Mintel findings
Package holiday market still ‘huge’
The decline of the package has been exaggerated, although the market has stagnated compared with an overall rise of 13% in overseas leisure travel.
Med packages down against independent travel
Sales of packages to traditional Mediterranean resorts and cities fell 14% in the four years to 2007, while independent travel to the same destinations rose 17%.
Travel faces ‘Aldi effect’
This year will be tougher for travel than 2008 and the trade should prepare for consumers to trade down.
Web is number one for travel research
The web has usurped the role of the travel agent and replaced the brochure as the key channel for holiday research, says Mintel.
‘Bedrock of demand’ for travel agents
The decline of the agent appears to have been exaggerated alongside the fall of the package holiday.
Staple products winning out over ‘flexibility’
Agents have failed to move away from selling traditional products despite much-touted moves to offer consumers greater flexibility.
Graphs: Package vs independent travel
