The latest data from Abta reveals a significant rise in solo travel, showing increased interest across various age groups. The trend has seen a noticeable increase, with 16% of travellers choosing solo travel in the year ending August 2023. This represents a growth from previous years, including pre-pandemic levels. At an upcoming adventure travel conference, experts will discuss these findings and their implications for the travel industry.
- A growing appetite for solo travel is noted by Abta, with data indicating a rise to 16% of travellers opting for holidays alone this past year.
- The most notable increase is seen among 25-34-year-olds, with nearly one in five choosing solo travel.
- Significant growth is also observed among 35-44-year-olds, where solo travel doubled from 6% to 13% between 2022 and 2023.
- Insights into these trends will be explored at a conference moderated by industry expert Brian Young.
New data from the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) highlights a significant upward trend in solo travel. According to the statistics, 16% of travellers undertook solo journeys in the 12 months leading up to August 2023. This figure marks an increase from 11% in the same period the year before and is also higher than the pre-pandemic era in 2019, during which 13% of individuals travelled alone.
Among those aged 25-34, solo travel has become remarkably popular, with nearly 19% participating in such vacations, the highest of any age group. This demographic shows the strongest inclination towards independent travel, suggesting a shift in preferences towards personal exploration and experiences.
Moreover, the age group of 35-44 years witnessed the most pronounced year-on-year growth. In 2023, 13% of individuals in this bracket travelled solo, more than doubling from only 6% in 2022. This suggests a growing acceptance and desire for solitary travel experiences within slightly older demographics.
The implications of these findings will be the focal point at the forthcoming adventure travel conference. Scheduled for April 18 in London, the event will be moderated by Brian Young from G Adventures. The discussions aim to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the changing dynamics in travel preferences, focusing on how businesses can cater to the increasing demand for solo travel experiences.
Graeme Buck, communications director at Abta, stated, “Our research shows that people are increasingly looking for solo travel experiences, so we’re excited to explore why this style of travel is growing at our Adventure travel conference next month.” His comments underscore the potential opportunities for the travel industry to create more tailored experiences for solo adventurers.
The increase in solo travel presents significant opportunities for the travel industry to adapt and cater to changing consumer preferences.
