NEW YORK SPARKLES AS U.S. HOLIDAY DESTINATION, NEARLY HALF OF AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL COUNSELORS SAY
Also, for International Holiday Trips, Cancun is a Big Draw; Over Half of American Express Travel Counselors Say Holiday Travelers Spending More Than in 2003. In 2005, Hawaii Will Be Among Hottest U.S. Destinations; Rome Tops International List
NEW YORK, December 20, 2004 -- Americans traveling this holiday season are heading for the bright lights, bustling crowds and frosty air of New York City, say nearly half of American Express Consumer travel counselors polled nationwide.
For those looking for an international seasonal break, Cancun, Mexico, is among the most popular spots, says the survey.
But no matter the destination for holiday merry-making, American Express travel counselors say customers are spending significantly more than last year on their trips, and the majority are bringing along the family.
“We've seen increases in all types of travel – including cruises, tours and individual trips – over the past few months,” said Audrey Hendley, Vice President, Marketing, American Express Consumer Travel Network, U.S. “In particular, the luxury travel segment is up significantly.”
The Big Apple Shines This Holiday
When asked about their clients' most popular domestic destinations for the holidays, about half (47%) of the nearly 200 American Express travel counselors polled said New York is a top U.S. destination. But there are also a considerable number of holiday revelers seeking escape from winter's chill, according to the poll. The swaying palm trees and warm breezes of Honolulu are proving a draw to holiday travelers, with 44% of travel counselors citing that destination as among the most popular. Meanwhile, one-third (33%) said Miami remains another popular place for travelers to spend the holidays, followed by just over 28% who said the same about Las Vegas. (Multiple responses were allowed.)
Happy Holidays, and Pass the Sunscreen!
For those in the mood for an international holiday, warm weather seems to be the top requirement. Nearly half (48%) of American Express travel counselors said Cancun was a popular choice, while just over 37% noted that the Caribbean destination of Nassau was among clients' top picks.
Yet, holiday travelers are not ignoring Europe either. Over one-third (34%) of travel counselors said London was among their customers' top choices, and about 30% cited Paris as a client favorite. (Multiple responses also allowed.)
Holiday Spending Improves From 2003
In the new American Express poll, travel counselors report that holiday trip spending has, well, headed north, from last year at this time.
About 57% of American Express travel counselors say holiday travelers are spending more than last year, while around 38% note that spending on holiday trips is the same year-over-year. Only about 5% report that customers are playing Scrooge – shelling out less cash for travel this year.
One reason travelers may be spending more this year is because many, true to the spirit of the holidays, are bringing family members along.
Just over half (51%) of all travel counselors said that more than half of their bookings were made up of people traveling with family this holiday season.
Outlook Bright for New Year
American Express travel counselors were also asked to peer into their crystal balls to predict popular destinations for domestic and international travel in the coming year – based on customer interest. Again, multiple answers were allowed.
The Hawaiian Islands is shaping up to be a top domestic getaway, according to about two-thirds (66%) of travel counselors, while more than 50% are betting on Las Vegas as a popular customer draw. Next on the list is New York City, with just over 45% of counselors predicting the Big Apple will be among the most popular places that U.S. travelers will visit in 2005.
Among up-and-coming domestic destinations for 2005, many American Express travel counselors listed California and Florida as the early favorites.
Internationally, nearly 70% said travelers cited Rome as a popular vacation spot for 2005, among other places. Almost two-thirds (65%) predicted the islands of the Caribbean will be one of the most popular international destinations. Among other top spots, about 60% of travel counselors picked London.
When asked about emerging, up-and-coming destinations for 2005, many travel counselors cited Eastern Europe, including Prague and Budapest. Another popular spot: Costa Rica.
“Currency fluctuations are not having a significant effect on bookings,” said Hendley. “People who want to travel to countries with strong currencies are going to go regardless, and our travel counselors can offer advice on ways to navigate around shifting currency values and retain good travel value.”
American Express recommends that travelers headed to countries with strong currencies consider the following:
- Pay for the trip in U.S. dollars before they travel;
- Select a cruise or tour package that includes accommodations, meals and transportation;
- Consider an all-inclusive resort;
- And purchase currency in advance before traveling.
About The Survey
Data from this survey is based on an online poll of 190 American Express travel counselors at American Express
Consumer Travel Services locations across the U.S. The survey was fielded during the last week in November.
About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the world's largest travel agency networks. The company has more than 1,700* Travel and Foreign Exchange Services locations worldwide in more than 130 countries.
For more than a century, American Express has partnered with travel agents and industry associations to help build a strong global travel and tourism industry through its active sponsorship of industry associations, including the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Travel Industry Association of American (TIA) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), among others.
In 1987, American Express established the Academies of Travel & Tourism in the United States, a program that helps train high school students for careers in travel and tourism. Since 1995, American Express has contributed $10 million to the World Monuments Watch, an ambitious program the company launched with the non-profit World Monuments Fund to identify and save the world's most endangered monuments. Additionally, American Express promotes choice in how customers book travel benefits – whether through American Express Consumer Travel or another travel agent.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.
*Not all services available at all locations.
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. CST#1022318-10, TA-002 Registered Iowa Travel agency, TA-149 Registered Ohio Travel agency, ML#1192, Washington UBI #600-469-694, NV#2001-0126.
