Italy ranks as the single most popular destination for European tours and vacation packages for the seventh year in a row, with Las Vegas enjoying its third year as most popular domestic destination. For the first time, Mexico ranks as top non-European international destination, with London placing highest as the most popular quick getaway.
These are among the results of an informal 2001 survey of more than 60 responding member companies conducted by the United States Tour Operators Association, whose members provide vacations for more than 10 million travelers annually.
Italy & Mexico Top International Picks
Italy ranked first among European countries, followed respectively by the United Kingdom and France. Other noteworthy destinations were Greece, including the Greek Isles, and the Netherlands. Among top city destinations, London placed first according to 38% of USTOA respondents, with Paris second.
Outside of Europe, Mexico edged out Australia, with China close behind as most popular international country for vacation packages and tours. When it came to specific destinations, Cancun was the clear favorite, with Sydney and Beijing at second and third.
Nevada is Top Domestic Pick
In the U.S., Nevada outdistanced California and Florida respectively as most popular state for tours and vacation packages. As for top individual destinations, nearly 50% of responding USTOA members cited Las Vegas as the frontrunner, with Orlando at 20%, and a variety of California spots cited by 10%. Alaska and New England were also cited.
Quick Getaways & Best Kept Secrets
When it comes to top quick package and tour getaways, London takes first place, with Las Vegas and Cancun in second and third place.
What destinations are the best kept secrets? According to USTOA members, Baja California, especially Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos topped the list, followed by Brazil (Rio de Janeiro); Aruba; and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Other destinations suggested as best kept secrets were: Central and Eastern Europe; plus Fiji and the Cook Islands in the South Pacific.
Hot Trends
Hottest trends in packaged travel? USTOA members cited short getaways, family vacations and special interest travel in that order to be THE hottest trends. Also cited were: independent tours including customized, individualized packages; plus active vacations, including soft adventure and affordable adventure. Close behind was all-inclusive packages, with meals included.
Sales Look Strong
Despite softness in the economy, tour operators are optimistic about their business this year. USTOA president Robert Whitley said, "Consumers recognize the value of buying packaged vacations and tours, which makes them even more attractive in times when watching dollars is important."
The survey showed:
- 60% of companies cited a rise in family travel, by an average of 10%; 25% said this segment would remain unchanged.
- Companies reporting the escorted sales outlook were split, with about 40% citing a sales increase of 15%; another 40% saw flat sales.
- More than 50% of respondents saw sales of cruise vacations increasing by nearly 20%; 40% of companies see this area as flat.
- 30% of USTOA companies had more than 75% of their sales mix in escorted tours; 40% reported that independent packages account for 75% or more of their sales; and the remaining 30% had a combination of both.
- Escorted tours comprise 40% of overall USTOA member sales, while independent packages account for 55%.
Download a graph and table of the 2001 survey results.
USTOA Active Member companies represent more than 160 brand
names in travel, accounting for $8 billion in sales annually.
The association's members must adhere to the travel industry's
most stringent standards, including participation in the USTOA
$1 Million Consumer Protection Plan. For a copy of USTOA's "Smart
Traveler's Planning Kit," phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862),
or e-mail information@ustoa.com. A listing of USTOA Members and
the destinations they serve is also available by visiting www.ustoa.com.
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
