Travel news roundup: Three pieces of hot travel news.
ON THE GROUND
Boot-camp resorts and stargazing are among today's hottest travel trends, according to Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism at Euromonitor International. She told delegates to the World Travel Market in London that "deprivation holidays and boot camps are all the rage in North America." Meanwhile, South Africa is taking full advantage of its clear, star-filled skies. The country is focusing on astronomy and space tourism and many hotels now offer in-room telescopes and astronomy courses.
IN THE ROOM
Getting frisky for a freebie: A Swedish porn king has visions of building 100 sex-themed, five-star hotels around the world with rooms available for free. The only catch is that guests' sexual exploits would be broadcast live over the Web. Berth Milton Jr. predicts a single hotel could bring in $43.8-million a year in online subscription fees. "Imagine how they were laughing at Steve Jobs and Bill Gates when they came up with their own ideas," he says. It remains to be seen whether he's serious or just talking dirty.
OUT AND ABOUT
Have pride, will travel: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travellers could pump $142-billion into the world's tourism economy in 2011, according to preliminary results of a survey by Out Now Consulting. The United States, with spending of $45.1-billion annually, is ranked as the largest market. Canada, as a country, comes 10th. But as individuals Canadians rank third in tourism spending after Australia and France. Complete survey results will be released in January.
Sources: New York Post, The Canadian Press, Travel Industry Wire
Special to The Globe and Mail