Figures show that 16% of travellers went on holiday by themselves in the 12 months to August 2023. This was up from 11% who took a solo holiday during the previous 12-month period – and it was also higher than the corresponding pre-Covid figure of 13%.

Those aged 25 to 34 were most likely to have been on a solo trip with 19% choosing this option. But the biggest year-on-year increase in solo travel came in the 35-44 age bracket with the percentage more than doubling from 6% in 2022 to 13% last year.

Graeme Buck, director of communications at Abta, said: “Our research shows that people are increasingly looking for solo travel experiences, so we’re excited to explore why this style of travel is growing at our Adventure Travel Conference next month.

“As the fast-growing adventure travel sector represents so many business opportunities for our industry, the whole day is designed to ensure attendees have the necessary insight to connect with the adventure traveller so they can confidently deliver unforgettable experiences.”

The Adventure Travel Conference takes place on 18 April at a venue in central London and will be moderated by Brian Young, managing director of G Adventures. It will include a session looking at how agents can tap into this increase in demand for adventure and solo travel.