Opodo, the European based online travel service has announced it's latest findings into the conditions of the travel market. Unsurprisingly, the "Travel Index" report identifies that the largest growth area will be in online travel agencies. According to David Scowsill, Opodo's chief executive, the results support the company's view that 2004 will be the year for online growth. With the devastating effects of the Iraq War, ongoing health scares and a downturn in the global economy 2003 had been one of the worst-ever years for the travel industry. Another major area of the market cited for healthy growth is the (so-called) "grey" (55+) market traveller, with an increase of up to a third over 2003 levels. The Travel Index also identified widespread acceptance from the industry for the new security measures that are being proposed. Two-thirds are in favour of biometric passports, while a third agree that Sky Marshals will increase passenger confidence in the long term. One in five of the respondents however believe such measures are not necessary, and that the US are being overcautious.
http://www.opodo.co.uk