In what consumer group is there the greatest demand for tailor-made premium holidays?

What are the three major market factors attached to quality for premium holidays?

How does the current demographic structure of the UK population impact on the premium holidays market?

As travellers become increasingly sophisticated through travelling more often and further afield, they tend to indulge in other activities rather than just lying on a beach somewhere in the Mediterranean. Consequently there is a greater desire to plan their own holiday. It is no surprise, therefore, that most tour operators are reporting an increase in demand for tailor-made holidays. Even the operators involved in the lower end of the travel market are introducing add-ons and optional extras to allow the consumer to customise their holiday to better suit themselves.

In what consumer group is there the greatest demand for tailor-made premium holidays?

What are the three major market factors attached to quality for premium holidays?

How does the current demographic structure of the UK population impact on the premium holidays market?

As travellers become increasingly sophisticated through travelling more often and further afield, they tend to indulge in other activities rather than just lying on a beach somewhere in the Mediterranean. Consequently there is a greater desire to plan their own holiday. It is no surprise, therefore, that most tour operators are reporting an increase in demand for tailor-made holidays. Even the operators involved in the lower end of the travel market are introducing add-ons and optional extras to allow the consumer to customise their holiday to better suit themselves.

However, it is the upper end of the holiday market where there is the greatest demand for tailor-made holidays, principally due to the fact that these travellers are the most experienced and confident in the market. Premium holidays - that is, those holidays where the traveller stays in luxury accommodation, or accommodation with outstanding style, character and service - tend to attract those people with high disposable income, and these are often travellers who are the most widely travelled. They are more demanding and also want increased flexibility, for which they are prepared to pay extra.

This growing market segment has attracted many operators, and most of the major tour operators now offer a 'premium' product, usually sold via a separate brochure. However, specialists in this market attract the more dedicated premium holidaymaker. The trend with these operators is to develop increasingly luxurious products, while at the same time providing the consumer with maximum flexibility when planning their holiday.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Youth Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, October 2000

- Holidays by Lifestage, Leisure Intelligence, September 2000

- Late Holiday Bookings, Leisure Intelligence, August 2000

- Early Holiday Bookings, Leisure Intelligence, July 2000

- Holidays on the Internet, Leisure Intelligence, June 2000

- Short Breaks in the UK, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

- Inclusive Tours, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

- Independent Travel, Leisure Intelligence, April 2000

- British on Holiday at Home, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Hotels, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Special Report, Holidays - Destination Marketing, 2000

- Tourism and the Over 45s, Leisure Intelligence, September 1999

- Short Breaks Abroad, Leisure Intelligence, September 1999

- Budget Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, November 2000

- Pink Travel, Leisure Intelligence, November 2000

- Special Interest Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, December 2000

- All Inclusive, Leisure Intelligence, February 2001

- Long-haul, Leisure Intelligence, March 2001.