North American travelers are losing interest in leisure trips, says a recent 2005 Traveler Sentiment Index Report.
Officials with the sponsoring agent, the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), says the lack of free time is the greatest barrier to people taking leisure trips.
“American travelers still remain significantly more negative about the affordability of travel and their financial capability to participate than they did in earlier years, reflecting real travel price increases in recent months,” said Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for TIA.
Consumer interest in taking leisure trips fell 5.1% since the second quarter, according to the study.
TIA began measuring travel industry concerns following 9-11.
Ms Cook said she believed the more negative thoughts about travel can be traced to the war and the uncertain economy.
TIA is a national, non-profit organization that represents all part of the $593 billion travel industry.
Report by David Wilkening
