United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Online sales soar
ONLINE travel sales in western Europe rocketed by more than 40% during 2003 – with another significant jump expected this year, according to new research.
The UK again led the way by capturing a 39% share, unchanged from 2002, followed by Germany with 21% and France 11%. Total sales in the region hit £7.4 billion, a 43% rise, and accounted for 5.2% of the worldwide market.
The data, compiled by the Denmark-based Centre for Regional and Tourism Research, said the trend would continue at pace.
In his report, senior researcher Carl H Marcussen said: “We predict the western Europe online travel market could grow by 29% to this year and by 2006 could be worth £13.4 billion.”
Predictably, air travel was again the main driver although its share dropped slightly from 59.2% in 2002 to 57.6%. Hotel bookings increased from 14.4% to a little under 16% with packages accounting for 13.3%, a slight increase on 2002.
The report said one of the trends was a slowing down of the no frills share.
“The advent of no frills airlines, not least in the UK, was an important driver behind the increase in the UK online travel market,” it said.
“But as they reach a ceiling in terms of the percentage of seats sold online they can no longer expand their online sales as quickly as they had been.”
Related News Stories:
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled