The growth of special interest tour operators.

There are many factors that have fueled an increase in demand for special interest tour operators. One factor is the change in consumer preferences as there is a higher demand for unique and authentic experiences for travellers. Instead of traditional holiday packages, travellers are more interested in finding a deeper connection with the destinations that they visit and wanting to learn first hand about local cultures and communities. Another factor that has fueled an increase in demand for special interest tour operators is the rise of digital platforms. This has made it easier for tour operators to market their offers and reach potential customers, through social media and the internet. Traveller's preferences and decisions are being shaped through content on travel blogs and on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Personalised holidays are becoming more popular and this is contributing to the rise in special interest tour operators. By offering customised travel experiences that align with individual interests, such as culinary experiences, cultural tours, and sporting activities, special interest tour operators are catering to this high demand of personalised travel experiences. Another factor is demographic shifts, this refers to the different preferences of different age groups. Specialist interest tour operators have to think of the different interests that mature individuals may have compared to the younger generation, for example mature travellers may enjoy cultural tours, compared to a younger traveller who might enjoy adventurous activities more. Lastly, the environmental impact of tourism has become more aware by tourists and this has led to a growth in special interest tour operators as travellers want an eco-conscious travel option. Travellers want to make a positive contribution to the environment through their travel choices, so their has been a rise in special interest tour operators who focus on sustainability, conservation, and community-based tourism. 

Examples of new or emerging tour operators.

• Slow Adventure - this tour operator specialises in destinations in Sweden, Iceland, Scotland, and Italy, and most trips are group tours and itineraries include visiting magical Finnish Lapland. As they go to each destination, Slow Adventure aims to give back to the communities they visit. This tour operator is a sustainable company and all bookings through them include a donation for local schemes. 
• Spirited Stories - this tour operator specialises in boozy breaks, but rather than lad holidays and average holidays, Spirited Stories aim for tourists to experience small-group cultural tours that learn about culture through the destinations alcohol. These tours include breaks exploring mezcal in Mexico, whiskey in Ireland, vodka in Sweden, and wine tours of Champagne, Burgundy, and California. They also offer dining, mixology classes, and encourage tourists to socialise, making new friends through a cultural drinking tour. 
• Rewilding Europe Travel - this tour operator specialises in nature-based tourism experiences, they offer mix of group tours and tailor made holidays to best suit the traveller. They sell experiences and holidays in different destinations such as the Velebit Mountains of Croatia, and Iberian highlands of Spain. Rewilding Europe Travel is a not-for-profit foundation and they are  working towards rewilding 15 areas across Europe collaborating with other charities and projects.

The move from packaged to unpackaged holidays.

Unpackaged holidays are becoming more popular than packaged holidays because travellers are able to tailor their trip to their exact preferences and it is cost saving as they are only paying for what they want. There is also a wider range of options that travellers have access to and are able to adjust their plans when booking separately through unpackaged holidays. Unpackaged holidays offers unique and authentic destinations, flexibility in duration of the holiday, flexibility in choosing the departure airport and flight times, and flexibility of accommodation. However there are some negative factors of booking unpackaged holidays such as they are more time-consuming as it requires a lot of planning and research, this may also be hard to manage due to separate bookings that are risky and complicated. Another thing is that they could potentially have higher costs as the unpackaged holidays aren’t in bulk rates. Lastly, unpackaged holidays might have a lack of ATOL protection causing less financial protection if things go wrong with travel companies.

The role of budget airlines in the specialist market.

One role of budget airlines in the specialised market is making the trip more accessible and affordable for travellers. Another role of budget airlines in the specialised market is destination development, by opening up new routes to less-travelled destinations, budget airlines are able to develop new tourism jobs. For example it can increase the growth of eco-tourism in a new and remote area by budget airlines starting services there. Promotion and marketing is a role of budget airlines, they engage in marketing and promotional activities in partnerships with tourism boards and local governments to ensure that travellers are aware of less known destinations. This type of marketing helps to raise awareness and interest in specialist tourism areas. Another role of budget airlines in the specialised market is by providing an economic boost. Through the arrival of tourists brought in by budget airlines, specialist tourism destinations benefit economically. This leads to improved facilities, better preservation efforts, and more sustainable tourism practices.

New and up and coming destinations, 

• Medellin, Colombia - this destination is becoming popular because of the amazing transformation in to a beautiful city. This destination is known for its spring weather, all year round. Travellers choose to Medellin as it has accessible public transport at the destination, making it easier for tourists and locals to get round the city. there are many activities that are enjoyed by tourists and locals in Medellin, these include festivals, museums, and art galleries. 
• Tbilisi, Georgia - this destination is becoming popular for its history, culture, and attractions. Tourists are favoring Tbilisi because of its affordability, from public transport to attractions and dinning, this destination is described as reasonably priced and budget friendly. Tbilisi is actively working to enhance its tourism infrastructure, ensuring to preserve their rich culture, stunning architecture, and amazing churches.  Nightlife and entertainments are also reasons why Tbilisi is becoming more popular, as is their traditional dishes and food hospitality. This destination is considered a tourist-friendly destination because of its warm hospitality, friendliness and easy communication with the locals, its safeness, and its accessibility. 
• Ljubljana, Slovenia - this destination is becoming popular for its architecture and heritage, Ljubljana is known for having one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world. This destination is also popular for its theatres, galleries, and museums. Tourists are choosing Ljubljana as a holiday destination to support their efforts of being a sustainable destination. One way this destination has been environmentally friendly is by making the city center car free, helping reduce the amount of private transport in the city and encouraging locals and tourists to use more sustainable methods of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transportation.