The year 2003 proved to be another trying year for the travel industry with the build up to the war in Iraq affecting the peak booking periods of January and February. However, after a couple of difficult years, the travel industry is now showing signs that recovery is on its way. Despite these difficulties the overseas holiday market is estimated to increase by 5% between 2002 and 2003.

Although individual companies have been affected differently, it is those who have quickly adapted to the market conditions by cutting capacity and costs, while maintaining margins, who have successfully ridden the storm. The difficult trading environment has led to a slight re-shuffle within the top ten travel groups, in terms of ATOL licenses issued, with TUI UK regaining the number one spot and Lotus International and Ebookers making an appearance for the first time, replacing Virgin Holidays and the now defunct Accoladia.

The year 2003 proved to be another trying year for the travel industry with the build up to the war in Iraq affecting the peak booking periods of January and February. However, after a couple of difficult years, the travel industry is now showing signs that recovery is on its way. Despite these difficulties the overseas holiday market is estimated to increase by 5% between 2002 and 2003.

Although individual companies have been affected differently, it is those who have quickly adapted to the market conditions by cutting capacity and costs, while maintaining margins, who have successfully ridden the storm. The difficult trading environment has led to a slight re-shuffle within the top ten travel groups, in terms of ATOL licenses issued, with TUI UK regaining the number one spot and Lotus International and Ebookers making an appearance for the first time, replacing Virgin Holidays and the now defunct Accoladia.

This report analyses the distribution of the holiday market, including where holiday ideas come from, how they are researched as well as how they are booked. Not surprisingly the Internet appears readily within all three situations, hot on the heels of the travel agent. With exclusive consumer research and in-depth market analysis, this unique report provides a fresh insight into:

Market Factors

The Total Holiday Market

The Domestic Market

The Overseas Market

Market Segmentation

The Supply Structure

Ideas, Planning and Booking a Holiday