LONDON, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelmatch says that the internet plays a huge role in the travel industry; they expect this to only become more apparent as ever more people begin to use the web to research, plan and book their holidays the easy way.

Online holiday specialists Travelmatch have experienced a rising tide of customers using their service to book cheap holidays. Taking into account these figures and customer feedback, they have concluded that the internet is an integral part of most people's tourist experiences. Alex Francis of travelmatch.co.uk comments: "It is hard to imagine booking a holiday these days without the internet as it allows customers to gather information, and book flights and holidays with such great ease. Whether someone is going to Lara Beach (http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/holidays/lara-beach-holidays.html) in Turkey, or Kathmandu in Nepal it is almost certain they will use online resources to help them get there."

Recent studies have drawn similar conclusions and a report by comScore, (http://www.comscore.com/) a market research company specialising in the digital world, has unearthed staggering figures demonstrating the link between the internet and travel. Their report shows that in February 2011 alone, 446 million unique visitors logged on to travel websites; this constitutes an 18 per cent increase over the same time last year. Online travel agents in particular received over 181 million unique visitors during that period.

Francis comments on these numbers: "The data unearthed by comScore is truly staggering as it shows that a huge proportion of the population is using the web to book their holidays. Indeed, 181 million unique visits to online travel agents is an incredible number, which demonstrates that many people have discovered how easy and affordable it is to make travel arrangements online."

Francis expects online resources to become ever more important to the travel world. He concludes: "It is quite clear that the internet dominates the way many book and plan their holidays. In the coming years, we can expect more and more people to log on and arrange their travel the easy way. If someone wants to book a hotel, such as the Concorde Deluxe Resort (http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/holidays/detail/concorde-deluxe-resort-lara-beach.html#state=BQoUKFAAUKAhAA&view=description) in Turkey, or set off on a round the world trip, they are best served using the internet to make all their arrangements."

About Travelmatch:

Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. Travelmatch, (http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/) which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.

SOURCE Travelmatch