Riviera research reveals surge in solo women travellers

Ahead of International Women's Day (March 8) Riviera Travel is urging agents to tap into the growth of solo travel for women by highlighting the benefits of escorted tours.

The touring and cruise specialist recently surveyed 2,000 Brits and found 39% of over-55s have travelled solo, and a further 31% would consider a solo trip.

When women were asked about their reasons for travelling alone, 41% said they enjoy their own company and 33% want to challenge themselves to do something new.

Women over 55 are also adventurous, looking to experience different cultures (40%), visit unusual destinations (30%) and stay away from the tourist trail (25%).

On Riviera Travel's dedicated solos holidays, 77% of customers are women.

The research and booking data from Riviera both show a marked rise in female solo travel over recent years, especially for those aged 55 or more.

In 2019, 11% of the operator's 2019 bookings were female solo travellers, up from 6% in 2015.

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Rachel Pillsbury, head of insight at Riviera Travel, commented: "At Riviera Travel, we are seeing a huge increase in women travelling solo and this is definitely a trend that travel agents can tap into – highlighting the benefits of solo travel to clients.

"A solo travel tour is an excellent way to experience independence while enjoying the security of a dedicated tour manager, and the option to meet and socialise with like-minded people.”

She added: "Women are telling us that solo travel is helping them feel independent, free and confident while offering them a new and exciting way to explore the world.”

Riviera Travel is tapping into trend by adding two new holidays for single travellers – an escorted tour in Russia and a Danube river cruise.

The seven-day St Petersburg & Moscow for Solo Travellers costs from £1,759.

It includes guided visits to Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg, and the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow.

The eight-day Blue Danube for Solo Travellers escorted holiday costs from £1,829.

Both include flights.

Find out more about the research from Riviera on the operator's blog.