Travelocity Forecast Poll Finds Consumers Taking Advantage of International Travel
Travelers Not Deterred by the Weak Dollar or new passport rules
Despite headaches caused by
regulations that went into effect in 2007 requiring passports for air
travelers returning to the U.S. from Canada , Mexico , and the Caribbean
, the new restrictions may have had some positive side effects.
According to a recent poll conducted
by Travelocity gauging consumers' travel plans for 2008, the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has actually inspired many to visit
these regions and beyond. Of respondents who obtained their passport for
the first time in 2007, 66 percent traveled internationally, and 30
percent traveled beyond the regions included in the WHTI.
With 10.3 million passports issued in
the first eight months of 2007 (according to the Department of State) –
a 37 percent increase over the same period in 2006 – it's no surprise
travelers who may have otherwise chosen to stay stateside instead
traveled overseas. Not even a weak dollar and uncertain economy will
impede these eager jet setters, as 90 percent of survey respondents said
they plan to travel internationally in 2008.
“Regulations are scheduled to become
tighter early next year when travelers returning to the U.S. by land AND
sea will need a passport. Not only is this likely to result in more
passports being issued in 2008, but it will open even more options to
vacationing Americans looking to stretch their dollar abroad,” said Amy
Ziff, Travelocity's editor-at-large.
“The up-tick in international travel
may continue as a whole new group of consumers begins to explore beyond
domestic vacations.”
Consumers responded in stride to
other changes impacting the travel environment as well, be it high
prices or chronic delays. The majority of travelers (65 percent) are
willing to sacrifice more flight choices if it means fewer delays – and
with the recent news of flight caps at two New York-area airports
scheduled to take place in March, that theoretical sacrifice is about to
become a reality. Travelers also are a bit wiser from the challenges
faced in 2007.
This year, almost half of travelers
will try and avoid connecting flights at all costs; one in six said they
would alter the times of day they typically fly ; and 15 percent would
consider booking through smaller airports to try to minimize problems.
Other trends of note include
everything from a renewed focus on eco-friendly travel to an emphasis on
what Travelocity's editors have coined “Fit Travel” in 2008.
FITNESS FANATICS:
• Healthy travel is a key phrase for
2008, with 86 percent saying it's important to maintain an active
lifestyle while traveling, whether only seeking out hotels with a gym or
even planning the entire trip around active pursuits.
• Almost 70 percent make an effort to maintain a healthy
diet while traveling (whether avoiding fast food or going so far as to
preparing their own foods on the road).
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTHUSIASTS:
• Almost 40 percent are interested in taking a volunteer vacation in 2008.
• Seventy-eight percent are willing to pay more for
eco-friendly destinations or establishments (with around one in 10
willing to spend an extra $100 - $200).
FAMILY FIRST :
• More than half of respondents plan
to take a multigenerational vacation in 2008, including everyone from
adult children and grandchildren to grandparents and great grandparents.
TRAVEL TASTES:
• Western Europe, the Caribbean and Canada are the most popular.
• Beach and cultural experiences remain among the most popular activities for vacations in 2008.
The Travelocity poll conducted from
Nov. 26 – Dec. 3, 2007 consisted of responses from approximately 1,000
Travelocity members. The survey was conducted to obtain information from
travelers who have booked at least one travel component in the last 12
months.
For complete survey details, visit www.travelocity.com/forecast2008 or contact Vollmer Public Relations at 972-488-4790 / ashley@vollmerpr.com.
About Travelocity
Travelocity ® is committed to being
the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip – and
provides the most comprehensive and pro-active guarantee in the industry
– see http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee for details.
This customer-driven focus, backed by
24/7 live phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology
has made Travelocity the sixth largest travel agency -- booking $10.1
billion in travel worldwide in 2006. Based in Southlake , Texas ,
Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business ® for corporate
travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a
leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre
Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel commerce.
SOUTHLAKE, Texas – January 7, 2008 –