They've fallen out of favour

Between 2001 and 2003, international events - such as terrorist attacks and health crises - put the brakes on business travel, which was limited to what was strictly necessary. Companies have learned to live with this new situation and to develop a risk management policy. As a result, they have abandoned certain destinations, such as Turkey and Egypt, which were considered to be too exposed, despite their attractive hotel offer.

On the other hand, it was disappointment rather than insecurity that affected the Baltic countries, despite their promise. "There was a great deal of interest in these destinations, which were benefiting from the novelty effect, but the service did not follow," explains Marion Gauthier of Radisson SAS.

As for the Gulf States and China, where the sheer size and quality of property developments regularly make the headlines, they attract the curious but have not really caught their attention, because they are not only too far away but also too expensive.