The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has reported that travel to the US is increasing, especially to the Mexican Riviera. The Mexico destinations of Cancun and Riviera Maya were ranked number three in the hot spot international destinations survey, in spite of Hurricane Wilma’s effects. London and Rome were the top two international picks, followed by Mexico and the Mexican Riviera. Orlando tops the domestic destinations for the fifth consecutive year.

“Spring is a great time for a vacation, and ASTA has a large number of travel agents who specialize in popular destinations ranked as the 2006 hot spots,” said Kathryn W. Sudeikis, CTC, ASTA president and CEO. “We are happy to see that Mexico is thriving after Hurricane Wilma and encourage our clients to visit this terrific destination.”

In the hot spot survey, 46.1 percent of travel agents identified an increase in travel bookings, while 42.3 percent of people reported travel spending remained the same.

Orlando was reported by 23.6 percent of respondents as the most popular domestic hot spot. Las Vegas was ranked second with 22.7 percent of the votes; New York City was listed as number three, having an 11.5 percent rating; Miami was a strong fourth with 4.3 percent, while Honolulu was close behind with 4.1 percent of the votes. San Francisco, Phoenix, Washington D.C., San Diego and For Lauderdale rounded out the rest of the top ten destinations.

“ASTA is happy to report that travelers are booking travel to U.S. cities, including Orlando, Last Vegas and New York City,” said Sudeikis. “Travelers are taking advantage of the many special offers to U.S. cities.”
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