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| Australia remains the top "international dream destination" among those surveyed by Travel Leaders. |
Good news for leisure travel sales. As U. S. taxpayers ready for “tax day,” Travel Leaders’ latest survey reveals that more than 57 percent of those polled in a recent survey who are receiving a tax refund will use at least part of that money for leisure travel this year. Also, 83 percent of individuals polled in Travel Leaders’ nationwide consumer travel survey indicated that they will spend the same or more on leisure trips in 2011 as compared to last year.
Travel Leaders noted that this is the third consecutive year in which Travel Leaders has conducted an online consumer survey. This year’s survey was conducted March 10 – April 10, 2011, and includes responses from 953 consumers throughout the U.S. The survey findings also found that Australia remains consumers’ No. 1 international “dream destination” of choice. It also pointed to healthy growth in leisure travel numbers overall.
“What is most encouraging from our latest survey is that an overwhelming majority (89 percent) indicated that they have already traveled or will be traveling for leisure this year, and it seems they are prepared to open their wallets a little more, if they need to—as 83 percent said they would be spending the same or more this year on travel,” said Roger E. Block, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group.
Additional key statistics and findings included:
Tax Refund/Money for Travel: A majority, 57.4 percent, of U.S. consumers responded “Yes” to the question “If you receive a tax refund this year, will you be using any part of that money for vacation travel?”
Leisure Travel Spending: 83 percent of those polled said that they will spend the same or more on leisure travel in 2011 than they did last year. Only 17 percent indicated they would be spending less on leisure travel this year.
Australia is the “Dream”: The top international “dream destination” selected was Australia, followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and Mediterranean cruising, respectively. In 2009, the top five responses were: Australia (1), Italy (2), Greece (3), Tahiti (3) and Germany (5).
Leisure Travel – A Priority:
• A vast majority (89 percent) of consumers polled indicated that they have or will take at least one leisure trip in 2011.
• Nearly 62 percent indicated they have already taken at least one trip; 22 percent have already taken multiple vacation trips this year.
• When asked “Is the total number of leisure trips you anticipate taking in 2011 more, the same or less than last year?” nearly 87 percent indicated that they will take the same or more trips this year.
Top States Visited: When asked, “Which U.S. state(s) have you traveled to or will you travel to in 2011?” the top response was Florida followed by California and New York. In 2010, the top three responses were Florida, California and Wisconsin.
Visit www.travelleaders.com.