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Independent travel on the increase
The number of independent travellers is on the increase according to Independent Traveller’s World (ITW).
In a recent survey* carried out by ITW, nearly half (44%) of people considered themselves to be independent travellers. These people select individual elements from various operators and tailor their holiday – rather than booking a package holiday.
The number of people using travel agents down to 28% from 56% in the same survey last year.
Independent Traveller’s World 2002 spokesperson Ms Sarah Ottoson said: “Travel is no different to any other business – people are demanding a more individual and tailored approach.
Independent Traveller’s World 2002, 22-24 February, is taking place at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
“In this the ‘Year of International Eco Tourism’ and, with more people tending to travel and travel more often, the theme we have chosen for this year’s Show is ‘responsible travel’ – where the cultural and environmental impacts will be highlighted,” said Ms Ottoson.
This theme will be the focus of the expert talks programme and the feature areas at the show where topics relate to responsible travel will be in the spotlight, for example: ‘safety when travelling alone’, ‘environmentally friendly travel’ and ‘self development – gap years for adults’.
*Statistics taken from an independent survey commissioned by ITW with a sample size of 300, surveys were distributed in travel shops and leisure centres across London. Respondents were aged between 18 and 45.
Read the full results of the survey.
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