BiddingForGood ’s Travel Marketing Program Rapidly Scaling Top Brands (Hospitality Net)

cMarket/BiddingForGood, the leading online auction platform connecting charity auctions, affluent consumers, and marketers, is receiving accolades from the travel industry for its online marketing program. The program turns charity auctions into a measureable marketing platform and delivers customers, leads, and revenue.

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BiddingForGood ’s Travel Marketing Program Rapidly Scaling Top Brands (Hospitality Net)

Plunkett Research Reports Major Trends Influencing the Travel and Tourism Industry

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Plunkett Research, Ltd. has identified major trends shaping the travel and tourism industry today. These trends show why the industry is facing one of its toughest times in decades. A complete industry trends and statistics analysis is provided in Plunkett’s Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Almanac, 2010 edition. “The 2009-2010 period finds the travel industry continuing to face challenging times,” said Jack Plunkett, CEO. “Consumers’ b

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Plunkett Research Reports Major Trends Influencing the Travel and Tourism Industry

Travelmedia Launches Introduction to Travel and Tourism Course in DVD and Distance Learning Editions for Libraries and Individuals

MILL VALLEY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Travelmedia announced today the release of DVD and e-Learning editions of “Travel and Tourism: Opening Doors for Your Future” (http://learntravelandtourism.com), an interactive course that introduces the Travel and Tourism industry as a serious career path to high school or entry-level college students, newcomers to the workforce or those seeking a new career. The course is loaded with timely information about the travel industry, its history, sustaina

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Travelmedia Launches Introduction to Travel and Tourism Course in DVD and Distance Learning Editions for Libraries and Individuals

Luxury Link Adds New "Insights" Section (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

A White Paper Resource for the Travel Industry

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Luxury Link Adds New "Insights" Section (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

OnSite Media to Partner with Showcase Technology and Deploy Concierge Applications to Over 20,000 Hotel Locations

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–OnSite Media and Showcase Technology announced that they are offering a custom version of their OnSite Concierge and NetStop™ applications to more than 20,000 hotels and other hospitality facilities worldwide. OnSite Concierge is quickly becoming a valuable resource for the travel industry, especially to hotels and airports across the country. Providing continuous concierge services and amenities for travelers and guests via interactive kiosks, OnSite Concierge

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OnSite Media to Partner with Showcase Technology and Deploy Concierge Applications to Over 20,000 Hotel Locations

Top Travel Posts for the Week – 9.18.09

A summary of the top travel posts from around the web for the week of 9.14.09-9.18.09

• The Ritz-Carlton Spa – Fine Living at its Finest [CitySpur]
• Los Angeles Football Bars [Gridskipper]
• Hottest New Hotels [Travel + Leisure]
• Historic Railroad Bridge in New York State Becomes Part of National Trails System [National Parks Traveler]
• Packing Light [OneBag]
• Hundreds of Haunted Inns [Travel Post]
• 6 Ephemeral Art Forms You Won’t Want to Miss [BootsnAll]
• The Travelers Diet [Vagablogging]

Are Travelers Suffering from ‘Vacation Deficit’ Disorder?

When someone thinks of a “deficit,” they think of budget woes. But a new survey finds that the United States is in the throes of a serious “vacation deficit.” According to a just-released survey of travelers, many Americans have yet to take a vacation this year, and some are not planning to take one at all, despite the high value placed on getting away with family and friends.

The Access America Vacation Confidence Index, a survey of 1,000 Americans – found that while a large majority of respondents (67%) believe that vacations are very important or important – one in four (23%) of those who place a premium on such travel are not planning to take a trip this year, even with an array of attractive deals beckoning them to hit the road. The disparity between those wanting to take a vacation and those actually taking a trip, is creating a large “vacation deficit” among Americans and creating an opportunity for travel suppliers to woo reluctant travelers with great deals and promotions. The Vacation Confidence Index survey was conducted for Access America by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading global survey-based market research company.

“The Vacation Confidence Index proves what we’ve long assumed, that Americans love their vacations and strongly resist giving them up,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications for Access America, which commissioned the survey. Access America is a brand of Mondial Assistance, the world’s largest travel insurance provider. “But because of likely concerns over the economy, Americans are not taking as many vacations as they would like, creating a serious ‘vacation deficit,’ and as a consequence, a pent-up demand for travel.”

The Vacation Confidence Index also found that Americans believe that unprecedented travel bargains are now being offered. When asked if this were a great time to find travel deals, 72 percent agreed. As for the kind of deals they would value most: 24 percent would welcome free or discounted tickets to attractions or cruises, with an equal number appreciating free hotel nights or kids-stay-free offers. Another 21 percent said they would find hotel upgrades particularly attractive.

[For the purposes of the Index, a vacation was defined as leisure travel of at least a week to a destination of at least 100 miles from home.]

At the time of the survey (July 16-20), 37 percent of respondents reported they had taken a vacation this year, while another 29 percent felt confident they would take a vacation in 2009, leaving plenty of opportunity for the travel industry to lure would-be travelers to vacation destinations. As for the best places to find travel deals, more than half (57%) of those surveyed said they would look online, either to online travel agent sites or search engines such as Google. Recommendations from friends and family and advice from traditional travel agents were other leading ways travelers hunt for vacation bargains.

