Most holidaymakers ‘are using the internet for research’

The internet is increasingly being used as a tool for research into holidays, it has been found.

The internet is increasingly being used as a tool for research into holidays, it has been found.

According to a Mintel poll cited by Travel Weekly, while 59 per cent of people used a high street travel agent for holiday information in 2003, this percentage had fallen to 39 per cent last year.

Those travelling independently were most likely to take this approach, with just over half using the internet for such a purpose – however, they said they would still use the high street for brochures to spark initial ideas.

“Research suggests the internet will overtake the high street as the main research channel for package holidays,” a Mintel spokesperson commented.

The news follows research carried out in 2008 by the Post Office, which found that 56 per cent of respondents said they will check out the weather at their resort on the internet before they go abroad, while 38 per cent said they plan to read reviews by other travellers before making a booking.