With the global economy recovering quicker than expected over the second half of 2010 tourism insiders have begun to express cautious optimism as they look to 2011.

With the Dreamliner setting the pace in the aviation sector, a number of hotels will be competing for savvy connoisseurs from around the world – with London expected to be at the cutting edge as leading brands position themselves ahead of the Olympic Games in 2012.

Following strong growth over the past 12 months a number of cruise lines will see new vessels take to the water this year, while the royal wedding in Great Britain is likely to prove another highlight.

Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at what we can expect from the next 12 months.

Dreamliner

The aviation event of the year is sure to be the launch of the Boeing Dreamliner.

While the project has been delayed for more than two years, Boeing has seen interest in the project balloon, with over 800 orders now in place for the new aircraft.

Naturally the majority of these are for charter carriers. However, Boeing intriguingly revealed recently 12 were for private customers. So, anybody with roughly $200 million should join the queue now to buy their very own Boeing 787.

Able to carry 210-250 passengers on routes of up to 8,200 nautical miles, Boeing hopes the Dreamliner will allow it to seize the commercial initiative back from rival Airbus.

Boeing’s long-awaited Dreamliner is expected to take to the skies in 2011

Designed for point-to-point schedules the Dreamliner is being sold as the most efficient aircraft ever, providing airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance.

The airplane – which will be 50 per cent made from composite materials - will use 20 per cent less fuel than contemporary similarly sized aircraft. 

Boeing is still finalising the delivery schedule for the first Dreamliners, but insiders hope to see takeoff in the first half of the year.

Hotels

London will host the Olympics in 2012 with a number of international brands setting up new properties, or renovating existing locations, ahead of the expected influx of visitors.

Undoubtedly the most exciting is the Midland Grand Hotel adjoining St Pancras train station in Kings Cross.

Originally designed by George Gilbert Scott and opened in 1876, the neo-Gothic structure has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, reopening as the in early 2011.

When complete it will have 244 bedrooms, two restaurants, bars, a health and leisure centre, a ballroom, 20 meeting and function rooms, and 67 private apartments and penthouses.

The Renaissance Marriott hotel in St Pancras will open ahead of the 2012 Olympics

Mint Hotel Tower of London will also be opening in the first half of the year, while the Four Seasons Heron Tower is due to open in March 2011 in the tallest building in the City of London.

But it is not just London which will be celebrating next year. In New York the Nolitan will welcome its first quests in February.

The luxury boutique hotel sits just north of Little Italy and offers 55 beech and concrete rooms, a rooftop sundeck, free use of bicycles and skateboards and a later than expected 14:00 check-out time.

Soho and Greenwich Village are also within walking distance.

Although it strictly opened in December 2010, Paris’s new Shangri-La hotel is likely to be one of the most in demand destinations over the coming year.

The 81 rooms pay tribute to the heritage of this 1896 former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte – many also have stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.

This will be the group’s first venture into Europe, with prices starting at an eye watering €750 per night.

Finally, in the Caribbean, Buccament Bay Resort, from Harlequin Hotels & Resorts aims to redefine luxury for the region.

On offer is an unrivalled standard of service for guests and an excellent range of facilities, which will include the Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Liverpool Football Club Soccer School, The Spa with treatments by ESPA, and a Harlequin Performing Arts Academy

There will also be several other bars and restaurants, sitting alongside a Little Harlequins Kids Club and Diving & Watersports Centre.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry in April 2011

Royal Wedding

Breaking Travel News has already looked at the sporting highlights holidaymakers can expect to 2011, while also assessing which are likely to be the hot new tourist hotspots next year.

But towering over both is the excitement generated by the royal wedding in the United Kingdom. With Prince William having proposed to Kate Middleton late last year, the date for the wedding has been set for April 29th.

Thousands of visitors are expected to head to London on and around the big day, with hotels owners expecting a surge in demand. A select few will be able to get into Westminster Abbey for the service, while thousands of well-wishers are expected to line the streets in the hope of catching a glimpse of the happy couple.

Disney Dream will set sail in 2011

Cruising into 2011

At sea, a host of new cruise ships are expected to launch in 2011, with Disney Dream among the first.

The new vessel, which will home port in Port Canaveral, will offer a host of cruises around the Bahamas following its launch in January. Some 4,000 passengers will be welcomed for each voyage.

Carnival Magic is also expected to receive her first guests in early May, bringing the total number of vessels operated by Carnival Cruise Lines to 23.

The second Dream-class vessel, Carnival Magic will offer seven to 12-day cruises departing from Barcelona for the summer of 2011.

Celebrity Cruises will also debut the Celebrity Silhouette as the fourth Solstice-class cruise ship.

Insiders estimate the inaugural sailing will take place in July 2011, departing from Hamburg, Germany and bound for Civitavecchia, Italy.