Solo travellers say their needs are not being met

Many lone travellers feel that their needs are so poorly addressed by the travel industry that half of those polled recently indicated they would stay at home rather than taking a singles holiday that is typically offered, according to research conducted by customer experience expert Foviance.

A majority of singles between the ages of 31 and 45 reports that they are unable to find a holiday on offer that meets their needs, the new research indicates.

However, 68 per cent of the respondents said that they would travel if they were able to find a holiday package that addressed their requirements.

The group showed a preference for holidays that offered fun and also a sophisticated nightlife, rather than one that includes younger revellers and the romantic pressures typically involved.

What they’re seeking is a more ‘grown-up’ version of the singles holiday – which those polled say doesn’t exist.

According to the research, the age group said they were not interested in getting drunk or clubbing in the traditional sense – nor in spending their holiday time with younger partygoers.

In all, 530 people, with equal numbers of men and women, who travelled at least one time in 2007, reported that they would prefer staying at home to taking a typical singles holiday.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents noted that the major reason for not travelling is having no one to go on holiday with.

Ten per cent said that they were embarrassed about being single, and that this was uncomfortable both during the booking process and also while on holiday.

www.foviance.com