Results from the most recent National Tour Association member survey support industry accounts that 2005 reflects a rebound in travel…
Results from the most recent National Tour Association member survey support industry accounts that 2005 reflects a rebound in travel. These results illustrate a steady increase in the number of passengers and departures over the year, as well as improved sales. This is consistent with overall economic indicators that consumers are increasingly optimistic and confident in traveling this year.
According to the Web-based quarterly survey of tour operators, 78 percent of NTA tour operators reported that the number of passengers served during the first quarter of 2005 was greater than or the same as the first quarter of last year, with 50 percent reporting increased numbers.
These results confirm what I`ve been hearing during my recent travels, NTA Chairman and CEO, Ann Thomas, CTP, said. The good news is that numbers are up. NTA tour operators first saw the recovery starting last year and this survey, along with the face-to-face meetings I`ve had with travel professionals attest to travel recovery in all member categories.
Also promising, the overall sales volume during the first quarter of 2005 was 51 percent greater than that of 2004. Looking ahead, 56 percent of NTA tour operators expect their company`s sales volume to be greater than the second quarter of 2004.
Over the last few years, many in the industry have speculated that 2005 would be the year of recovery. By all accounts, this year is indeed the year that consumer confidence and positive business levels have fully returned, NTA President, Hank Phillips, CTP, said.
The National Tour Association is an organization of nearly 4,000 tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry. NTA comprises members from 28 countries and is committed to providing business opportunities and knowledge to its members, while offering a collaborative, caring environment in which to build relationships. For more information, please visit www.NTAonline.com.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
