24 December 2009

Real indications of brighter travel future

Optimistic news about the economy approach ridiculous levels as observers sometimes desperately look for positive signs but there are some very sound reasons for thinking the trend is up:

o "Business travelers appear to be moving back to the front of the plane, showing positive signs companies may likely be feeling more optimistic about the economy," says American Express Business Travel on its Business Travel Monitor North America,

o AAA says travelers journeying 50 miles or more away this holiday season total almost one third of the population, or a number that is up almost three percent over last year. "More Americans traveling during the winter holidays is another sign consumers are continuing to grow more confident in their personal financial situations," said Glen MacDonell, AAA's director of travel services.

o More than one third of consumers intend taking more leisure vacations next year while more than half plan the same amount of trips, according to Travel Ticker’s 2010 Travel Intentions Survey. Only six percent of consumers plan on taking less leisure trips in the new year. "The feedback we received from our 2010 Travel Intentions Survey further supports Travel Ticker's belief that if consumers find a great deal, they will be inspired to travel," said Barbara Messing, Vice President of Travel Ticker.

The site says 18 to 30-year-olds are leading the charge on planning more leisure trips. This age group is followed by 38 percent of 65+ year-olds and more than 32 percent of 31-65 year-olds, who also plan on taking more leisure trips in the upcoming year.

More free time and inspiring deals are cited as top reasons for more leisure trips in the new year.

Said Christa Degnan Manning, director of Global Services for Amex on the improved outlook for business travel:

"This is an encouraging sign for the business travel industry because it indicates increasing demand as well as willingness to pay for premium products, which help with supplier profitability and their ability to provide consumer discounts."

Most observers think business travel will have to be more robust before the overall travel economy will improve.

By David Wilkening