Latest Youth Travel Trends Revealed at ITB-Berlin 2010

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 18, 2010 -
“The recession has fuelled demand for international travel experiences that add value to young peoples’ lives and CVs. Language travel, volunteering and pursuing an education in other countries are experiences that are increasingly important to employers and universities. This high demand has helped the youth & student travel market to remain resilient throughout the recession” says David Jones, Director General of WYSE Travel Confederation.    

“Final figures from our Youth Travel Industry Monitor reveal that the youth travel industry was down a marginal 0.3% in 2009, while the mainstream tourism industry experienced a 4% decline. Growth returned to international tourism in the last quarter of 2009 contributing to better than expected full-year results for the industry” adds David Jones.

Youth Travel Industry Monitor: New Figures Published in March 2010
•   In 2009,  year-end figures show the youth travel industry was down just 0.3% (compared to -4% for the mainstream travel industry, UNWTO Market Barometer)

•   For the year ahead In 2010, youth & student travel companies expect to see a significant increase as optimism returns to the global market

•   Demand continues to grow for international travel experiences (e.g language travel, volunteering, eco-adventure tours & international education) that will help students stand out in today’s fiercely competitive jobs market

Throughout the recession, WYSE Travel Confederation’s regular Youth Travel Industry Monitor has provided fascinating insights into the impact the recession is having on youth & student travel markets worldwide. Sales figures from across niche sectors and world regions of the industry have revealed the latest trends and changes in young people’s travel habits and attitudes.

The resilience of the youth and student travel market has increasingly captured the attention of tourism boards around the world - with many taking the opportunity to  launch new youth travel campaigns at ITB-Berlin and ITB-Asia - in a bid to attract this highly sustainable and lucrative market.    

Last week, WYSE Travel Confederation held a press conference about these latest trends in the youth travel hall and hosted a networking reception for the industry  at ITB-Berlin. Many of the youth hostels, adventure tour operators and youth travel providers exhibiting in the Youth Travel Hall were Confederation members.