Morocco Travel Information

SOLO travellers are looking less lonely as tourism operators rush to cater for a blossoming single-person sector.

Ms Veath recently travelled on a solo two-week getaway to Bali, where she stayed at a renowned yoga retreat. She has also previously spent time travelling by herself around Morocco. "I'm fortunate to be happy with my own company and as much as you meet other people you have to be comfortable with your own company."

Melanie Waters-Ryan, Flight Centre executive general manager for land, said operators were bracing for a huge increase in the number of travellers looking for solo experiences.

Ms Waters-Ryan said an anticipated 15 to 20 per cent increase in the numbers of solo travellers in the next year was prompting companies throughout the tourism industry to provide a wider range of options for travellers going it alone.

"We've done a bit of research ourselves, but we've actually had a look at other tourism companies and single travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors," she said.

She said Flight Centre offshoot Quickbeds.com had seen operators regularly posting adds designed to attract the attention of the single traveller.

"You are seeing a lot more theming (in advertising)," Ms Waters-Ryan said.

"The type of offers they are putting out to those markets are not just straight room prices but include extras as well."

Changes to marketing included offering prices per room as opposed to per person, and strapping on deals such as use of sports amenities or wellness and spa facilities.

She said women travellers, in particular, were attracted to holidays which offered greater variety for single people.

"You'll find that a lot (of operators) are positioning their packages in a way that is much more aligned to appeal to women and solo travellers in particular."

Seasoned solo traveller Leah Veath, 29, said she had opted to do the majority of her travelling alone because it allowed her greater freedom. "I've done most of my travel solo," Ms Veath said.

"It's just worked out that way. If friends want to come, that's great, but I'm not going to wait for them.

"I think travelling by yourself you are more open to new experiences because when you travel with other people you tend to stick with yourselves."


Ms Waters-Ryan said a lot of companies were now room-matching willing solo travellers.

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