Latest Longwoods survey says safety remains key consideration for American travelers
Confidence in travel is rising as safety remains top of mind for Americans.
According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers, nine in ten of them plan to travel in the next six months.
This is the highest level since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
It found only three in ten say that Covid-19 will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months, which is the lowest level yet.
Still, despite the ongoing easing of restrictions across many parts of the country, safety remains a concern among many travelers, with half of them saying that traveling to destinations with Covid19 protocols in place is a factor in deciding where they will travel this summer and fall.
"The steady increase in the country’s vaccination rate and the declines in new case numbers and deaths continues to build demand for travel," said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International.
"We expect a robust recovery for the leisure segment of the US travel and tourism industry this year, after a devastating 2020."
Regarding discussions that some destinations and travel-related businesses may require proof of vaccination, one third of travelers are more likely to patronize those which require it, while another third say proof of vaccination requirements have no impact on their travel choices.
One in five of travelers will only visit destinations which require proof of vaccination, while a similar percentage either will not or are less likely to visit places which require vaccinations.
The cost of travel is also being watched carefully as four in ten American travelers indicate the cost of transportation and accommodations will influence their destination choice for summer travel.
"Gas prices are on the rise and there is surging demand for paid accommodations to traditional summer vacation destinations, especially along coastal areas and resorts," said Eylon.
"This may create opportunities for lesser-known destinations in regional domestic markets to target those travelers keeping an eye on their travel budget."
The survey is supported by Miles Partnership, and polled a consumer panel of 1,000 adults in mid-April.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps