Holiday Rentals News - Youth market is tourism's fastest growing sector

Youth market is tourism's fastest growing sector

The gap year generation has finally made its mark, as industry officials report rapid growth in the youth tourism market.

According to new research from the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE), 20 per cent of all international visitors are now aged between 16 and 24.

Over the past decade there has been an increase in students choosing to take a gap year between the end of school and the start of work or university.

Often packing a rucksack and jetting off on a round the world adventure, WYSE explains that the length and nature of these expeditions makes the youth market a real money spinner.

In conjunction with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the service aims to promote youth tourism in international government policy.

WYSE explained that only one third of countries currently have a policy directed at the youth travel market and less than this have a marketing policy.

"At the heart of this campaign will be the promotion of responsible travel habits and practices, as well as the sustainable development of tourism," WYSE commented.

With many gap year companies offering holiday experiences lasting in the region of one month, holiday lettings properties could find a valuable new revenue source by targeting the youth market.
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