The survey also found that travel industry suppliers should not overlook those who report they do not consider vacations important. According to the Access America Vacation Confidence Index, 22 percent of Americans who do not place a particular value on vacations have already taken one, while another 23 percent indicated a likelihood they will do so before year’s end.

The demographic groups that placed the highest value on vacations were parents of children under 18 (73% said vacations were important), those with at least some college education (72%) and Hispanics (77%).

Staycations on the Rise

As the nation continues to endure a challenging economy and the summer vacation season kicks into high gear, individuals increasingly are seeking opportunities that allow them to enjoy quality time with their family and friends, while avoiding the expense and hassle associated with travel.

For some, the ‘staycation’ simply involves relaxing at home. Others dedicate time to visit local community events, pools, museums, recreational areas or parks. And, a growing number of consumers are turning to their local health club. That’s right. Their health club.

“Time away from work still has individuals craving the typical benefits of vacation: time to relax and rejuvenate,” said Jeff Zwiefel, Life Time Fitness executive vice president and exercise physiologist. “Member usage at our centers is on the rise. For some, it’s the desire to avoid the expense of a summer vacation. For others, it’s a conscious effort to spend additional time focusing on reducing stress, getting back into shape and taking charge of health and wellness at a time when so many other things may seem to be out of control.”

Indeed, with 84 unique sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like setting, Life Time Fitness has created healthy lifestyle, recreation and entertainment destinations designed to serve the needs of the entire family. Supported by a large team of certified team members, programs and services, Life Time locations sport a wide range of amenities under one roof and currently serve more than one million members.

From a cool, relaxing day at the water park, to haircuts, dining, massage, workouts, sports and recreation, child care, kids’ camps and much more, Life Time not only addresses those seeking a healthy and active way of life, but also has become a fulfilling staycation option for consumers.

Guests can grab a healthy, all-natural or organic breakfast lunch or dinner at Life Time’s LifeCafe or visit the LifeSpa & Salon for full range of hair, nail and skin care services, and therapeutic massage.

A whopping 400 pieces of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance training equipment, plus free weights, along with a wide range of programs, activities, leagues and entertainment for all ages and physical abilities is just the beginning of the typical Life Time experience. Plus, multiple group exercise, Pilates and yoga studios with free and fee-based programs, a unique cycle theatre, team of certified personal trainers and programming, wide selection of adult and youth programs and activities, two full-size basketball courts, and dry saunas await those seeking to get in shape and de-stress. Indoor rock climbing caverns, large indoor and outdoor aquatics centers, lap pools and children’s interactive play areas, two whirlpools and an outdoor bistro add to the uniqueness, recreation and entertainment value of Life Time’s large resorts.

Parents concerned with how to find the time to work out or to relax, while also keeping up with their kids’ schedules, have Life Time’s large, interactive child centers, featuring play mazes, junior basketball courts, computer labs, children’s activity areas, and a separate infant playroom at their disposal. For the ultimate in convenience, dedicated family locker rooms also are available.

Addressing the budgeted-minded consumer, Life Time offers a range of club and membership choices. Every membership type includes complimentary locker and towel service, no long-term contracts, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Member benefits also include the ‘Big 16,’ which offers 16 events each month dedicated to a wide range of interest areas, and Member Advantage, which delivers substantive discounts on dining, sports and travel, and much more simply by being a Life Time member.

“Our company launched in 1992 with the goal of helping people change their lives for the better,” says Zwiefel. “As our centers have evolved over the years so too has the incredible array of options and conveniences we offer, making it easy for individuals, couples and families to do something that’s good for them financially, mentally and physically. The fact that we have become a vacation destination is a testament to the fact that we offer complete lifestyle centers, not merely health clubs.”

Travel Industry Predicts Price Increases this Fall

With many airlines expected to reduce capacity later this year, consumers are likely to see price increases as early as this fall. Those who want to take advantage of the abundance of travel deals should do so this summer. Travelocity’s most recent data report shows average domestic airfare is $299, down 17 percent from last summer, and the average price of hotels is $142 per night, a decrease of 14 percent. For a family of four, that represents a combined savings of $374 on accommodations and airfare for an average six-night domestic summer vacation.

Similarly, with both average international hotel rates ($197) and airfare ($690) down 14 percent compared to last year, a family of four can save an average of $847 on airfare and hotel for the typical 13-night international vacation. Because it’s such a tremendous value this summer, most international travelers are deviating from the norm and heading to Western Europe, which has managed to take share from the Caribbean.

“Travelers have been spoiled by cheap travel options this year, and we’re seeing that trend continue into the summer season,” Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor for Travelocity, said. “However, travelers should not expect these prices to last forever. With capacity cuts planned for the fall, now is the time to jump on current travel deals.”

