NEW YORK, NY (June 18, 2007)–A range of global trends will affect the European tourism market over the next 5 to10 years. Shifting demographics, macroeconomic trends, technology innovations and climate change are having a significant impact, according to eMarketer's report "European Online Travel."

eMarketer estimates that online leisure/unmanaged business travel sales in Western Europe will reach $49 billion this year. Sales growth is expected to slow throughout 2011, as the three largest online travel markets–the UK, Germany and France–continue to mature.

The UK is the largest market in Western Europe, capturing 45% of online travel sales in 2006. However, Germany, Spain and Italy are now growing at a faster rate and will gain a greater share of online travel sales by 2011.

Declining online sales growth over the next four years will present new challenges for online travel agencies and suppliers, says Jeffrey Grau, senior analyst and author of the report. "One opportunity is the lucrative segment of consumers who organize group events on social networking sites, some of which are specifically devoted to travel."

In the report:

• What trends are shaping the European travel landscape?
• How do the major online travel markets in Europe compare in size and growth potential?
• What is the outlook for travel suppliers, online travel agents and tour operators?
• What must online travel agencies do to secure their future success?

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