Tripology reports a marked increase in consumer trip requests submitted in 2009 compared with the end of 2008, with a 42 percent increase over the end of 2008. This increase is revealed in Tripology’s newly published January Trend Report. Some other findings of the studies include the following:
• The top five requested cities are Las Vegas, Cancun, Orlando, London and Cabo. It is important to note that New York is now missing from the top five and has dropped to #17 from #4.
• There was a modest increase in interest in international travel since November 1, 2008.
• The number of days until departure (the amount of time between quote request and beginning of trip) decreased steadily from August through December 2008 but increased significantly in the early part of January 2009.
• The average maximum budget amount per person declined since August 2008 from $2,593 per person to $2,441 per person, approximately 6 percent. Over the same time period, the average minimum budget amount per person dropped more significantly from $1,176 per person to $968 per person, approximately 18 percent.
“A decrease in the amount consumers are budgeting for travel per person is in line with recent industry trends showing that travel providers and destinations are offering special offers to attract more travelers,” said John T. Peters, president and CEO of Tripology. “It’s no secret that travelers are seeking deals and great values. The good news is that with a 42 percent increase in trip requests received via Tripology.com in 2009 over the end of 2008, many consumers are looking to travel in the next 140 days—just in time to kick off the summer travel season.”
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