With high airline ticket and gas prices putting the squeeze on Memorial Day travel, new data released this week pointed the way to top bargain destinations for a Memorial Day getaway. At the same time, U.S. tourism showed strong numbers, particularly in Louisiana and Las Vegas.
Top Destinations for Memorial Day Travel Deals
With average U.S. flight prices up nearly 5 percent this summer, according to Expedia, travel agents can still suggest getaways for cost-conscious clients with this list of the top destinations for Memorial Day travel deals, based on Expedia's analysis of the sharpest drop in year-over-year pricing for Memorial Day travel.
Source: www.expedia.com
Gas Prices Slow Memorial Day Travel
Gas prices are up 19 cents per gallon from last year, and according to a new survey from Tripadvisor, 32 percent said the price of gas will impact their Memorial Day travel plans, up 25 percent from last year.
Vegas Breaks Record With 3.7 Million Visitors in March
Las Vegas saw more visitors in March than in any other month in its history, thanks to college basketball tournaments, car races and conventions.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported Tuesday that 3.7 million people visited the city last month, up 4.3 percent from March 2013.
RELATED: More on the Las Vegas Travel Record
Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Louisiana Tourism Hits Record High
Louisiana continues to be an attractive U.S. tourism destination. According to the University of New Orleans Louisiana Tourism Forecast, the number of visitors to Louisiana hit a record high in 2013 for the second consecutive year of 27.3 million people. By 2017, the number of visitors to Louisiana is projected to reach 28.2 million, with an estimated spending of $11.7 billion.
Source: University of New Orleans Louisiana Tourism Forecast
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Mobile Travel Booking Continues to Gain Ground
Mobile devices continue to play a larger role in the travel booking process. According to data from PhoCusWright, mobile will account for more than 25 percent of U.S. online travel bookings by 2015.