Tour participants want more action
An informal tour operators poll shows Americans are looking for more action while on vacation.
Nearly two out of three tour operators said adventure travel is on the rise, according to the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
“Results were mixed when it comes to ‘slow travel,’ meaning stay-put vacations or tours taking more time to cover an area or visiting an area more in depth,” said USTOA.
More than 50% of respondents cited year over year growth, but more than one third also reported no growth in this area. The increased interest in active vacations was reflected in the types of packaged vacations being booked.
FITs scored the greatest gain. More than 80% of respondents said this category has experienced growth in 2007 compared to 2006. Independent tours came in second at 73%.
“In what may reflect a slight maturing of the market, while more than 50 percent reported growth in independent packages (usually prepackaged hotel and other arrangements), a full third said there had been no change in this category,” said USTOA.
Previous research indicated that baby boomers are fueling the growth in active vacations, according to Bob Whitley, USTOA president.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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