Mid and Long-Haul Winners for 2011: Dubai, Cape Verde & the USA

LONDON, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Dubai recovers, Cape Verde takes on the Canaries, and Florida and New York see strong traveller demand, reports HomeAway.co.uk

Dubai's property market saw a steady improvement towards the end of last year, according to HomeAway.co.uk, the UK's number one holiday rentals website. Figures released today by the company position it as the top performing market in 2011 in terms of inventory growth on its website, with a 68% year-on-year increase in holiday rental listings. It seems property investors are returning to the Emirate following widespread market and infrastructure improvements during the last year.

Another hot mid-haul market, Cape Verde entered the top ten holiday destinations for the first time. With an increase in hotels, charter flights and package holidays over the last few years, they have become a strong rival to the Canaries for those looking for a winter sun retreat. On HomeAway.co.uk they were the fifth most popular destination for booking enquiries between October and December 2011. This also supports recent figures from Skyscanner, which place Cape Verde third on the list of emerging destinations.

Another of the most popular destinations for holidays during the fourth quarter on HomeAway.co.uk was Florida, a long-standing second home favourite with Brits, which saw a 21% increase in the number of booking enquiries compared to 2010. This popularity is expected to continue in 2012, as Universal Studios and Walt Disney add new attractions to entice even more visitors. Given the current low price of real estate, property experts are hinting that now is the time to purchase a home in Florida, as there are signs the low prices may be soon set to change.

Also over in the USA, New York performed particularly well, with a 54% increase in the number of booking enquiries in 2011 compared to 2010. The city was the sixth most popular destination between October and December on HomeAway.co.uk, as Brits evidently took advantage of favourable exchange rates and tax-free shopping on items under $110. The city is consistently among the top performing cities on the website year-round.

Andy Cockburn, Regional Director for HomeAway UK comments, "For those looking for an alternative to Europe for property investment, these mid to long haul markets provide good opportunities. Not only can properties at attractive prices still be found, but they have strong rental potential too. Dubai saw a definite recovery in 2011, Cape Verde is easier to access than ever before, and Florida and New York have enduring appeal."

Read the full HomeAway.co.uk report here

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SOURCE HomeAway.co.uk