The full potential of the fast growing youth market of 16 - 24 year olds is not being tapped, with a only one third of tourism authorities having a youth tourism policy. It was often assumed that the youth market was too low budget to take seriously. However because young travellers generally stay for longer their cumulative spend may be higher than the average tourist. Young travellers are also more likely to spend in local community run operations which are important for sustainable development. I don’t think it just the potential of 16 - 24 year olds as they travel at this stage in their lives, they will be the travellers of the future and if they have a positive experience in a location, they may well return again at a later date with a partner or family or recommend the destination to others.

tags: travel, youth, tourism, europe, youth-tourism, youth-travel