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 –