The coach holidays market has suffered over the past couple of years through both falling passenger numbers and expenditure. In recent times this has partly been due to the prevailing economic conditions in the UK, with consumer spending power being reduced. In the past two years the market has also been hit by rising fuel prices, which have caused overheads to soar, as well as regulations impacting from the EU.

Despite these recent problems this report asks whether the coach holidays industry still has a promising future. Coach holidays have a strong, albeit niche, product offering with enduring popularity. The UK population is ageing and long-term trends are towards greater affluence. These are strong plusses for an industry whose core demographic is the over-50s. This age group is also becoming more adventurous in terms of travel and the coach industry is well positioned to sate this thirst for change.

In addition, travelling by coach holds the environmentally friendly edge over travelling by plane, train or car, giving coach operators the opportunity to market themselves as a ‘green’ holiday option.

Main report themes:

Whether coach holidays are still dominated by the ‘grey market’, and how important are the budget and youth segments. Are there opportunities for further luxury options?

Do coach holidays supplement other holidays? Are coaches positioned to become a credible, affordable alternative to increasingly costly flights? In addition, the report considers if tying in with the burgeoning slow travel movement will appeal to consumers.

Whether opportunities exist to market coach holidays as exclusive or green options.

Who are the prime target markets for the industry? How can the market engage current non-users (or reluctant users)?

Why do users choose coach travel – what do customers/potential customers want?