Travel Momentum Continues To Build In The U.S.

In its latest tracking study of American travellers, Longwoods International reports that nine in ten of those travellers plan to travel in the next six months – and that’s the highest level since the beginning of the pandemic in March of last year.

The study also found that only three in ten say that coronavirus will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months, the lowest level in 15 months. But despite the ongoing easing of restrictions across many parts of the country, safety remains a concern among many travelers, with half of them saying that traveling to destinations with COVID-19 protocols in place is a factor in deciding where they will travel this summer and fall.

Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, said: “The steady increase in the country’s vaccination rate and the declines in new coronavirus case numbers and deaths continues to build demand for travel.”

And he added: “We expect a robust recovery for the leisure segment of the U.S. travel and tourism industry this year, after a devastating 2020.”

Longwood International noted as well that regarding discussions that some destinations and travel-related businesses may require proof of vaccination, one third of travellers are more likely to patronize those which require it, while another third say proof of vaccination requirements have no impact on their travel choices. One in five of travelers will only visit destinations which require proof of vaccination, while a similar percentage either will not or are less likely to visit places which require vaccinations.

The cost of travel is also being watched carefully as four in ten American travelers indicate the cost of transportation and accommodations will influence their destination choice for summer travel.

Said Eylon: “Gas prices are on the rise and there is surging demand for paid accommodations to traditional summer vacation destinations, especially along coastal areas and resorts.”

He continued: “This may create opportunities for lesser-known destinations in regional domestic markets to target those travelers keeping an eye on their travel budget.”

Go to www.longwoods-intl.com for more.