REPORT - LONDON - WTM 2007: We’re all going on a summer holiday is taking on a completely new fashion with today’s Young Ones. They call it ‘debaucherism’ tourism. The idea is to follow in the footsteps of tabloid celebrities and travel to experience wild parties.

 

Although the US and the Caribbean are currently benefiting from the trend, other destinations that are likely to prosper from this ‘play hard, work hard’ generation include Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Vietnam, Macau and Dubai.

It’s most popular in the US where those in the age group 25-34 are waiting longer before marrying. As earners of 17% of the United States’ gross income they have more time to enjoy their last fling at youth before settling down.

Many are ensuring that they make the best of it! One of the main beneficiaries has been all-inclusive resorts such as Hedonism II and Hedonism III in Jamaica and adult island getaways such as SinSation Adult Resort and Spa and Charli’s Angels in the Dominican Republic.

The growing pattern is outlined in the World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2007 released in conjunction with the market intelligence firm Euromonitor International.

Las Vegas rules as the capital of ‘debaucherism’, with young adults flocking to a city that promises ‘What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas’.

Travel and tourism suppliers have capitalised on this, offering the most indulgent activities ranging from day parties to strip club tours.

Mainstream hotels such as the Venetian and the Palms are getting in on the act with pool parties and hiring out cabanas. This kind of luxury living does not come cheap as parties can run from $1,000 to $5,000 per day.

Cruising, which is continuing to see dynamic growth, is also capitalising.

Groove Cruise offers 24-hour entertainment with partygoers happy to stay on board while touring the Caribbean and Mexico.

For those wanting complete privacy, there are jets and yachts ready to transport guests – at a price. Chartering a small plane starts at around $2,000 per hour. The Train Chartering Company rents out carriages for about $7,500 per day.

Not so expensive….LA Party Bus hires vehicles seating 30 that come with wet bars, couches and even stripper poles at $125 per hour.

Clement Wong, Euromonitor’ Global Travel and Tourism Research Manager comments: “Even as travellers age they will continue to embrace travel as an opportunity to revisit their ‘hedonistic’ youth and to spend lavishly, enjoying their leisure time to the full. Long haul, exotic destinations are expected to benefit as these partygoers search for the next thrill and document their activities via social networking websites for all to see and imitate.”