US travel appetites growing for spa vacations and religious retreats
The future of US travel? Growing interest in spa vacations, volunteer vacations and child-friendly destinations.
That was the result of a joint Travel Industry Association of America and Synovate “Voice of the Traveler” survey.
More than half (54%) of travelers said they were currently interested in going to a spa or a place where they can relax and rejuvenate themselves.
“Good news for the spa industry…interest appears to be growing,” concluded the poll-takers.
Other highlights:
v Almost a third of travelers said they were more interested now compared to five years ago in going to a spa or a place where they can relax and rejuvenate themselves.
v In fact, spa vacations ranked fifth when listing all the things people said they were more interested in doing now compared to five years ago.
v Among those who are interested in spa vacations, the majority (40%) are 35 – 54 years old; however, interest is also strong among 18 – 34 year olds (37%).
v One-quarter of travelers said they were currently interested in taking a volunteer or service-based vacation. More than one in ten travelers said they were more interested now compared to five years ago in such vacations.
v More than one-third of travelers said they were currently interested in traveling to places that cater to children. Among those who are interested, the majority are 18 – 34 years old, presumably young families with young children.
v One-quarter of travelers said they were now interested in taking a spiritual vacation (e.g., religious retreat, pilgrimage). More than one in ten travelers said they were more interested now compared to five years ago in taking a spiritual vacation.
v The appeal of a spiritual vacation spans the ages, with approximately one-third of each age group (18 – 34 years old, 35 – 54 years old and 55+) expressing current interest in taking such a vacation.
v More than half of travelers said they were currently interested in taking an educational trip where they and/or their family can learn something. Nearly 22% of travelers said they were more interested now compared to five years ago in taking such a trip.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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