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Tour operators see better bookings
Pent-up travel demand among factors leading to strong growth in both domestic and international tourism, says a survey by the US Tour Operators Association.
"Pent-up demand for travel, a somewhat stronger economy and more discretionary income are some factors fueling the growth in travel bookings," John Stachnik, USTOA acting Chairman, said in a statement.
In a mid-year poll of 28 member companies representing 49 brands, 92 percent of respondents said business has picked up since the start of the year.
According to the survey, 96 percent of respondents said that international travel is up over last year, with a 30 percent average increase in global bookings over 2009.
Last year, only 75 percent of respondents said they were seeing growth in international travel bookings, and those that saw growth experienced an average increase in bookings of just under 20 percent
Major factors contributing to the increase in bookings:
—Discretionary income is greater.
—The dollar’s value.
"The difference is that last year we were seeing a weak dollar, whereas this year the dollar has gained strength against currencies such as the euro," said Stachnik.
By David Wilkening
David
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