Gap year travel, an investigation

Abstract

The tourism industry is regarded as the largest industry in the world (Cooper et.al, 2OOO), and gap year travel is reported as the most active travel sector of the new Millennium (gapyear.com, 2010). This dissertation researched into the 'changing markets of gap year travel taken by UK residents'. This was accomplished through the employment of key objectives that explored into the past literature on the subject, with particular examination into how this travel movement has evolved as a product from improved technology, money and motivations of a consumer. Following this, semi-structured interviews were conducted to uncover current opinions of the gap year, to conclusively lead to the predictions in the future of this market. It is evident from this study that there is a noticeable growth of the gap year market in the United Kingdom. It was found from the research that the consumer now has a greater motivation to travel, has the amenities to endure the experience and has the freedom for movement; thus accounting for the expansion of gap travel, The dissertation concludes that whilst economic and political situations may disturb gap year activity, the travel phenomenon will in fact continue to grow, reaching international destinations, opening up new markets with a strong probability of it becoming apart of working life.