CarTrawler issues car rental survey figures

The car rental distribution firm, CarTrawler, issued its first report, titled the Biannual Growth Trends Index, analysing key worldwide car rental data and industry performance indicators.

CarTrawler’s report noted that during the first six months of 2008, in particular, there has been increased development in the number of car rental destinations that have been established outside traditional UK markets, such as Spain and Portugal. The sharpest increases have been in the US, in non-Euro zone areas, such as Bulgaria and Romania and a number of key long haul destinations. A shift in channels for car booking also demonstrates a steep increase in bookings for city break car rentals. Greater numbers of people are renting cars for long weekends away.

“Key to our biggest growth destinations is the ability people now have to book their car rental at the point of their air booking,” comments Greg Turley. “The growth in major international business and airport destinations is no surprise for us; we predict this area will continue to see significant year on year growth as more and more airlines capitalise on car rental ancillary revenue.

“It is interesting to note that, despite the credit crunch and predictions of a downturn in travel, consumers are still taking city breaks. However, the trends we continue to see throughout our data are that travellers are moving towards those short haul destinations where the pound is going to go further,” noted Greg Turley.

“We are also seeing a growth in car rental on city breaks, instead of relying on local transport. With the availability and ease of car booking on the internet and the ability to compare prices and get great value, more and more people are opting for the convenience of having their ‘own’ car no matter how short the break. They value their independence of travel and they like having their own personal space which a rented vehicle gives them.”

www.cartrawler.com