• 9 Thailand 6.7 growth. Sensational food, knockout beaches, thick jungle and affordable luxury are just some of the things maintaining Thailand’s appeal even amid political trouble.
    9 Thailand 6.7 growth. Sensational food, knockout beaches, thick jungle and affordable luxury are just some of the things maintaining Thailand’s appeal even amid political trouble.
  • 8 Cambodia 6.9% growth. From the temples of Angkor to relatively unspoilt beaches and a fascinating if bloody history, Cambodia offers everything a traveller to Asia could want. Heng Sinith / AP photo
    8 Cambodia 6.9% growth. From the temples of Angkor to relatively unspoilt beaches and a fascinating if bloody history, Cambodia offers everything a traveller to Asia could want. Heng Sinith / AP photo
  • 7 Myanmar 6.9% growth. Myanmar, now mostly referred to as Myanmar, has experienced a steady growth in tourism numbers since Aung San Su Kyi was released from house arrest in 2011. Soe Zeya Tun/ Reuters
    7 Myanmar 6.9% growth. Myanmar, now mostly referred to as Myanmar, has experienced a steady growth in tourism numbers since Aung San Su Kyi was released from house arrest in 2011. Soe Zeya Tun/ Reuters
  • 6 Gabon 7.3% growth. A small west African country with a population of just 1.6 million, Gabon boasts numerous national parks and has been a relative oasis of stability in the region. iStock photo
    6 Gabon 7.3% growth. A small west African country with a population of just 1.6 million, Gabon boasts numerous national parks and has been a relative oasis of stability in the region. iStock photo
  • 5 China 7.3% growth. One of the world’s oldest civilisations, China offers everything from ancient artefacts to ultra-modern cities, with varied landscapes and fantastic food to match.
    5 China 7.3% growth. One of the world’s oldest civilisations, China offers everything from ancient artefacts to ultra-modern cities, with varied landscapes and fantastic food to match.
  • 4 Angola 7.3 % growth. Recently emerged from a 40-year civil war, Angola is now rebuilding, but it’s an expensive country to visit thanks to the budgets of expatriates and businessmen.
    4 Angola 7.3 % growth. Recently emerged from a 40-year civil war, Angola is now rebuilding, but it’s an expensive country to visit thanks to the budgets of expatriates and businessmen.
  • 3 Zambia 7.3% growth. For those who have already ‘done’ South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, Zambia is appealing to travellers looking for a less developed, more ‘raw’ experience. Stephane De Sakutin / AFP photo
    3 Zambia 7.3% growth. For those who have already ‘done’ South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, Zambia is appealing to travellers looking for a less developed, more ‘raw’ experience. Stephane De Sakutin / AFP photo
  • 2 Montenegro 8.6% growth. Featured this week in Travel on page 13, Montenegro is enjoying a fruitful tourism boom following the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, attracting foreign investment.
    2 Montenegro 8.6% growth. Featured this week in Travel on page 13, Montenegro is enjoying a fruitful tourism boom following the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, attracting foreign investment.
  • 1 Namibia — 9.1 % growth. Primarily a desert country, Namibia boasts striking landscapes and is growing in popularity as a safe yet interesting adventure holiday destination in Africa.
    1 Namibia — 9.1 % growth. Primarily a desert country, Namibia boasts striking landscapes and is growing in popularity as a safe yet interesting adventure holiday destination in Africa.

In pictures: Top 10 holiday hot spots based on tourism growth

James Ohara

July 03, 2014

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A look at the top 10 holiday hot spots based on data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, which projects countries' annual tourism growth rates as a percentage of GDP. Click here to see the complete top 50 list.

Central AsiaChinaThailandAngola