Euromonitor International estimates C2C* holiday planning will be worth globally US$19billion in 2006 (43 per cent rise on 2005).

“Consumers using the web as a medium have been moving away from the major websites to the highly personalised market. They tap into blogs and ask fellow customers what they think. Consumers seem to like word of mouth recommendation and minipreneurs are turning these recommendations into sales opportunities, using their knowledge to put together holidays for other consumers.

“The range of ‘what I’d like to do’ postings on the web is enormous and has no barriers  – from visiting KGB prison cells to sustaining a fragile community industry such as Harris Tweed making in the Outer Hebrides.

“Looking ahead, Euromonitor International forecasts that C2C communication will influence the future of customisation, translating into the likely emergence of customised packages from independent agents who are best placed to respond.  This could just be the breakthrough that many independents have been waiting to capitalise on.”

Source: wtmlondon.com

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* C2C – customer-to-customer