Research & Publications

The WYSE Travel Confederation is committed to understanding the ever changing characteristics, motivations, and needs of young travellers.

The Confederation gathers, analyses and shares important research data and market intelligence with its members, academics, corporate and government decision-makers, and the general travelling public.

This investment in research and market intelligence informs the policies, services and products which make international travel and educational experiences exciting, safe, accessible and affordable for young people.

Climate Change and Youth Travel industry guide – Oct. 2007 Youth travellers care about the environment. They are looking for solutions that will help them balance their passion for travel, with their desire to minimise the environmental impact of their travel. The youth travel industry can provide young travellers with solutions to this dilemma. As part of WYSE Travel Confederation’s “Climate Change and Youth Travel” Initiative, a series of ready-made tools and templates have been designed to assist specialist youth travel organisations in educating customers and providing solutions. By using these tools, your organisation can make a difference and help young travellers answer the burning “questions of conscience” confronting our industry and our world. “Climate Change and Youth Travel” industry guide (PDF, 2MB)

New Horizons II - 2007 Global Study of Young Travellers The highly anticipated release of New Horizons II report provides fresh insights and trend data about one of the world’s fastest growing niche travel markets. Drawing on survey responses from 8500+ young independent travellers, New Horizons II 2007 updates a benchmark study conducted in 2002 which identified the motivations and unique travel characteristics of the millions strong global movement of young travellers. Through this study, WYSE Travel Confederation endeavours to further advance an understanding of the unique travel motivations, activities, booking and spending habits of young travellers. This report has been selected for inclusion in a compendium of research on the student and youth travel market - to be published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in November 2007. Download Full Report (PDF)

Global Directions in Language Travel 2007 ALTO’s annual survey provides benchmarking opportunities for leaders in the language and educational travel industry. Since 2004, ALTO’s surveys have helped members continually innovate their language travel products, providing essential data on student mobility, turnover, and future forecasts on potential trends in the language travel industry. Download Global Directions in Language Travel 2007 (PDF)

New Horizons in Independent Youth and Student Travel This unique report, prepared and published in 2004 by ISTC and the Association of Tourism and Leisure Education (ATLAS), was the first international survey of youth and student travellers using primary source data. More than 2300 travellers from eight countries contributed to the study. Frequently quoted in the press and featured worldwide at seminars and tourism events, this report is now widely viewed as the authoritative source of information on youth and student travellers. Download Full Report (PDF) Summary Report (PDF) Fact Sheet (PDF) An updated version of this benchmark report will be released in 2007. Based on a larger and more diverse data set than the original study, the 2007 report will provide updated information on young travellers' core characteristics, identify emerging trends, and offer important new insights into the booking behaviour, communication patterns, Internet usage and "unmanaged spend" of young travellers.

Study on the Impact of Travel on Values This study examines the impact of extended (work and/or study abroad) travel experiences on the attitudes of young travellers. It provides important empirical evidence for the proposition that (extended) travel experiences lead to increased levels of international understanding, tolerance, interpersonal trust and cultural awareness. Download SummaryReport (PDF)

Research Partnership with the UNWTO – Survey of National Tourism Policies In partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Confederation recently surveyed national tourism authorities on their policies and attitudes towards youth and student travel, current definitions of the sector, and government strategies for future development of this important market niche. Download Full Report (PDF) In 2007, the UNTWO and the Confederation will jointly prepare and issue a compendium of research on youth and student travel. This publication promises to become a “must-have” report for business and government leaders responsible for understanding the dynamics of a vitally important multi billion Euro global niche industry phenomenon.

Bibliography of Student and Youth Travel Research The 2nd edition of this important bibliography of academic and market based research on youth and student travellers was issued in 2005. Prepared by ATLAS' Backpacker Research Group, it includes summaries and abstracts of studies covering a range of subjects, including the psychological, economic, market and personal development impacts of youth and student travel. Download Bibliography (PDF)

Industry Barometers and Sector Association Member Surveys The Confederation periodically surveys its members to identify industry trends and provide a snapshot of current business volumes, distributions systems, product offerings, market demand and forecasted developments. Download GWEA Survey Report 2005 (PDF) Download Global Directions in Language Travel 2005 (PDF) Download Global Directions in Language Travel 2004 (PDF)

Discount for Members on Mintel Research Reports In addition to full access to the Confederation’s own research reports, members also enjoy discounts on publications issued by some of the world’s leading market intelligence and research firms. For example, until December 31st 2007, Confederation members benefit from a 15% discount off the list price of the following Mintel International Tourism Analyst series reports: - Study Tourism (June 2006) - Youth Travel Market (September 2006) - Tourism and Climate Change - International (January 2007) - Japan Outbound - Japan (September 2007) Download Highlights of Reports (PDF) To take advantage of this discount, members should contact Anouk Mariacci at +44 207 6066000 or by email at amariacci-blua@mintel.comMention the special offer for WYSE Travel Confederation members.