The combination of a global downturn, huge public sector cuts, plus the volcanic ash cloud made 2010 one of the toughest years in travel and tourism history. But there’s light at the end of the austerity tunnel with 2011 set to see a surge in travel. BTN takes a look at the destinations most likely to prosper.

Value outside Eurozone
Two of the biggest winners during the financial crisis were Turkey and Egypt – mid-haul destinations that offered cash-strapped customers sun, great beaches, quality hotels all for considerably less than in Eurozone.

Although the Turkish lira is stronger than it was, the country’s incredible beaches and luxury hotels, including the Mardan Palace, will ensure a continued stream of discerning travellers.

(The spectacular Mardan Palace - voted “World’s Leading Luxury Hotel” at 2010 World Travel Awards)

Egypt is also expected to do well, despite recent negative press related to the Red Sea shark attacks. The North African nation offers all the ingredients to appeal a range of tastes and ages. From the culture and history of Luxor, Cairo and Nile Cruises, to classic beach holidays in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt is set for a bumper 2011.

To coincide with Egypt’s rapid rise, World Mobi has launched Cairo.Mobi, the latest in this illustrious line up of city guides, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the World Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

(Spearheading the luxury stakes, Egypt’s Royal Savoy, Sharm-El-Sheikh)

World.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

The country is also playing host to the World Travel Awards 2011 Africa Ceremony when the who’s who of travel will meet in Sharm-El-Sheikh to battle it out for the highest accolade in travel.

Heading to the southern tip of the continent, South Africa is also expected to continue reaping the rewards of an incredible FIFA 2010 World Cup, in particular the City of Gold, Johannesburg.

Cheryl Cole is celebrating the New Year in Cape Town, in a £3,000-a-night luxury seaside villa near Table Mountain with her close friend, Derek Hough.

The Girls Aloud singer was determined to shake off the demons of her visit to Tanzania with the Dancing With the Stars dancer earlier this year when she contracted malaria.

(Cape Town: basking in World Cup glory)

According to sources, the American dancer did his research before he booked the five-star break to check that the insects in Cape Town had a low risk of transmitting the deadly disease. For the lowdown on Cape Town visit CapeTown.Mobi, the ultimate guide to the city that has it all.

Thailand
According to a survey by Tripadvisor, two-thirds of Britons are planning at least one long-haul holiday in 2011, as they become financially more confident.

The USA is expected to dominate holiday bookings, while Thailand is a hot favourite after a bumper year in 2010, with the likes of Phuket offering paradise beaches and strong local culture.

(Bangkok is strengthening its standing as a tourism winner by hosting the World Travel Awards next September)

Thailand’s Sport Tourism is also expecting a bumper year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed earlier this year that golf will be one of the focus sectors for its 2011 marketing strategy.  TAT will highlight the country’s world-class golf courses via its “Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise” campaign. While Thailand will market its courses and playing facilities, one area of sports tourism where the country is particularly thriving is in the golf MICE sector.

In 2011 Thailand will host at least six golf industry conferences and exhibitions including the 2011 Asian Golf Tourism Forum, the 2011 Asia Pacific Golf Summit and the 2011 Asia Pacific Golf Industry Show.

(Golf is taking off in Thailand in a big way)

Thailand will also play host to the WSDE Sport Tourism Expo in Bangkok from 27-30 September 2011. The annual exhibition aims to present the future business deals and source new contacts and markets, but also to gain invaluable insights from the advanced knowledge of market leaders.

To mark the event, World Mobi is launching Bangkok.Mobi, the ultimate guide to the exhiliarating capital.

Brazil
Brazil is set to reap further rewards in the build-up to hosting the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 - and new visitors from across the world are predicted as improving capacity from the likes of TAP Portugal makes the huge nation more accessible. Peru is also hitting the headlines as it celebrates the centenary of Machu Picchu’s re-discovery in 2011.

(For everything you need to know marvellous city whilst on the go visit Rio.Mobi)

British Airways is increasing its flights to Mexico to cope with demand for Caribbean beach holidays, as well as more trips to the country’s interior - where luxury hotels are popping up in historic cities like San Miguel de Allende.

The Middle East
The Middle East will continue to grow market share, led by Abu Dhabi and its growing array of phenomenal attractions such as Ferrari World.

The world’s first Ferrari theme park opened in autumn, and features 20 ground-breaking attractions, including the world’s fastest roller coaster – the Formula Rossa, which emulates the feel of a Formula One ride, travelling at speeds of up to 150 mph in less than five seconds.

(In a class of its own, the phenomenal Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi)

Sitting under a roof designed in the style of the classic double-curve body shell of a Ferrari GT car, Ferrari World covers more than 200,000 square metres.

Ferrari World and the GP circuit are just two of a dazzling array of new features being created on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, which was voted “World’s Leading Tourism Development Project” at the 2010 World Travel Awards.

Meanwhile in May Abu Dhabi picked up “Middle East’s Leading Destination” and “Middle East’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign” at the World Travel Awards 2010 Middle East Ceremony.

(The Armani Hotel Dubai has set a new precedent for luxury not just in the Middle East but worldwide)

Dubai’s recovery is also set to continue as the emirate continues to set new standards for luxury hospitality and innovation through developments such as the Armani Hotel).

Syria is also tipped to become a new hotspot, following a 49 percent growth in tourism arrival in 2010 compared with the previous year, according to ABTA. Tourists are finally discovering the spectacular ancient cities of Damascus and Aleppo. Good food and welcoming locals make it a great all-round destination for adventurers.

Neighbouring Jordan is also set to hit the big time in 2011, with easyJet launching its longest-ever route to the capital Amman.

Lebanon is also enjoying a tourism revival following decade of civil strife. Beirut, the capital, is a city of Mediterranean glamour, yet is also close to skiable mountains. Luxury hotels like the Le Royal offer five-star luxury in bundles.