The latest Travel Confidence Survey taken by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) since the September 11 attacks shows a slight increase in travel intentions by Americans for the next six months (November 2001 to April 2002).
62% of Americans now plan on taking at least one leisure trip in the next six months, up from 58% in the first two surveys. The telephone survey was conducted November 2-4 among a representative sampling of 1,000 U.S. adults and is third in a series of consumer polls.

“This latest survey underscores the fact that basic American attitudes about travel remain unshaken and that consumer confidence in travel is steadily returning,” said William S. Norman, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association of America. “But our job isn`t done. We are continuing to implement measures that will restore consumers` confidence in travel and to ensure that travel is safe and secure for all Americans.”

Americans are looking for travel deals and incentives, with a substantial number of those with travel plans saying that airline discounts (56%), special offers from hotels (53%), special offers to travel within their home state (45%) and travel tax credits (44%) would make them travel more than already planned. However, significantly fewer Americans agree that there are many travel discounts available (43% vs. 52% last survey).

Among those not planning leisure trips in the next six months (38%), economic concerns continue to be most often mentioned. In fact, they are more of an issue now among this group versus three weeks ago (42% vs. 27%).

Concerns about the overall safety of travel, including airline safety, remain unchanged from the first two surveys (14%). Other reasons for not traveling include not enough time (16% vs. 18% last survey) and health reasons (12% vs. 8%).

Travel has become an important part of Americans` lives and a contributor to their well-being. This is evident in the fact that Americans continue to feel that they are able to travel whenever and wherever they want (84%) and that they be able travel as they did before the terrorist attacks (72%).

Almost two-thirds (63%) feel that leisure travel is a good way to take their minds off of stressful times. As in the last survey, 70% say that the inconveniences of travel today won`t stop them from taking a trip they want to take.

TIA is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $582 billion travel industry. TIA`s mission is to represent the whole of the U.S. travel industry to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States.

 

www.tia.org
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