Riviera Travel Spotlights Four Overlooked Destinations
The tour operator highlights South Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Botswana alongside a new £99 deposit offer on selected long-haul departures.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Travel — General
Riviera Travel has showcased four destinations it calls 'Cinderella' options: South Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Botswana. Trade revenue across the four has risen 63% year-on-year, and trade passenger numbers are up 54% for 2027 departures.
Why it matters
Travellers are increasingly looking beyond the best-known destinations, and the figures show rising demand for alternatives to better-known long-haul options. The move signals where agents and operators see growth next.
Trade revenue across the four destinations is up 63% year-on-year, with South Korea's 2027 trade passenger numbers rising 88%. The offer applies to selected 2027 and 2028 long-haul departures, with no absolute passenger totals disclosed.
The players
Riviera Travel
A UK-based tour operator that offers escorted and independent holidays to older travellers and publishes its own destination offers.
The details
Riviera Travel released the list alongside a £99 deposit offer on selected 2027 and 2028 long-haul departures. The operator presents the destinations as alternatives to better-known neighbours such as Japan and Thailand, and has added a new Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari and Cape Town itinerary departing from 2028.
Timeline
2027: departures for which the trade passenger growth figures are reported.
2028: start of the new Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari and Cape Town itinerary.
Travel Outlook
The four featured destinations are positioned as winter-sun and long-haul alternatives to Thailand and South Africa, reflecting a shift in UK demand toward less familiar routes. Operator-reported growth in 2027 bookings suggests that trend is being priced into forward sales.
The £99 deposit applies only to selected 2027 and 2028 long-haul departures, so travellers should check which dates qualify before booking. Those planning winter trips should compare the new options against familiar routes on price and flight time.
The takeaway
Travellers seeking something different can find strong value in less crowded long-haul routes, but early bookings and deposit terms matter. Comparing departure dates and inclusions before committing will help avoid surprises.
Further reading
For more on emerging long-haul options, explore Travel — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Weekly UK.
