New York City and Hawaii, two destinations hurt by the effects of September 11 terrorist attacks, have increased in…
New York City and Hawaii, two destinations hurt by the effects of September 11 terrorist attacks, have increased in popularity as summer destinations for 2002, according to the American Society of Travel Agents’ (
Among the 400 ASTA-member travel agents polled, New York City is the third most popular destination booked for summer travel with 12.1 percent of responses. New York City moved up from fourth place last year. Agents reported booking Hawaii for 8 percent of this summer’s trips, moving it up to fourth place. Although last year’s survey ranked Hawaiian islands and cities separately, combined the state would have been sixth.
Americans have shown how important travel is to them. They have been traveling to the places they know and love to show their support for their country, and they will continue to do so, said ASTA President and CEO Richard M. Copland, CTC. There is no place more exhilarating to visit than New York City, with its theaters, museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Hawaii offers a wealth of beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery.
Respondents named Orlando, with 22.2 percent, the domestic city they are booking most for the summer season, maintaining its first-place spot again. Agents reported an increase in booking since last year to the second place destination, Las Vegas, which earned 20.7 percent.
Completing the top ten destinations are San Francisco (5.8 percent), Los Angeles (5 percent), Seattle (3.1 percent), Miami (2.9 percent), San Diego (2.5 percent) and Alaska (1.7 percent), which moved into the top 10 from 16th place a year ago. New to the top 20 are Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta, coming in 17th and 19th place.
Florida reached the top of the list for most popular state, accounting for nearly 27 percent of all responses.
International Travel
While the top four international destinations of 2001 continued to hold their spots this year, agents reported significant changes for two Canadian cities. Vancouver, with 2.2 percent, climbed to sixth place, up from 12th last year. Toronto made its debut on the top 20 in 17th place.
Although London is still the favorite international destination, some Americans are staying closer to home when they travel outside the country, Copland said. Vancouver and Toronto are two great cities that offer a variety of choices for Americans who don’t want to travel overseas.
London pulled in far ahead of other international destination with 25.1 percent of the vote, while Paris followed with 17.8 percent. Travel agents reported booking Rome and Cancun for 12.6 and 8.1 percent of trips, respectively. Frankfurt increased in popularity, jumping to fifth place with 3.5 percent of responses. Barcelona also rose to the 9th spot, up from 18th in 2001. Together, Mexican destinations accounted for 9.2 percent of bookings this season.
Mexico is increasing in popularity among Americans, said Bonnie Ammer, president and publisher of Fodor’s. Travelers love to visit and revisit Mexican cities such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta for their breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters and exciting nightlife. Americans also enjoy Mexico for its fascinating culture and historical sites.
Respondents overwhelmingly named cruises the number one travel product, with 55.5 percent of the vote. Tours (19.8 percent) and resorts (16.2 percent) round out the top three.
Cruising is becoming a favorite among Americans. And it’s no wonder when you consider all the amenities that are included in cruises, Copland said. Tourists love to be pampered when they travel, and what better way to do both than take a cruise.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
