The average traveller in 2032 will be 40-plus (but acting younger), single and female, and if she wants to marry she will increasingly be likely to find a man abroad. She will also be well educated, internet-savvy, own shares, work longer hours and take more and longer holidays.

This glimpse of the future was afforded last week by pollsters Mori in conjunction with the Association of British Travel Agents, as they tracked the UK demographic and travel trends from the past 23 years.

China is expected to gain popularity as a long-haul destination next year, as it opens more of its countryside to tourists, and 'value for money' Turkey should see growth as a 'sun and sand' destination, as mass-market tour operators expand their capacity there.

The impact of 11 September on travel to the USA has been less significant than was feared - in fact it has become more popular as a'dream destination'. Spain is the most popular package holiday destination followed by France, Greece and the USA.

The internet and low-cost airlines have enjoyed most growth. Three in 10 holiday-makers have flown with a no-frills airline in the past year, and 63 per cent used the internet to find travel information. While 40 per cent used the net to book a holiday or flight, 50 per cent expect to in the next two years.

While consumers are more likely to book travel directly with the company rather than through a travel agent, they are also more likely to book last minute.