnb’s 20 trending destinations for 2020 based on YoY growth in bookings. Kerala is on the list and the only Indian State to make it
MILWAUKEE, WI, US
(729 per cent YoY increase)
The host of next year’s Democratic National Convention, this historic gem on the shores of Lake Michigan often slips under the radar but has a terrific bar and restaurant scene and fascinating cultural attractions that include a Calatrava-designed art museum
BILBAO, SPAIN
(402 per cent YoY increase)
Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum put Bilbao on the global tourism map when it opened back in 1997. Since then, its transformation to a flourishing culture hub is truly remarkable
BURIRAM, THAILAND
(383 per cent YoY increase)
The rural province of Buriram is home to some of Thailand’s most treasured Khmer relics. Its best known monument is the incredible Phanom Rung complex
SUNBURY, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
(356 per cent YoY increase)
A short drive northwest of Melbourne, Sunbury’s biggest claim to fame is as the birthplace of cricket’s most sought-after trophy — The Ashes. In 2020, Sunbury looks to attract cricket fans from near and far as Melbourne will be hosting the ICC T20 World Cup
ROMANIA
(298 per cent YoY increase)
Romania, with its pristine hills and ancient rural villages, has some of the best-preserved virgin forests in Europe and, according to the 2018 Environmental Performance Index, ranks 15th globally when it comes to ecosystem vitality
XI’AN, CHINA
(255 per cent YoY increase)
Xi’an is best known as the home of the terracotta warriors — a vast collection of prehistoric clay soldiers discovered by local farmers in 1974. The new offering in 2020 will be 30 nighttime tour routes
EUGENE, OR, US
(213 per cent YoY increase)
Eugene has long attracted eco-conscious newcomers many of whom have helped make the city a hub for the organic food industry
LUXEMBOURG
(167 per cent YoY increase)
Luxembourg was declared as a UNESCO® World Heritage Site in 1994 thanks to its enchanting historic core, perched on a clifftop. It is also home to medieval castles, rocky gorges, charming villages and vineyards
GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
(158 per cent YoY increase)
From its colonial architecture in the hipster Chapultepec neighbourhood to an impressive selection of festivals and museums, Guadalajara has a wealth of attractions to reward visitors
VANUATU
(140 per cent YoY increase)
This archipelago nation is home to rugged islands, deserted beaches and stunning Pacific wildlife. With 80-plus islands, it has the highest density of languages per capita in the world — over 100 native languages. Attractions range from hiking up a volcano to world-class scuba diving
CALI, COLOMBIA
(137 per cent YoY increase)
The world’s salsa capital not only offers energizing local music and dance, its rich Afro-Colombian heritage has also infused the city with a distinctive caleño culture. Cali has a real zest and an unmistakably electrifying atmosphere
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL, US
(136 per cent YoY increase)
This Floridian cape is best known around the world as the site of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station but it also offers an incredible 72 miles of beachfront. It is the launch site of NASA’s Mars 2020 Exploration Program in July 2020
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND
(119 per cent YoY increase)
Aberdeen, located in northeast Scotland, is known as the Granite City thanks to the gleaming white stone that much of the city has been built with. Besides a striking cityscape, it has much to offer from fine dining, galleries and museums in the city itself, to rugged coastal scenery and romantic ruins in the surrounding countryside
COURTENAY, BC, CANADA
(114 per cent YoY increase)
Courtenay, set in the charming Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, is the perfect starting point for outdoor adventurers. Surrounded by rolling mountains, alpine meadows and bohemian villages, the place also attracts eco-conscious travellers
UBATUBA, BRAZIL
(108 per cent YoY increase)
With over 100 beaches, the city of Ubatuba is the undisputed surfing capital of São Paulo state and hosts numerous surf championships throughout the year
LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE, FRANCE
(105 per cent YoY increase)
Nestled between the well known resorts of Chamonix and Megève, this village at Mont Blanc region is an ideal base for mountain climbing in summer or for skiing in winter
TOKYO, JAPAN
(103 per cent YoY increase)
While Tokyo might not be off-the-beaten-track, it has secured a place in Airbnb’s top trending list thanks in part to the Summer Olympics in July and August next year
KERALA, INDIA
(95 per cent YoY increase)
With its palm-lined coast, rolling coffee plantations and stunning beaches, Kerala has some of the best eco-friendly destinations on the subcontinent and runs a Responsible Tourism program encouraging local people and visitors alike to enjoy the place while also conserving it
MALINDI, KENYA
(88 per cent YoY increase)
This bustling coastal village is home to a multicultural melting pot of African, Arab and European residents, and stunning natural beauty
MAASTRICHT, NETHERLANDS
(55 per cent YoY increase)
In 20th position is Maastricht, a city with a wealth of historic buildings — more than any Dutch city outside Amsterdam. In March 2020, it will host one of the world’s largest art fairs — TEFAF Maastricht
