Boom in youth tourism expected

(Originally published in TOURISM)

Young travellers aged 16-24 are the travel industry’s fastest growing sector, according to new statistics from the World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE) reported in TravelVideo.TV (February 27,07). Representing over 20% of all international visitors, WYSE said “adventurous young backpackers stay longer, spend more, seek out alternative destinations and enjoy a wider mix of travel experiences” compared with average tourists. “Not surprisingly they are increasingly being viewed as the future of global tourism by the travel industry.”

According to Amsterdam‑based WYSE, it has recently launched a partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Together they hope to promote and develop this multi‑billion pound industry by encouraging governments to actively support and develop youth tourism products and services.

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