Automotive tourism latest trend
Here’s one travel trend most people have yet to hear about: automotive tourism.
That involves buying an auto or vehicle online and then traveling to another region — for possible sightseeing — to pick it up.
"Like other areas of the economy, the Internet continues to change the way people shop for vehicles," said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. He added:
"Many customers enjoy a significant cost savings because there’s no down payment and they customize the lease terms by shopping for the right lease anywhere in the country. Even with the cost of a plane ticket they come home with large savings."
How common is it?
Roughly 38 percent of all lease transactions now take place between two people not in the same region – sometimes as far away as New York and California. This is up from 31 percent just five years ago, according to LeaseTrader.
Of these transactions, 54 percent now travel to the region where the car is located and drive the vehicle back. This compares to just 12 percent five years ago.
The most common place for such transactions in the US is Daytona Beach, Florida. Dallas is second.
"We all know more people turn to the Internet each day to shop for all kinds of items. And while it’s easy to understand someone purchasing a book or a consumer electronics gadget, it’s not often that someone would think of buying or leasing a car over the Internet,” he said. Closed vehicle dealerships are also helping spur the trend, he said.
LeaseTrader.com is called the “most recognized name in car leasing.” The Miami-based company matches car shoppers with individuals looking to escape their auto lease.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive