ASTA reports that a recent survey found most travel agency members said that their first-half 2013 performance was better than or the same as their first half 2012. The same agencies reported an increase in the number of clients as well, ASTA said.
“ASTA members are benefitting from the appetite consumers have for travel,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby. “Consumer studies have shown that Americans say travel makes them happier. Leveraging the experience and expertise of an ASTA travel agent can maximize one’s travel experience."
Corporate agencies reported the strongest performance gains in the first half of 2013, according to ASTA. Fifty-six percent reported increased revenues as compared to 2012.
Retail Leisure agencies were close behind with fifty-two percent reporting an increase in revenues. Independent Agents reported the lowest percentage of increased revenue, ASTA reports.
When asked about sales per travel segment, agencies reported the largest increases in sales were for insurance, cruise and tour/group. Segment sales were either flat or increased for the majority of reporting agencies, ASTA said.
Agencies project 2013 profits to be on par with 2012, while stronger profits are projected in 2014. Most agencies do not expect the stronger revenue and sales in 2013 to increase profits, ASTA said.
Survey data was collected through the 2013 ASTA Research Family. The ASTA Research Family is a panel comprised of a representative sample of ASTA member travel agency owners and managers and reflects ASTA members in key agency demographics including sales volume, leisure/business mix, number of part-time and full-time employees and geographic location.
The survey data was collected online via www.surveygizmo.com in June-July 2013. The reply level indicates a minimum of 95-percent confidence with an error rate +/- 5 percent.
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