MMGY Global’s research and insights division, MMGY Travel Intelligence, recently released the results of its “Portrait of American Travelers” survey, 2021 fall edition, which was fielded in late July. The study reveals continuing strength in traveler sentiment, including high expectations for holiday travel. It also highlights that the majority of vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are making travel plans in the months ahead. However, the types of trips that these two groups are planning are different.
Americans’ intent to travel over the next three months has increased, with 53 percent of U.S. adults planning to do so—up from 50 percent in April when the summer edition of the "Portrait of American Travelers" survey was conducted. Though intent remains strong, quarter-over-quarter growth shows a slowing trend after a strong summer travel season, and the impact of the Delta variant on the travel industry continues to be evaluated. Still, 73 percent of U.S. adults intend to take a vacation in the next six months—a figure largely unchanged from April’s findings of 72 percent.
While more than half (54 percent) of active travelers have received a COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination status has little impact on the intention to take a trip. A large percentage (80 percent) of active travelers who are vaccinated plan to take a leisure trip during the next six months, compared to 81 percent of unvaccinated travelers.
The differences are more notable in how people are planning to travel. Vaccinated travelers are more likely to stay in a hotel/resort, visit friends and family, travel by personal car, take a domestic flight and take an international trip over the next six months in comparison to those who are unvaccinated. Travelers who haven’t received the jab are slightly more likely to plan travel for a conference or convention (10 percent) than those who are vaccinated (six percent).
When asked about hypothetical vaccination requirements for business and leisure travel, a majority of respondents indicated that such requirements would impact the choice to travel. Compared to other generations, Millennials were the most likely to attend a business meeting or convention, stay in a hotel or resort, or take a flight or cruise if proof of vaccination was required.
Eager to reunite with friends and family, and renew holiday traditions, 42 percent of travelers will pack their bags this year for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Younger generations have even stronger intentions to travel, with 61 percent of Millennials and 52 percent of Gen Zs planning to hit the road for at least one of these holidays. Of those planning holiday trips, 42 percent intend to visit the homes of family and friends, followed by 31 percent who plan to take a family leisure vacation (not to visit friends or family), and 28 percent plan to meet family or extended family members in a vacation destination. Distance does not appear to be a key factor in determining the holiday destination, with 42 percent of those who have holiday travel plans expecting to travel more than 500 miles away from home.
Source: MMGY Intelligence
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