Despite talk of a possible revival in the fortunes of the travel agent as consumer confidence slumps and independent travellers return to the fold in the wake of high-profile company collapses, Mintel’s survey data points to a continuing fall in high street bookings and especially personal visits to shops since 2006.

This millennium has been dominated by the internet and low-cost flight-generated era of independent travel, with travel agents struggling to keep up and being forced to sell single components and dynamic packages. Agents are adapting to changing market conditions, but Mintel believes they must move faster to embrace and lead rather than follow new travel trends if they are to avoid a slow, lingering decline.

This report provides an overview of UK travel agents, investigating the core market factors, strengths and weaknesses, company developments/innovations, consumer dynamics and likely future trends.

Main report themes:

What is the likely impact of recession on the travel industry and on the agent? How significant is the issue of consumer protection?

Who now uses travel agents? What do people see as their main advantages and disadvantages and what would make them more likely to use them in the future?

Which product areas are likely to be the most successful in the coming years, and which consumer groups will have the most potential for travel agents?

Has the DIY self-packaging boom reached its limits? Is there any place left for intermediation or are we seeing the death of the middleman?

What has been the scale of closures and the impact of industry consolidation in recent years?