The National Tour Association, NTA, recently released the results of the 2002 Member Needs Survey, taken as a means of determining the state of member businesses…
The National Tour Association, NTA, recently released the results of the 2002 Member Needs Survey, taken as a means of determining the state of member businesses. The survey confirms tour operator members are witnessing common trends as a result of the events of September 2001.
According to the survey of all NTA members, tour operator members are observing an increase in travel closer to home and shorter trip times. The survey indicates that 72 percent of tour operator members say travelers are staying closer to home and 64 percent say vacationers ventured on shorter trips this year. Thirty-four percent of tour operator members are witnessing an increase in business to business partnering with other operators and members. These results are all indicative of the travel industry recovery trends since fourth quarter 2001.
We’re witnessing a new reality in the travel and tourism industry, said 2003 NTA Chairman Charlie McIlvain, CTP, president of Idle Time Tours of Dallas/Fort Worth. This NTA survey proves members are welcoming new ideas and now, more than ever, learning to work together to build a stronger industry in 2003.
In addition to the similar trends voiced by NTA tour operators, members expect increased or equal sales volume numbers in fourth quarter. According to the Member Needs Survey, 69 percent of tour operators project increased or equal sales volume from October through December 2002. Similarly, 42 percent of tour operator members indicate sales volume numbers were equal or higher in the first three quarters of 2002, versus the same time period in 2001.
While the Member Needs Survey affirms the current ideas of our business, we are moving into a post Sept. 11 mentality, said McIlvain. The fact that numbers were higher in third quarter and tour operators expect equal fourth-quarter action is proof that the future is looking better for the tour operator business.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
