Travelmatch: Generation Y is Hooked on Travel

LONDON, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to online travel specialists Travelmatch, members of Generation Y are travelling in greater numbers than ever before. The company has observed a marked increase in packages sold to this group, a trend they expect to continue in future years. Travelmatch has found that people from Generation Y, which consists of those currently in their 20s, are largely drawn to Goa holidays and trips to other sunny locales.

Hotel occupancy figures have shown a similar trend: a report from American Express Business Insights found that people in their 20s are spending 20 per cent more on hotels now than before the economic downturn. According to travelmatch.co.uk these numbers demonstrate that members of Generation Y are now highlighting travel as their most important luxury, and that they are willing to spend accordingly.

Alex Francis of travelmatch.co.uk comments: "People in their 20s love to travel and often save significant amounts of money to go on trips to warm destinations in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and India. There has been a very high volume of such travellers in the latter months of 2010, and we are seeing that trend continue in 2011."

Francis expects this demographic to continue to travel as time goes on. He concludes: "People within this age group grew up during the era of low-cost package holidays to Tenerife and other gorgeous destinations. Thanks to this, they are accustomed to going on trips abroad a few times a year. We don't expect this trend to change any time soon as this generation has clearly caught the travel bug, and they are sure to take advantage of any holiday opportunities that come their way."

About Travelmatch:

Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.

SOURCE Travelmatch