Cheap Travel Options for Domestic Travel

• Tampa/St. Petersburg (avg. airfare = $227; avg. hotel = $130 per night)
• Denver (avg. airfare = $254; avg. hotel = $120 per night)
• New Orleans (avg. airfare = $271; avg. hotel = $133 per night)
• Las Vegas (avg. airfare = $279; avg. hotel = $96 per night)

Cheap Travel Options for International Travel

• Puerto Vallarta (avg. airfare = $405; avg. hotel = $187 per night)
• Toronto (avg. airfare = $435; avg. hotel = $126 per night)
• Dominican Republic (avg. airfare = $489; avg. hotel = $189 per night)
• Dublin (avg. airfare = $694; avg. hotel = $160 per night)

Signs of Optimism for the Travel Industry

Despite a challenging environment, spending by visitors to the U.S. increased to $52 billion in 2008, up $7 billion from 2007, as measured by spending on Visa-branded payments cards by international visitors. At the same time, Americans exercised a similar desire for international travel, spending $42.4 billion on their Visa cards abroad in 2008, up 3% from 2007.

While there is continued interest in international travel, both U.S. inbound and outbound spending declined between January and March 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. Despite this, nearly half of Americans surveyed (47 percent) in Tourism Outlook said the economic environment has not impacted their desire to travel outside the U.S., and 18 percent are even more willing to travel internationally. However, 83 percent plan to modify their travel plans based on the economic environment. Nearly half of respondents (46 percent) plan to travel during the off-peak season to take advantage of lower prices, while 31 percent plan on traveling closer to home. The Visa Tourism Outlook survey evaluated travel intentions and attitudes among 5,539 travelers in 11 nations, including the U.S., who have traveled internationally in the past two years.

“The U.S. continues to be a major source market for global tourism. Americans’ travel intentions have not diminished for 2009 and 2010. However, travelers are increasingly price sensitive and seeking greater value when planning travel,” said Bill Sheedy, President, North America at Visa Inc. “As travelers are discerning in their choice of destinations and time of year for travel, Visa’s insight into tourist behavior and attitudes in the U.S. and globally can support the tourism providers in capturing tourism revenues.”

Swine Flu Has Minimal Impact on 2009 Travel Intentions

In addition, Visa Inc. recently commissioned a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults in late May 2009 on how swine flu (H1N1) impacted their travel plans for 2009. Only 7 percent of respondents stated that H1N1 had impacted their 2009 travel plans. The majority (84 percent) said that the H1N1 virus has not changed their intention to travel. In addition, 84 percent said they felt sufficiently informed about the H1N1 situation. While the overall impact of H1N1 on respondents’ 2009 travel was minimal, there are still a variety of factors that are preventing people from traveling this year. When asked what factors might impact their decision not to travel in 2009, respondents cited the cost of travel (61 percent), economic concerns (54 percent) and personal safety concerns (21 percent).

Economic Concerns, Quest for Value Impact Q1 2009 Tourism Spending

While consumer research indicates that Americans remain determined to travel in 2009, the desire for more value and economic concerns have likely impacted tourism spending during early 2009. Visa Inc. saw a decline in tourism spending by U.S. travelers abroad in the first three months of 2009 compared with one year ago. From Jan. 1 – March 31, 2009, spending by U.S. travelers abroad on their Visa cards was down 9 percent, at $9.3 billion compared with $10.2 billion during the same period in 2008.

In comparison, for the calendar year 2008, spending by American travelers abroad totaled $42.4 billion, up 3 percent from 2007. Canada ($5.5 billion), the United Kingdom ($4.4 billion), Mexico ($3.5 billion), Germany ($1.6 billion), France ($1.6 billion) and Italy ($1.5 billion) were the most popular destinations for Americans in 2008, as measured by spending on Visa payment cards. The United Arab Emirates recorded significant year-over-year growth, with U.S. visitors spending $732.6 million on their Visa cards in 2008, up 85 percent from 2007.

Consistent with 2007 and 2008 spending trends, and the desire to reduce costs by traveling closer to home, Mexico and Canada ranked in the top five international destinations among U.S. survey respondents for the second year, along with the U.K., the Caribbean and Italy.

U.S. Remains Top Destination for Global Travelers

During the first three months of 2009, total inbound tourist spending on Visa cards totaled $11 billion, down from $12.9 billion in 2008. However, while spending decreased slightly year over year, the U.S. remains a top destination for international tourists. The majority of survey respondents who have been to the U.S. (79 percent) have visited multiple times. And three out of four survey respondents believe they are likely to visit the U.S. in the next two years, with strong interest from potential travelers from Canada, Mexico, South Korea and Japan.

Florida, New York and California Top Contributors to U.S. Tourism Revenues

Where and on what are U.S. visitors spending? In 2008, the two largest merchant segments for international visitors to the U.S., based on Visa transaction volume, were general retail at $18.8 billion and lodging at $5.8 billion. States with the largest share of spending on Visa payment cards by inbound visitors included Florida, New York, California, Texas and Nevada. While Nevada was fifth overall in transaction volume, the average transaction amount for the state was the highest at $160.94.

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