Predictions for the 2009 travel industry

With the global financial markets in freefall and many industries suffering in the current economic climate, the future for the travel market looks uncertain.

Arvind Malhotra, Managing Director of specialist travel business FutureSense, which runs the GapGuru and MondoChallenge programmes is confident that the gap year and career break markets will continue to do well, but will need to adapt to changing circumstances. Here, he reveals his predictions for the travel market in 2009.

“Times are tough all round at the moment and this will certainly have an impact on the gap year and career break industries. People are going to be more careful about where they spend their money and they will be on the lookout for better deals and trips will be planned and booked on much shorter notice.

“It’s inevitable that the gap year industry will see some decline, but the impact will be less severe for companies offering ‘added value’ programmes, such as medical or business internships, which could benefit future employment or university applications.”

Arvind goes on to say:

“We are already seeing that students are seeking shorter and more focused programmes and we expect to see a reduction in the average duration of gap year trips over 2009.

“We also believe that potentially, the recession could have a positive impact on the career break market, since people will use redundancy as an opportunity to re-think their priorities and possibly change their career path. Taking time out can be a great way to reassess your life and people will be looking for opportunities that utilise and add to their skills.”

For further information, visit Gapguru.com and Mondochallenge.co.uk.