Summer leisure travel in the US will be essentially flat, predicted The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA).
The forecast was for less than 1% of growth.
“I am concerned about a number of economic indicators with gasoline prices and the pocket-book impact they’re having leading the way,” said Dr. Suzanne Cook, senior vice president for research for TIA.
Other study highlights:
- There should be a reversal of last summer’s travel pattern: gas prices should cause weaker demand early this summer but demand will grow later as travelers get used to the higher prices.
- Air travel and hotel demand will rise even as rates and fares go up.
- Forty percent of Americans plan to take children or grandchildren on their longest trip.
- The top three activities this summer are visiting friends and relatives (55%), going to the beach or a lake (38%), and visiting small towns or rural areas (27%).
- Five percent of summer travelers plan to use an RV, while 6% will go to either an all-inclusive resort of take a cruise.
Report by David Wilkening
