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USTOA in Travel Agent Central

Published Jan 1, 2019 12:00AM


USTOA Study Cites Trends, Destination for 2019

Here are some key takeaways gleaned from a recent biennial economic impact study from Price-WaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) on behalf of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). They may be used to help determine who to sell to and where to send them in the year ahead. Take into account also that USTOA members’ concerns may also mirror those of your clients.

Global Risks

While the Active Members of USTOA view the upcoming year with optimism, they also addressed the global risks that could impact the industry over the next three years. Terrorism topped the list with 17 percent of members responding they are “extremely concerned.” However, this level of concern is a considerable drop compared to the 2016 PwC study when more than half of member (59 percent) were “extremely concerned,” according to the study.

Political instability and overtourism, a new category this year, were the next two global risks that members were “extremely concerned” about, as named by 13 percent of survey respondents.

Top Destinations

International: Italy was named the most popular destination for travelers in 2019. The top 10 “hot” places to go for next year also included Iceland, which ranked second, followed by Japan, Vietnam, Australia, France, Spain, Colombia, Cambodia and Portugal. 

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