05 June 2008

Operators trying to solve single traveler dilemma

A growing number of companies are catering to single travelers with features such as Guaranteed Shares, a solo traveler can avoid the single supplement by sharing a room, according to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Over 40% of American adults Ã¢â¬' or 90 million people Ã¢â¬' are single, according to US Census Bureau figures. Of these, nearly 35 million have taken a vacation by themselves in the past three years, reports the Travel Industry Association.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœA USTOA survey revealed that more than 60% of responding members offer guaranteed shares. Another 25% of USTOA tour operators report waiving single supplements for some tours, or offering single-room rates,Ã¢â¬~ said the association.

On select cruise tours, too, some companies offer single travelers cabin accommodations with no single supplement on a space-available basis.
Traveling on a group tour is a convenient solution for many single travelers. In a consumer poll conducted for USTOA, 45% of women cited Ã¢â¬ÅâœsafetyÃ¢â¬~ as a consideration in opting for group travel.

Ã¢â¬Åâœn fact, some companies report anywhere from 20% to 40% of their guests -- both men and women Ã¢â¬' as solo, either traveling on their own or meeting up with a friend or family member,Ã¢â¬~ according to USTOA.

Many travelers join tours because of the built-in benefit of meeting other people.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœOur experience has shown that even more important than the cost savings is the companionship consideration,Ã¢â¬~ said John Stachnik, USTOAÃ¢â¬â¢s vice chairman.

by David Wilkening