This week in travel stats saw the industry looking ahead to Labor Day, with data on the most popular destinations and a look at how mobile technology is shaping the way people vacation.
The Top Ten Most Popular Labor Day Destinations
Domestic airfare is up 6.6% this year at an average of $343 for a round-trip. According to Travelocity and their best Days to Fly data, money savvy travelers should consider departing on Saturday, August 30th rather than the Friday before Labor Day. Combined with a return trip on Wednesday, September 3rd, travelers can save nearly 15% versus a traditional Friday departure and Monday return.
Travelocity has rounded up the to the top ten most popular Labor Day destinations (based on airfare bookings).
35 Percent of Americans Would Not Ditch Device on Vacation
A new survey from Hotels.com found that only 35 percent of American travelers are unwilling to ditch their devices while on vacation. Travelers from Thailand were found to be the least prepared to give up their mobile technology, with 85 percent of Thai travelers saying they'd be unwilling to do so.
Travel Costs Will Increase GBTA, CWT Report
Demand from emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil and improved economic growth in advanced economies, combined with limited advances in travel supply, will result in an upward pressure on rates, particularly in high-demand travel markets, says a new joint 2015 Global Travel Price Outlook report.
The report comes from the GBTA Foundation, the education and research arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). The study shows that travel managers are prepared and are expecting airfares to increase among all categories due to consolidation in major markets.
Timeshare Industry Adds $68.7 Billion to U.S. Economy
The U.S timeshare industry contributed an estimated $68.7 billion in consumer and business spending to the national economy in 2013, according to a study conducted by Ernst & Young for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). That includes a total of 473,000 jobs with $23.6 billion in income, the study reports.