Demand for domestic destinations is booming, reports Dan Austin, director and founding partner of Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA), a multi-sport adventure company.
Mr Austin says ALA’s clients are looking forward to the exotic qualities of such places as Alaska, Montana and Costa Rica — instead of crossing the pond.
“Travelers are staying closer to home due to economic concerns, the weak dollar and election-year jitters,” he says. “But the good news is that folks are still traveling”.
His company specializes in week-long multi-sport programs to iconic destinations in the Americas from Alaska to the Galapagos. This year they have expanded their formula for active vacations to southern Africa as well.
However, Mr Austin notes that its domestic business — most specifically Alaska — has been unexpectedly brisk. Bookings for Alaska trips are up 18% over last year and business overall is up 16%, he said.
Report by David Wilkening
