The Internet is significantly altering the distribution method of the holiday market. With travel already one of the largest e-commerce categories, a growing number of suppliers and intermediaries - such as low-cost airlines, tour operators; travel agents, national tourist offices and accommodation providers - are producing websites with an array of information. The holiday market is a highly segmented industry, but the Internet provides a medium which all the different facets of the industry, from small guest-houses to multinational resorts, can use to market and sell their goods on a global arena. At present, it is the independent holidaymaker who is more proficient at using the Internet in order to book a holiday, but can providers widen the appeal?

· Can travel agencies become truly interactive?

· Are Internet users more likely to travel overseas than the general population?

· What effect will future technology have on the market?

The online holiday market is already highly saturated, with few of the UK's operators having made a profit. It is likely that the future will see an abundance of mergers and consolidations if the current online agencies are to survive. What notable changes will affect the holiday market in the short term? Will the interactive travel agent take the place of the traditional travel agent? Holidays on the Internet examines the current state of the market and the future trends that are developing.

Other relevant Mintel reports include:

- Special Report, Holidays - Destination Marketing, 2000

- Holiday Property Abroad, Leisure Intelligence, June 2000

- Inclusive Tours, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

- Leisure on the Internet, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

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

- British on Holiday at Home, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Hotels, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Short Breaks Abroad, Leisure Intelligence, September 1999

- Camping and Caravanning, Leisure Intelligence, May 1999

- Fly-drive Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, April 1999

- Long-haul Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, March 1999

- All-inclusive Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, February 1999

- No-frills Airlines/Low-cost, Leisure Intelligence, February 1999

- Directly Booked Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, November 1998

- Schedule Airlines, Leisure Intelligence, September 1998

- Charter Airlines, Leisure Intelligence, January 1998

and the forthcoming:

- Early Booking, Leisure Intelligence, July 2000

- Late Booking, Leisure Intelligence, August 2000

- Holidays by Lifestage, Leisure Intelligence, September 2000

- Youth Holidays, Leisure Intelligence, September 2000.

If you want more details about this particular report, please contact the Mintel information team on +44 (0)20 7606 6000 or email them at enquiries@mintel.com.