Over the past few years, solo trips have become a growing trend in the tourism industry. With more and more people deciding to travel alone, one factor has endured — tourists want to have fun! Traveling alone doesn’t mean everything is done independently, in fact, solo tourists maximize tours and activities so they can meet others and experience something new with like-minded vacationers. Make your company one that promotes experiences for all group sizes. Solo travelers represent a huge market opportunity for tour and activity operators. Understanding the solo travel market enhances your ability to capitalize on this trend and meet the needs of your clients.
Data on Solo Travel
The International Trade Association conducted a Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) which gives this data:
- Non-U.S. Residents Visiting the United States alone – 71.3%
- U.S. Residents Visiting Overseas Countries – 68.9%
Solo Traveler targets solo travelers specifically, and uses surveys to gather their data:
- Why
- I want to see the world and I don’t want to wait for others – 66%
- I want to do what I want when I want – 56%
- I like the feeling of freedom and independence – 48%
- I want to meet new people – 42%
- Personal growth – 41%
- I have different interests than my friends – 36%
- My partner does not want to travel as much as I do – 11%
- 25% of respondents have never taken an organized tour. 27% have taken five or more.
- More Travelers Are Going Solo in 2022 According to new research from MMGY, one in four travelers plans to travel solo in the next six months with Gen-Z and Millennials leading the way.
- Solo travelers and group tours (2021) Solo travelers “are joining guided tours at unprecedented rates, say tour organizers, with some companies reporting single bookings up 300 percent over those from couples, families or clusters of friends.”
- Out of the people traveling alone, 63% are women and 36% are men.
What this Means for Your Business
Knowing your market means you can make the best decisions for you, your company, and your customers. Consider the following themes if you want to provide a great experience for solo travelers:
- Provide a unique experience: Offer options that solo travelers would not attempt to accomplish alone. Escort them to hidden gems or areas that are difficult to navigate by themselves while simultaneously including intriguing add-ons.
- Provide an intentional experience tailored to them that is not available anywhere else.
- Partner with hotels and hostels: Hotels can give recommendations to their guests and hostels will often have an area dedicated to activities, tours, and hot spots around the city. Partnering with them could increase the amount of attention your business gets.
- Offer an incentive: Is there anything your company can offer to make the lives of solo travelers easier? Perhaps you can offer to take them to a souvenir store. Some people might feel safer shopping in a group or selling your own swag. Providing transportation can also make customers want to choose you. (If you partner with local hotels and hostels it should be easy to arrange transportation.)
- Use digital waivers: Solo travelers want to feel safe; ending up in a hospital by yourself in a new place is not ideal. In order to make your guest feel safe and secure, inform them of your safety standards. It might also be helpful to include a liability waiver so your guests know you take safety seriously.
- Take photos of your guests: One of the disadvantages of traveling alone is not having anyone there to take your picture. If you offer to take your guests’ picture it will make their experience more enjoyable and you are more likely to get a great review.
We know that your tours and activities are fun and exciting for all! These tips should help you make guests of all group sizes feel comfortable and ready to explore. Group tours are fun and easy to set up with TRYTN. However, if you are looking to increase the amount of solo travelers on your excursion take a look at the Minimum Quantity Required and the Maximum Quantity Required settings. Allowing guests to purchase one ticket is not only helpful to solo travelers, but groups as well. In groups, guests often like to pay separately, checking these settings can increase the amount of guests joining you on your next outing.
If you have any questions about booking or availability services please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
