Baby Boomers spur group travel spurt
Water-oriented vacations and niche travel are the top picks for packaged travel in 2007, according to a member survey conducted by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
Attesting to the popularity of river and waterway cruises, 33% of USTOA survey respondents reported a plus 40% increase in their river touring programs for 2006 compared to 2005; another 40% saw
increases of 10-15%.
Other popular tours included cruising, river trips and visiting inland waterways, according to the survey.
When asked what type of special interest travel is hottest, culinary and wine tasting placed first. For soft adventure, outdoor experiences such as African safaris and luxury camping in the Australian Outback topped the list.
“People today are looking for more than just sightseeing. They want to indulge their passions, whether it be food, wine, or the outdoors. They want adventure and they want to learn. However they want comfort with their adventure,” said Bob Whitley, USTOA President.
He predicted special interest travel in small groups will have the highest growth this year, followed by combination escorted tours with free time and flexibility built in.
Looking longer term to the next five years, survey results predicted that the escorted tour with a modern twist — free time and flexibility– will have the highest growth, followed by special interest and
small group travel. Independent packages came in as third most popular in both short and long-term growth projections.
“A few years ago we would have seen independent packages in first place. However, as tours have become more creative and specialized we are seeing growing interest in this area, and a possible maturing of the independent package market,” said Mr Whitley.
The shift in touring preferences is largely driven by the Baby Boomer population, he added.
“Their demands are shifting. Baby boomers want group travel that matches their specific needs and interests; they love the idea of soft adventure; and they want to travel in smaller groups. They also want more free time, flexibility and some independence,” he said.
Baby Boomers represent the single largest market for tours and packages.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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