There have been many developments and changes within the distribution of the holiday market and this report examines those changes in the context of the travel leisure retailing. Travel agents have been affected by a number of issues such as the growth of online bookings as well as a move by travel providers towards direct bookings. Another development in 2003 was the decline of the package market which led to more independent holidays being taken overseas for the first time.

While the high street travel agents are dominated by the multiple vertically integrated chains, many of these have suffered from shrinking turnovers and have been reducing their portfolios over this difficult time. At the same time many of the independent chains have continued to grow, proving that there is still very much a place for bricks-and-mortar travel agents.

Using the latest consumer research, market size data and trend analysis, this report provides vital new insight into whether there is a future for the high street travel agent and how they can best adapt to the changing market and cash in on potential growth areas.

Mintel’s findings offer you a unique way of understanding consumer trends and the attitudes of the market’s key target audiences, enabling you to tailor your marketing to real demand, both tactically and strategically. Use Mintel’s research to avoid market pitfalls, discover sector opportunities, identify growth potential and maximise your sales.