Alaska unseated Las Vegas as the top US destination, according to a recent survey of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
Other findings of the survey, which takes into account more than 10 million tour-goers:
• The second most popular US destination was the American southwest.
• Eastern Europe and South Africa were cited as the hottest up-and-coming areas.
• New Zealand and Australia were viewed as best value for the dollar, followed closely by the US.
• Despite the high Euro, Europe ranked as the top international area overall, with Italy placing first as the single most popular destination for the second year in a row.
• FIT was the top trend in vacation packages and tours, with 43% of respondents reporting a sales increase of more than 25%. Value-added offerings and special interest tours trailed behind.
When asked the fastest growing segment price-wise for tours, 62% of USTOA respondents said value for the dollar was more important, regardless of the price. Another 27% cited luxury travel.
“It’s no surprise that Europe came out on top as the most popular international area for tours and vacation packages,” said USTOA President Bob Whitley.
“Since 2001 there has been tremendous pent-up demand for travel there, and we are seeing it play out, despite the elevated Euro,” he added.
Report by David Wilkening
