BRITISH AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES THE TOP TEN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2010

Delhi Among BA’s Top 10 Destinations to Visit in the New Year - The Main Attraction Being “The 2010 Commonwealth Games”

Mumbai, December 22, 2009: To help travellers plan well and visit destinations that are going to be top of the travelling agenda for 2010, insider experts from leading global premium airline British Airways have selected their top 10 destinations for the year ahead.

Landmark sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will influence the travel calendar. A growing trend towards eco-tourism puts Stockholm on the map, while Istanbul is expected to be one of the most visited European destinations in recognition of its recent title of ‘European City Of Culture’.

On Delhi making it to the Top Ten list, Judy Jarvis, British Airways, regional commercial manager, South Asia said: "In December this year, British Airways completed 80 years of flying to the sub-continent and there has never been a better time to visit India. Next year marks the first time India will host the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and with 45 weekly flights to five destinations, we offer an unrivalled service."

“Customers recognise that there’s a world of opportunity out there – from tiger safaris in India, to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the bright lights of Las Vegas. We anticipate an increase in visitors to these most happening destinations worldwide. “

British Airways’ top 10 list for 2010 comprises the following destinations:

1. Delhi, India

Thanks to the growing trend for ‘tiger safari’, nearby destinations Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanha National Park provide another reason to get off the beaten track and visit Delhi in 2010. The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be a huge attraction, with Delhi playing first time host to the games.

1. Cape Town, South Africa

Nearly half a million supporters are expected to visit South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June. With Cape Town home to stunning beaches, mountains, vineyards and the Cape Town Stadium, it’s sure to be a popular base for fans.

Sue Botes, British Airways’ commercial manager in South Africa, says: “Cape Town has always been a popular destination, we expect the World Cup to push it to the top of the long haul league table as the best place to be in 2010. We are already preparing for the event and have additional flights in place, as well as our local carrier Comair to connect fans to destinations around the republic.”

1. Istanbul, Turkey

As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is Europe’s hotspot in the New Year. Offering great value for money and a huge variety of things to see and do - from beaches and bazaars to the breathtaking Bosphorus. Secret music gigs, rooftop bars and underground clubs dominate the social scene for the party-hard locals.

1. Las Vegas, USA

The film ‘The Hangover’ has rekindled our love affair with the entertainment capital of the world. Not just a haven for partying – Las Vegas is firmly established as a family friendly destination with everyone from U2 to Cirque de Soleil performing on the famous strip. BA’s newly launched route now means greater connectivity to the bright lights and glamour of America’s most iconic swinging city.

1. Vancouver, Canada

Already a must-go destination for skiing and snowboarding, it’s no surprise that Canada will play host to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March.

British Airways athlete Zoe Gillings is the UK’s number one snowboarder and hopes to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Zoe said: “Vancouver is one of best all-year round destinations for snowboarding and Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is one of my favourite spots to train.”

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is one of the emerging destinations for holidaymakers in the New Year, with tour operators and industry experts citing local beaches as ‘the most stunning in the Caribbean’. Known for its golf and spa facilities, the island is one of the best-kept property secrets in recent times. Boasting a five-mile oceanfront, local hangout Cap Cana is rumoured to be the new playground for the rich and famous.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Croatia offers privacy and tranquility making it a popular hideout for the jet set, including recent visitors Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

Mirjana Dostal, British Airways commercial manager for Croatia, said: “Dubrovnik holds many attractions and delightful boutiques, with each corner of the city offering a unique experience. However its cluster of private islands have made this a new favourite destination for Hollywood A-Listers to get-away."

1. New York, USA

New York has always been hip, but the New Year will give us yet more excuses to plan a trip. Due for theatrical release in 2010 are two film sequels celebrating Manhattan - ‘Sex and the City 2’ and Oliver Stone’s ‘Wall Street 2’…. apt timing for BA’s new 32-seat business-class only service from London City Airport to New York.

1. Stockholm, Sweden

Regularly voted one of the best cities in the world to live in, Stockholm has become the model city for others to follow. Europe’s epicenter of biodiversity and ecology will celebrate its official title of ‘European Green Capital’ in 2010, making it a popular choice for eco-tourists.

1. The Maldives

Set in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise will be one of the hottest destinations for holidaymakers and honeymooners in 2010. Collections of coral reefs boast unrivalled facilities for diving, while the picture postcard beaches offer chill-out bliss to the maximum.

For further information, please contact the British Airways press office:

Dirk Lewis or Nalini Neha, Fleishman Hillard Mumbai: telephone +91 022-4077-9103

About British Airways

British Airways has a worldwide route network that covers more than 150 destinations in 75 countries.

In August 2009, British Airways celebrated its 90th anniversary. The airline has carried more than 1.2 billion customers on its extensive network, and is recognised as one of the world’s elite carriers. It is one of the world's largest international airlines carrying approximately 36 million passengers around the world every year.

British Airways has been flying to India for 80 years and currently operates 45 flights a week from London Heathrow to five cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. British Airways operates flights to India from London Heathrow’s state-of-the-art Terminal 5 which opened on March 27, 2008 and is exclusive to the airline's customers and is capable of handling 30 million customers a year.

In September 2009, British Airways was awarded the Best European Airline by readers of Business Traveller at the 18th Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards.

For further information on British Airways visit ba.com