Specialist interest holidays are experiencing an unprecedented boom.

A recent report by Travelzest (see Resources below) in association with The Center for Future Studies revealed that more people than ever before are booking special interest breaks and activity holidays. According to Chief Executive of Travelzest, Chris Mottershead, ‘…we're moving away from a mass market culture to one of unlimited choice’.

The contemporary penchant for seeking out life-enriching experiences is another factor driving this specialist travel market. Simply chilling out in the sun for a fortnight, not budging from our sun-beds is no longer enough for today’s increasingly sophisticated traveler.

Specialist Holidays – The Bottom Line

Until recently, it would be fair to say that special interest holidays came at a premium, with customers prepared to pay that little bit extra for what was, in effect, a specialist travel package tailored to individual requirements. However, this broad generalization no longer holds true. As explained in the Travelzest report: ‘Through the internet, reaching small and specialist markets is now economical’; and it is this online clout and ability to pass on the savings to the customer that enables niche suppliers to compete with mass-market holiday package providers.

Sunshine Destinations Attract Special Interest Travelers

Interestingly, niche travel operators are reporting that bookings are particularly strong for the types of specialist breaks that combine learning a skill with holidaying in an exotic sunny location.

Topping the list of these ‘combo’ style holidays are: health and spa breaks, eco-lifestyle nature and wildlife tours, walking, hiking ,trekking, cycling, sailing, surfing, art and culture, cooking, wine-tasting, painting, dancing, mediation, yoga and sports tourism. ’Nip and tuck’ tourism (and this comes as no surprise) also seems to favour sunny destinations!

Travel with a Twist

Special Interest Holidays? How about:

Painting & Photography in the Arctic Circle: Peregrine Adventures (see Resources below), are introducing a ‘New Arctic Expedition Cruise with a Photography and Painting Theme’ for 2009; trip comprises ‘a Svalbard in depth 14-night expedition voyage, focusing on photography and art amidst the spectacular icy wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago’.

Wine Holiday with Private Wine Tour: Hidden Wineries, www.hidden-wineries.com, offers wine holidays with a difference; private, individually tailored wine tasting at some of the best vineyards in some of the finest traditional and New World wine regions of the world including France, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand; superb special interest holidays and local hotels and highly recommended restaurants with great ambience to complement your choice of tour; excellent ‘insider’ knowledge.

Hone your Writing Skills on the Island of Skyros, Greece: Be ‘inspired by the irreverent Gods of Greece’ at The Writers’ Lab on Skyros; enjoy the creative company of like-minded people and translate your ideas into reality; yoga an optional extra; beginners and published writers, all welcome; the only pre-requisite, a passion for the written word.

Useful Resources

Peregrine Adventures, www.peregrineadventures.co.uk: the ultimate holiday adventure resource, Peregrine Adventures organises trips to over 70 countries worldwide, including trekking and walking holidays, wildlife safaris, specialist cultural voyages, and much more;

Skyros Holidays, www.skyros.com: Europe’s leading alternative holiday company, based on the delightful Greek Island of Skyros, in the Sporades; inspirational holidays with courses, stimulating activities and events that ‘open the heart, expand the mind, recharge the body and uplift the spirit’.

Travelzest, www.travelzestplc.com: a one-stop travel company providing ‘independent and impartial advice’; travel planner, etc.

Neilson, www.neilson.co.uk: for a wide range of special interest holidays and beach holidays, watersports, relaxation and wellbeing; destinations, Greece, Egypt, Turkey.