Changing demands from younger travellers could lead to a shift from multi-centres to more single-country youth tours, according to the boss of TTC Tour Brands.
Speaking on a panel debate on differentiated and experiential product at Abta’s Travel Convention, EMEA managing director Kelly Jackson described younger travellers as wanting a slower pace of travel, more purpose-driven and concerned about sustainability and inclusion.
TTC Tour Brands’ portfolio includes youth touring brand Contiki, known for its multi-destination tours for 18 to 35 year olds, as well brands Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
More: Consumers aged 25-34 ’most concerned’ about impact of holidays on environment
“We still have multi-destination trips [but] I think we will see less of them and more single country trips coming up in the future,” said Jackson on the group’s youth tours, adding: “We are looking at that.”
She noted: “Youth travellers of today are very different from the ones from my time.
“They want a slower pace; they are much more curious. They want health and wellness and want to do activities in resort rather than doing bar hopping or clubbing.
“They want the memories. They want those ’Instagrammable’ moments. They are looking to slow down.”
The comments follow Abta’s Holiday Habits survey which found those aged between 25 and 34 years old are the most conscious travellers.
Other companies on the panel said they were also adapting their product to meet different demand.
AmaWaterways River Cruises managing director international markets Jamie Loizou said the river cruise line has already adapted its product to cater for families, with the result that the average age has come down slightly for its fully inclusive tour business.
“We have altered itineraries and product. We have introduced interconnecting state rooms, which are great for families,” he said, adding that ships offered bikes on board for guests who wanted to go on cycle rides on shore.
