Thursday, June 14, 2007

'Logging on means holidaymakers never fully switch off'

More than a third of all UK travellers are unable to completely switch off when on holiday, regularly using the internet whilst abroad, according to a new survey.

Forty per cent of UK travellers admitted to going online at least twice during their trip abroad.

The key users of the internet when abroad is the 21-35 year age group, stating that the main purpose for both sexes logging on is to check and send personal emails.

However, a greater number of men than women tend to check their work emails while on holiday, with women tending to use the internet to book day trips and research the destination.

The survey of 1,769 UK adults, carried out by OnePoll, identified a growing trend among over-50s to get connected to the internet.

The 'silver surfer' generation emerged as the age group who used the internet abroad more on a daily basis than any other age group, logging on to stay in touch with loved ones: checking and sending personal emails and uploading photos and 'blogs'. 

The poll was commissioned by the 'While in Egypt Stay Connected' (WIESC) project for United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which creates metropolitan wireless networks in Egypt and is helping the country's internet infrastructure to be on par with that of other tourist destinations.

Nihal Soliman, marketing advisor for the project, said: "Given the growth of internet use whilst abroad, the WIESC project brings Egypt in line with many other tourist destinations. The project will enable travellers to use the internet more easily when on vacation in Egypt."

The WIESC project will deliver the newest wireless technology to two of Egypt's key tourist areas, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh, to further the wireless internet access already available in select airports, cafes and fast food restaurants across the country. The project also involves a hotel connectivity programme across Egypt to facilitate in-room internet access in many 3* and most 4-5* hotels.

by Phil Davies 

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