THAILAND has won the accolade of top travel destination for Irish tourists for the ninth year in a row according to a survey based on the number of visitors who sought medical advice before travelling abroad.
The tropical haven was the most popular destination last year according to the numbers calling Tropical Medical Bureau during 2016.
The top four most popular destinations remained the same as 2015, with Vietnam, India and Cambodia claiming second, third and fourth respectively.
South East Asia has dominated the top five for the past several years, with Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia placing in the top four places since 2011.
Indonesia has reclaimed its top five position, having lost out to the UAE in 2015.
Again, something that is not too surprising considering its popularity among backpackers and featuring high on traveller’s bucket lists.
South Africa too managed to work its way closer to the top, no doubt thanks in part to the increasing value of the Rand, making it a destination that is not only beautiful but great value for money.
The most popular destinations for Irish travellers, who attended Tropical Medical Bureau’s clinics around Ireland, in 2016 were as follows:
1. Thailand
2. Vietnam
3. India
4. Cambodia
5. Indonesia
6. South Africa
7. Brazil
8. Peru
9. UAE
10. Malaysia
Dr Graham Fry, Medical Director of Tropical Medical Bureau, commented on the survey.
“Year on year Thailand has proved increasingly popular with Irish tourists, and with Irish students and groups in their early twenties in particular,” he said.
“To no great surprise Brazil also worked its way up the list, no doubt thanks to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games taking place last year.”
Andrew Lewis, CEO of Tropical Medical Bureau explained how the survey works.
“Our results are based on the 30,000 travellers that came through the 20 TMB clinics nationwide during 2016,” he said.
“The footfall that we see during the year in all of our clinics gives us a great insight into the most popular destinations, as well as the reason for the rise or fall in popularity for certain destinations.”
For further information or to book an appointment, contact the Tropical Medical Bureau on 1850-487674 or visit www.tmb.ie.