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 – or 90 million people – 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.
“A 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,†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 “safety†as a consideration in opting for group travel.
“n fact, some companies report anywhere from 20% to 40% of their guests — both men and women – as solo, either traveling on their own or meeting up with a friend or family member,†according to USTOA.
Many travelers join tours because of the built-in benefit of meeting other people.
“Our experience has shown that even more important than the cost savings is the companionship consideration,†said John Stachnik, USTOA’s vice chairman.
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