Families jumping on motor coach bandwagon
Motor coach travel is picking up in popularity as weary travelers are looking askance at airline delays and cancellations, as well as higher gas prices and congested highways, industry data shows.
But at the same time, group travel has become more appealing to what in the past was unlikely customers: entire families.
“What’s happened is that we’re seeing an increase in demand from consumers that have never taken motor coaches with great frequency before. We are seeing new demographic groups,” said Eron Shosteck, senior vice president for communication, American Bus Association
He uses the example of young families.
“All the amenities of modern motor coaches make it very easy to make trips, say, to the beach because you have lavatories. You can bring food. Personal entertainment devices can be used. Many motor coaches offer movies as they travel. The whole family can sight-see, visit, and spend quality time together,” he said.
“The motor coach industry provides 631 million passenger trips annually. Its national network of bus stations includes more than three times the number of airports and intercity rail stations,” said American Bus Association President & CEO Peter J. Pantuso. He added:
“Every demographic sector, including business travelers, tourists, students, senior citizens, and minorities, uses regularly scheduled service provided by the motor coach industry.”
“Like any innovative customer-service industry, motor coach operators are evolving to meet changing consumer demands,” Mr Pantuso added. “As younger, more active travelers increase in numbers, the destinations, working together with operators, will offer fresh ways to attract new customers.”
Report by David Wilkening
David
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