Travel website TripAdvisor has released a list of the fastest growing tourists destinations in Europe which at first glance may be a little baffling.
Taking into account that TripAdvisor has devised this list by looking into how many times someone searched for accomodation in each of the destinations it becomes clear that several of these places are probably on people's mind because of the London Olympics this summer. In fact, only two of the top ten on the list come from outside the United Kingdom.
There are a couple of places here that are genuinely lovely vacation locations, but one thing we can guarantee is that you will have difficulty guessing number one.
Here the fastest growing vacation destinations in Europe
#10 - Hounslow, Middlesex, United Kingdom
According to the town's website, the suburban town of Hounslow, situated just outside the City of London, has a wealth of cultural and artistic activities. Particular attractions are its theatre and its art studio housed inside an old Victorian house.
But, most people are probably checking it out to find accommodation for next summer's Olympics — the area is very close to London's Heathrow Airport.
#9 - Warminster, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
A quaint, country side town, Warminster is a historical outpost in the British West Country.
The nearest large city being Bristol, Warminster has roots going back to Anglo-Saxon times and is renowned for country-style accommodation and camping facilities.
#8 - Warrington, Chesire, United Kingdom
This town in England's North East is home to Rugby League club Warrington Wolves. The club, founded in the late 1800s was one of the pioneers in helping forge the sport of Rugby League.
The town also boasts some nice architecture from the Victorian era.
#7 - Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Named after the willow trees that line the river running through the city, Salford's own city council admits that the metropolis has only been considered a tourist destination in recent times having previously been associated with urban sprawl and poverty in the 19th and early 20th century.
#6 - Yalta, Ukraine
The first destination on the list outside of the UK. This seaside town on the Crimean Peninsular was once home to writer Anton Chekhov and it's easy to see why with its steep mountain peaks and historical architecture.
#5 - Brandon, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Back to the UK with Brandon in Suffolk.
Another small country town, it is surrounded by forests. Despite its relative remoteness, the town still suffered during the Second World War, when it was attacked by German bombers and machine gunners.
#4 - Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Home to the historic Tamworth castle this town is also home to the SnowDome, England's first indoor ski slope.
The town is also near to one of the UK's largest theme parks, Drayton Manor.
#3 - Trafford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Famed for being the location of Manchester United's soccer ground, Old Trafford, as well as a test cricket venue with the same name, Trafford may be able to attribute its rise in popularity to the fact that some of the Olympic soccer will be hosted there this summer.
#2 - Valras-Plage, France
As its name suggests this French town is a pleasant beach resort situated in between Perpignon and Montpellier in the South of France
#1 - Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom
East London town Ilford tops the list and again it's probably due to the Olympic games coming to London this summer.
London 2012 Summer Olympics Games
According to the town's website, heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are from Ilford, as is treasure British actor Maggie Smith. The website also mentions that two trains full of nuclear waste pass through the town twice every week. Nice.
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