How to sell solo travel experiences

When you hear the occasional whisper of an uplift in bookings within a particular market, you might take note of the trend and keep an eye on it in future. But when an entire industry is united in reporting record rises across multiple demographics, it’s time to stop watching and start taking action."More than 65% of our solo travellers are women. Women often choose a small-group adventure because it gives them the safety net of a local guide and a ready-made group of friends. The pandemic spurred people to get out and see the world and not let anything hold them back."

BUILD YOUR OWN TRAVEL BUSINESS. JOIN TRAVEL COUNSELLORS’ NEXT EVENT TO FIND OUT HOW

 

Where are Solo Travellers Going?
Newmarket Holidays released a Solo Traveller Collection featuring 25 trips. This included 20 classic tours with no-single-supplement departures and five solo-only itineraries, in Sicily, Scotland, Croatia, Kenya and India.

 

Riviera Travel has expanded its solos programme from 30 dedicated departures this year to 50 in 2024, adding Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga and Ecuador & the Galapagos itineraries.

 

Wendy Wu Tours added dates for solo tours to Japan, China and the Mekong after posting a 48% increase in solo bookings from January to August compared with the same period in 2019.

 

Intrepid’s Pakistan Expedition and Jules Verne’s Peaks & Petroglyphs trip to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are among new, solo-friendly trips for 2024.

 

 

What’s Activities Attract Solos?
Exodus Adventure Travels reports that its walking and culture-focused trips are the biggest hit with single travellers, while Explore says its walking and cycling tours account for 40% of solo traveller bookings.

 

Many operators offer room-share options with same-sex guests to avoid single supplements, but some are targeting solo travellers by dropping or reducing these surcharges.

 

Cosmos is waiving single supplements on selected tours in Europe and North America next year for bookings made by 31 July, including the itineraries that are most popular among solos.

 

With trips tailored to those going it alone, touring is set to benefit from this spike in demand – and if you aren’t tapping into this market already, it’s time to get involved.