Internet and budget airlines fuel package holiday decline

The number of people taking foreign package holidays has declined by 14% in four years as the level web-booked independent travel has grown.

The proportion of people who make their own travel and accommodation arrangements has grown from 41% to 45% - a 10% increase since 2002.

Meanwhile, those who have taken an overseas package has dropped from 36% to 31% - down 14%.

A British Market Research Bureau report reveals that more older holidaymakers are moving towards self-packaging with 4.2 million aged 55 or over making their own arrangements against 3.4 million in 2002, a rise of 24%.

Research company director Julian Tooke said: "Online holiday booking has seen a dramatic increase and the ease of booking one's holiday online makes it a cheaper and quicker alternative than visiting a travel agent."

Consumers are also becoming more adventurous, with the number saying they prefer to take holidays 'off the beaten track' increasing by 16% from 7.5 million in 2002 to 8.7 million.

By contrast, the number who ay they only want to eat, drink and lie in the sun has declined by 10% in the period from 6.6 million to 5.9 million.

The decline in the traditional beach resort holiday is demonstrated by a 300,000 drop in British visitors to the Canary Islands in four years, according to BRMB.

Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand have all seen big increases in visitor numbers as people venture further.

Traditional holiday destinations on the next 10 years could include Australia and Japan as the cost of long haul flying comes down.

"With Britain embracing low cost airlines, it is now possible for people to visit alternative holiday destinations such as eastern Europe with 14.1 million holiday-goers agreeing that they 'try to go somewhere different on holiday every time'," said Took.

"Whereas people previously were holidaying in Spain and Portugal, now people have more choice and may opt to travel to Poland, Estonia or Latvia instead."

He added: "With Oasis Hong Kong Airlines new plans to offer London to Hong Kong flights for £75, there is the possibility of other airlines offering similar low cost packages on long haul flights. This would allow those who normally wouldn't be able to afford to travel to these destinations to experience these cultures."

With permission from Travelmole