Here you will find sources of information such as market research (statistics, trends and developments), key companies, trade magazines, newsletters, and Internet sources.
This guide will be useful to anyone starting a business within the travel and tourism industry and also for those wanting to further their knowledge within this area.
Start-Up Information
The Cobra database contains practical fact-sheets on all aspects of starting, running and managing a small business – including information on writing business plans, marketing, company structures etc.
It also covers the practical aspects of how to start and run particular types of businesses – outlining necessary skills, regulations, licences and legislation etc. and highlights other sources of information and advice available.
Business Opportunity Profiles (BOP)
| Bed and Breakfast (B&B) | BOP066 |
| Campsite | BOP550 |
| Guest House | BOP408 |
| Holiday Cottage Rental | BOP360 |
| Hotel | BOP394 |
| Tea Room | BOP087 |
| Tour Guide | BOP040 |
| Tour Operator | BOP407 |
| Touring Caravan Site | BOP078 |
| Travel Agent | BOP247 |
Business Information Fact Sheets
| Advertising Hotels, Guest Houses, or Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Online | BIF499 |
Mini Business Opportunity Profile (Mini BOP)
| Luggage and Travel Accessories Retailer | MBP445 |
| Travel Writer | MBP413 |
Source of Business Information
| Green Tourism | SOU263 |
Sector Research Guide
| UK Holiday Accommodation and Tourism | SRG002 |
Sector Update
| Travel and Tourism – Sector Update | SEC011 |
UK Market Synopsis
| UK Holidays and Tourism | SEC073 |
Market Research & Statistics
If you are planning on starting a business you will need to be aware of the latest trends, developments and opportunities within your industry which can all be found from market research.
Market research also covers market size and forecasts, consumer demographics and attitudes, the key players and products and will often include SWOT and PEST analysis showing areas of strength, weakness, opportunities etc.
- Airports in the UK – H52.230
- Bus & Tramway Operators in the UK- H49.319
- Caravan & Camping Sites in the UK – I55.300
- Holiday Accommodation in the UK – I55.200
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in the UK – R91.000
- Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport in the UK – H50.100
- Tour Operators in the UK –N79.120
- Travel Agencies in the UK –N79.110
- Baby Boomers versus Millennials
- Beach Holidays
- Business Traveller-UK
- Camping and Caravanning UK
- Changing Face of Technology in Travel and Tourism
- Domestic Tourism UK
- Driving Holidays in Africa
- Ethical and Green Credentials in Travel
- Family Holidays
- Food Tourism Worldwide
- Group Holidays and Escorted Tours
- Holiday Activities and Experiences Abroad
- Holiday Car Hire
- Holiday Centres UK
- Holiday Planning and Booking Process
- Holiday Rental Property
- Holiday Review UK
- Inbound Tourism UK
- Legacy of Mega Events in Tourism – International
- Long-Haul Holidays
- Long-haul vs Short – haul holidays
- Loyalty and Trust in Travel Markets
- MICE Worldwide
- Mountain Tourism Worldwide
- Package vs Independent Holidays UK
- Premium vs Budget Traveller
- The Over-55 Traveller
- Rail Travel Worldwide
- Social Media in the Hotel Industry
- Solo Holidays UK
- The Customer Journey in Travel
- Touring & Adventure Holidays
- Travel Agents
- Trends in Eco-accommodation Worldwide
- Visitor Attractions
- Winter Holidays Abroad
- eMarketer has some reports which may be found by using the search term Travel and Tourism
- Competitor Strategies in Travel
- Global Recovery Tracker: Economic Outlook has Improved
- Travel in the United Kingdom
- From Sustainable to Purpose: Refocus on the Planet
- Airlines in the United Kingdom
Please note that Passport Euromonitor has a large series of Travel & Tourism reports, articles and statistics from countries around the world.
Local Data Online
Provides a birds-eye view of the makeup and complexity of the retail and leisure offering in a chosen location.
