High demand for travel but Americans remain cautious over Covid safety
Longwoods International has released its latest study of American travel sentiment, which revealed 88% now have travel plans in the next six months.
This is the highest level in more than a year.
Americans are optimistic for travel this year but also remain cautious.
The study found less than a third of them are likely to visit a tourism attraction or business which does not have clear Covid safety protocols, such as mask requirements and social distancing, in place.
"It’s obvious from the data that Americans are ready to travel again, but only if they believe they can do safely," said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International.
"With many states reducing or removing coronavirus safety mandates, tourism businesses will need to figure out what level of safety precautions their customers expect or demand."
According to the latest data, the pandemic continues to cause shifts in travel patterns, with domestic and drive destinations being favored over international and fly-to locations.
Perhaps driven by the current stage of the vaccine rollout process, travelers have fewer near term trips planned in the next 30-60 days, with an increase seen in trips being planned more than six months out, when compared with travel planning in the past month.
The survey, supported by Miles Partnership, was fielded on 31 March 2021 using a national sample randomly drawn from a consumer panel of 1,000 adults, ages 18 and over.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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