Is the holiday market categorised by visiting friends and relatives the sleeping giant of the UK tourism industry?

The 'visit' holiday sector is price sensitive and largely, though not exclusively seasonal in nature - what particular opportunities does this present to operators?

What are the key features of the market for visiting friends and relatives, which differentiates it from other holiday sectors?

The category of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel belongs to the United Kingdom Tourism Survey (UKTS) standard definition of tourism. The category has been neglected as a subject for analysis as a result of the low yields traditionally associated with VFR travel. However, the rapid growth in this sector over the last decade challenges this notion.

Is the holiday market categorised by visiting friends and relatives the sleeping giant of the UK tourism industry?

The 'visit' holiday sector is price sensitive and largely, though not exclusively seasonal in nature - what particular opportunities does this present to operators?

What are the key features of the market for visiting friends and relatives, which differentiates it from other holiday sectors?

The category of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel belongs to the United Kingdom Tourism Survey (UKTS) standard definition of tourism. The category has been neglected as a subject for analysis as a result of the low yields traditionally associated with VFR travel. However, the rapid growth in this sector over the last decade challenges this notion.

This report primarily defines the key elements of VFR travel. Through detailed analysis of the International Passenger Survey (IPS), it will establish the key trends in both inbound and outbound VFR travel. It offers an overview of the dynamics of consumer behaviour, which are shaping demand, as well as an examination of the market factors which will determine the future of the sector. Mintel has also included topline statistics of the domestic VFR market.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Special Report, Holidays - Destination Marketing, 2000

- Special Interest Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, December 2000

- The Gay Holiday Market, Leisure Intelligence, November 2000

- 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

- Inclusive Tours, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

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

- Independent Travel, Leisure Intelligence, April 2000

- Post-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, April 2000

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

- Family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Hotels, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Airport Retailing, Retail Intelligence, January 2000

- Christmas Shopping Habits, Retail Intelligence, January 2000

- Pre-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, January 2000

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

- Special Report, Ethnic Lifestyles, 1999

- Special Report, Holidays - Marketing the Travel Business, 1999

- Special Report, Student Lifestyles, 1999

- Coach Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, January 2001

- Student Travel, Leisure Intelligence, January 2001

- No-frills/Low-cost Airlines, Leisure Intelligence, February 2001

- Long-Haul, Leisure Intelligence, March 2001.