Inflation, rising gas prices, and other global problems appear to be no match for the attraction of vacations. Yet, despite the challenges of today’s travel climate, 65 per cent of U.S. travellers want to take leisure vacations in the next six months, according to MMGY Travel Intelligence’s Portrait of American Travelers report released this week. The quarterly research studies U.S. adults’ travel intentions and habits by combining data from over 4,500 respondents.
“Even in the face of inflation and higher gas prices, most Americans are telling us they’re still eager to venture out this summer,” said Chris Davidson, EVP of MMGY Travel Intelligence. “Though we did observe some erosion in the travel intentions of Americans at the lower end of the income spectrum, spending intentions are up this quarter overall, and COVID-19 has finally faded as a material barrier to travel.”
For the first time, growing travel costs have surpassed COVID-19 fears as the major obstacle to travel. According to the report, approximately eight out of ten active leisure travelers will be impacted by rising gas costs.
However, it is unlikely that Americans will cancel their vacations; instead, they will go closer to home (48 per cent), spend less on entertainment/shopping (35 per cent), and cook instead of eating out (30 per cent ).
Other significant discoveries from the Summer Edition of Portrait of American Travelers include:
Domestically and internationally, people’s perceptions of safety are improving. According to the poll, domestic travel is now seen to be seven points safer than it was a year ago, while overseas travel is now 12 points safer.
The desire to travel internationally has grown, and the possibility of doing so has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The groups most interested in traveling overseas in the next two years include younger travelers, those with children, and travelers with incomes of more than $100K, with Europe and the Caribbean being the most popular places of interest.
The Summer Edition includes sections on road trips, family travel patterns, and significant concerns connected to diversity, fairness, and inclusion in travel, in addition to general traveler preferences and future aspirations.
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