When is a good time to take a trip? According to travelhorizons latest survey conducted by the marketing services firm, MMGY Global, there is no time like the present.
The survey consisting of 2,300 active travelers shows that attitudes towards travel are increasingly optimistic. This can be seen in terms of a numerical score known as the Traveler Sentiment Index (TSI).
Traveler Sentiment Index is the end result of six factors that measure Americans’ attitudes towards travel. The six factors include: interest in travel, time for travel, personal finances available for travel, affordability of travel, quality of travel services, and safety of travel. The TSI serves as a predictor of travel behavior during the coming six months.
In February, Americans’ feelings about travel were positive in all six categories of the TSI. For the first time since the benchmark score of 100 was established in March 2007 before the financial downturn, the TSI score was measurably higher. Compared to October 2012, the TSI increased 10 points.
A decline in the number of people who reported financial factors such as gas prices as travel restrictions shows that people are less concerned about travel being unaffordable. Travelhorizons survey also indicated record high customer satisfaction with rental car companies, airlines, and lodging companies. Furthermore, there is an increase in the number of people who are expecting to take at least one overnight trip for business within the next six months.
As a result of the more hopeful sentiments regarding the economy and travel, an estimated 57 percent of all U.S. adults, or 136 million people, plan to take at least one leisure trip during the next six months.
For more information visit www.mmgyglobal.com