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Jan 20, 2006
UK industry experts expressed positive
outlook for this year at the annual Prospects meeting held by The Tourism
Society. A regular feature in the tourism calendar, the meeting was chaired by
Ian Reynolds, joined by Vanessa Cotton (Excel), Mike Dean (Cendant), David
Edwards (VisitBritain) and Frances Tuke (ABTA).
The
panel of experts agreed that the number of tourism trips in the UK will
grow but at a faster rate than the value. Key to this trend is the marked
growth in the VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market, characterized by
lower spending and shorter trips. Emerging markets will include China and India
as well as Eastern Europe, while the USA and Western European markets
may weaken through economic stagnation.
Experts say the industry will be challenged by a market which is increasingly
driving the booking process, and understanding and responding to emerging
tastes and trends will be key to the continued buoyancy of the visitor
industry. The impact of the 2012 Olympics is already being felt, and there was
a view that while this global event will increasingly dominate the debate, it
is vital not to take the eye off the ball and allow such major event to
sideline the mainstream industry.
"We can be positive about 2006, but to make
the most of the opportunities we need to keep one step ahead of an increasingly
sophisticated market looking for new experiences and new ways of organizing
their travel," Reynolds enthused.
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