USTOA News

USTOA in Travel Market Report

Published Feb 7, 2019 12:00AM


Twenty-five years ago, when most tour operators were striking the word “tour” from their brands, afraid that the escorted tour was falling into obsolescence, if you had said the next generation would like escorted tours, most travel professionals probably would have looked at you like you were crazy.

Nevertheless, that is what happened. MMGY Global, the gold standard in travel market research, made it official recently in a study commissioned by the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) about Americans traveling internationally. One of its conclusions was that Millennials like traveling on “guided vacations.” Same game, different name.

Well, not quite the same game. Tour operators have evolved, renamed their products “guided vacations” and adapted them to keep pace with the growing interest in the traveling public in immersing themselves in destinations, having authentic experiences of different cultures, and getting behind the scenes and interacting with locals. It turns out that the guided style of travel is well-suited to the needs of the evolving American traveler.

Read the full article here


SHARE THIS

Latest USTOA Blog Posts


Poland’s Sustainable Tourism: A Green Path to Discovery 
Poland’s Sustainable Tourism: A Green Path to Discovery  By: Polish Tourism Organization Poland, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is carving a path towards sustainable tourism, setting an example for how to balance the influx of tourists with the preservation of its environment and heritage. This commitment to green travel practices is… Read More
THE BIG FIVE SAFARI MYTHS
THE BIG FIVE SAFARI MYTHS By: Team of African Travel Inc. Embarking on an African safari is a dream for many travelers, but there are common misconceptions that can overshadow the true essence of this magnificent continent. African safaris are captivating, memorable, and meaningful. One thing they’re not: predictable. Travelers can witness the Great Migration in… Read More
Unexpected Holiday Dishes Around the Worldwith recipes
Unexpected Holiday Dishes Around the World – with recipes By: Gina Bang, Director of Marketing, Avanti Destinations One of the best-loved parts of any holiday is the special food we celebrate with, both savory and sweet. Here, we present 12 holiday specialties – with links to recipes – from countries as diverse as Morocco, Japan,… Read More
USTOA $1 Million
Travelers Assistance Program

A travel vacation should not only be an unforgettable experience, but offer solid peace of mind. That’s why USTOA created a consumer protection fund which protects consumers who book with our Active Members.

Learn More

Our website is set to allow the use of cookies — for more information click here. If you consent to cookies please click "Proceed" or simply continue browsing