Review key trends over time:
- Vacancy rates
- Occupancy trends
- Retail mix
Understand demand profiles through demographic data such as:
- Employment statistics
- Average weekly earnings
- Crime rates
- Unemployment
- House prices
Also, contact details and individual reports of companies in the digital communications industry are available from our electronic sources: Market IQ.
Business News & Journals
In order to find the latest news on your topic it is always worth searching NewsBank and EMIS.
You will find articles from specialist business and academic journals, as well as newspapers and magazines. You may also find market research reports and case studies. As well as profiles of leading industry figures.
You will also find articles covering recent developments, and predicting future trends in your industry.
Internet Sources
Websites containing free sources of industry statistics, information and contacts.
Association of British Travel Agents
The UK’s premier trade association for tour operators and travel agents. Some free fact sheets and e-newsletters are available but primarily a membership requirement site.
Association of Independent Tour Operators
Represents around 160 of Britain’s best specialist tour operators.
The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA)
Represents over 1,500 tourist sites across the UK and includes visitor statistics for many sites.
The Bed and Breakfast Association
Tel: (01935) 815252
A trade association that supports independent B&B owners by providing news and articles but primarily a membership requirement site.
The British Activity Providers Association (BAPA)
Tel: (01746) 769982
The trade association for businesses offering activity holidays and courses in the UK.
The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA)
Tel: (020) 8476 4000
Represents owners, managers and suppliers of the UK’s commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos and other static attractions. It provides industry news and features.
British Destinations
An association comprising local authorities, tourist boards and commercial members. It provides information on the UK domestic tourism industry.
The British Holiday and Home Parks Association
Tel: (01452) 526911
Trade association for businesses providing camping facilities, caravan and chalet parks. Some free PDF reports available but mainly a membership requirement site.
BTA (previously Guild of Travel Management Companies
Represents the interests of business travellers and actively supports the profession of business travel management.
The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)
The ITT is a professional membership body for individuals employed within the travel industry and aims to continuously develop and maintain professional standards.
Leisure Opportunities
An online magazine with details of news, training, tenders and directory.
The National Caravan Council (NCC)
The trade association for all members of the UK caravan industry including holiday homes and park homes.
The Office of National Statistics
Publishes official government statistics for many industry sectors including travel and tourism.
People 1st
The sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism in the UK.
The Tourism Alliance
Tel: (020) 3117 0664
Lobbies the Government on behalf of the travel and tourism industry. It also produces a monthly newsletter with news from the industry.
The Tourism Society
Forum for professionals working in, studying or otherwise interested in tourism worldwide. Acts as an advocate, consulted by government and other official bodies, on tourism and related policy matters.
Travel Trade Gazette
Trade magazine for the travel industry featuring the latest news, developments and country guides. Includes sections on the business and luxury travel sector.
Travel Weekly
Magazine for the travel industry. Provides news, analysis, market intelligence and details of events.
Travolution
An online source of industry news, features and blogs on the travel and tourism industry.
The Youth Hostel Association (YHA)
Tel: (01629) 592600
Operates more than 200 hostels across the UK and works to improve the life of young people.
UK Hospitality Association (BHA)
Tel: (020) 7404 7744
Represents members of the hospitality industry and lobbies the Government on their behalf.
UK Inbound
Tel: (020) 7395 7500
UKinbound is the trade association representing the UK’s inbound tourism industry.
The UK has five national tourist boards who work in partnership to promote an attractive image of the UK:
Visit Britain
Markets Britain to the rest of the world and England to the British. Formed by the merger of the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Council.
Visit England
Visit Wales
Tel: (03330) 063001
Wales Tourism
Visit Scotland
Tel: (0131) 472 2222
Scotland Tourism
Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB)
Tel: (028) 9023 1221
Discover Northern Ireland
World Tourism Organization
A specialised agency of the United Nations. Serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.
Please note that every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help at the enquiry desk.
Images by Romaneau, AllauddinYousafzai, tpsdave under a Creative Commons license