Paris named trendiest honeymoon destination

A cliché it may be, but Paris has still been voted the number one city for honeymoon destinations.

A survey conducted by IIR Middle East, organizers of the Bride Show Abu Dhabi and the Bride Show Dubai, the largest bridal exhibitions in the Middle East, demonstrates that 48 per cent of their visitors feel that the trendiest post-nuptial locale is Europe. One out of two individuals chose either France or Italy to visit after their big day; with cities like Paris, Venice, Rome and Milan on offer it is not hard to understand.

A quarter of the respondents swapped these majestic cities for more exotic locations and choose Asia as their preferred honeymoon spot. Of those who fancy crystalline waters and amber sunsets, the Maldives was the most favored (32 per cent) followed by Malaysia (20 per cent).

The Middle East shared third place (along with North America) as the ideal region to start married life. Within Middle East destinations, the UAE holds its own as the number one chosen destination with a whopping 39 per cent of respondents choosing it, beating Turkey (21 per cent) and its Aegean coastline. This is hardly surprising considering all the UAE has to offer with its luxury hotels, relaxing spas, exemplary customer service and world renowned shopping.

"The results are really indicative of how cosmopolitan UAE couples are," says Daphne Cota, Exhibition Manager of The Bride Show, IIR Middle East.

"It also shows how the UAE offers a wide variety of destinations for wedding receptions and honeymoons. The Bride Show Abu Dhabi and The Bride Show Dubai provide vital information for couples to plan their perfect wedding and honeymoon."

Travel agents and tour operators offering tailor-made and luxury honeymoon packages are just one service provided at the prestigious bridal exhibitions. There will be more than 400 regional and international exhibitors participating, showcasing everything a bride-to-be needs to plan and organize that very special day.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi takes place from 5 to 8 February 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The Bride Show Dubai takes place from 23 to 26 April 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Center.