Youth Travel Press Conference hosted by Youth Incoming Germany at ITB-Berlin

The latest figures from WYSE Travel Confederation show that young people are eager to pursue international travel experiences that will help differentiate them in today’s increasingly competitive job market.  

“The recession has fuelled demand for international travel experiences that add value to young peoples’ lives and CVs. Language travel, volunteering and international study are increasingly important to employers and universities, and this high demand has helped the youth & student travel market to remain resilient throughout the recession” says David Jones, Director General of WYSE Travel Confederation.    

“Final figures just in from our Youth Travel Industry Monitor reveal that the youth travel industry was down a marginal 0.3% in 2009, while the mainstream tourism industry experienced a 4% decline. Growth returned to international tourism in the last quarter of 2009 contributing to better than expected full-year results for the industry” adds David Jones.

Youth Travel Industry Monitor: New Figures Published in March 2010

• In 2009,  year-end figures show the youth travel industry was down just 0.3% (compared to -4% for the mainstream travel industry, UNWTO Market Barometer)

• In 2010, youth & student travel companies expect to see a significant increase as optimism returns to the global market

• Demand continues to grow for international travel experiences (e.g language travel, volunteering, eco-adventure tours & international education) that will help students stand out in today’s fiercely competitive jobs market

• Youth travel companies are focusing on innovative marketing channels…60% of youth travel companies are actively using social networks such as Facebook to promote their programmes
  

Throughout the recession, WYSE Travel Confederation’s regular Youth Travel Industry Monitor

has provided fascinating insights into the impact the recession is having on youth & student travel markets worldwide. Sales figures from different industry sectors and world regions have revealed the latest trends and changes in young people’s travel habits and attitudes.

The resilience of the youth and student travel market has increasingly captured the attention of tourism boards around the world who will be launching new youth travel campaigns at ITB-Berlin and ITB-Asia in a bid to attract this highly sustainable and lucrative market.   

WYSE Travel Confederation participated in this press conference and hosted a networking reception for members in the Youth Travel hall at ITB-Berlin. Many of the youth hostels, adventure tour operators and youth travel providers exhibiting in the youth travel hall were Confederation members.

World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

Keizersgracht 174 . 1016 DW Amsterdam. The Netherlands

Contact: Stephanie Cooper, Editor.