In the wake of 11 September 2001 the coach holiday market benefited from increased demand, particularly for domestic and, to a lesser extent, European trips. However, long-haul air/coach holidays have suffered, particularly those to the US. Consumers returning to coach holidays as a result, or trying this form of holiday for the first time have found that standards have risen considerably. The coach holidays market is one that is slowly changing its image. Although still a value product and one that appeals largely to the over 55 market - as well as the student market - the coach holidays product has much to offer in terms of an excellent standard of accommodation and coaches as well as a huge variety of tours to cater to the varied tastes of the over 55 market.

Operators have found that the over-55s are now more adventurous than their predecessors and thus are happy to travel abroad and have more interests - thus there are a number of special interest coach tours as well as soft activities, such as Pilates and t'ai chi, included in itineraries. Many itineraries also allow more freedom, with more free time as well as a larger choice of meal options.

Despite the aging population within the UK, particularly with the over-55s, the coach holidays market remains fairly static due to the intense competition within the travel industry as a whole.

This is the fourth Mintel report in a series on coaching holidays. The previous report on the subject was Coach Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, January 1999. Other reports of relevance to this market include:

- Holidays - The Road to Recovery, Special - UK Report, 2003

- Student Travel, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, January 2003

- Special Interest Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, December 2002

- Hotels, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, August 2002

- Days Out, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, April 2002

- City Breaks, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, April 2002

- British on Holiday at Home, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, March 2002

- Budget Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, November 2000

- Youth Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, October 2000

- The Third Age - A Time to Travel, Special - UK Report, June 2000

- Short Breaks in the UK, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, May 2000

and the forthcoming:

- No-frills/Low Cost Airlines, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, February 2003

- Self-catering Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, March 2003.