2010 bookings from Canada to the United States registered double-digit growth, on average, for the second quarter in a row, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Canada Travel Trade Barometer. Canada tour operators reported (as of July 26 – September 6, 2010) that on average, bookings increased 10 to 15 percent in the second quarter 2010. Summer bookings were projected to be higher by just over two thirds (67%) of the respondents. On average, fourth quarter 2010…
2010 bookings from Canada to the United States registered double-digit growth, on average, for the second quarter in a row, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Canada Travel Trade Barometer. Canada tour operators reported (as of July 26 – September 6, 2010) that on average, bookings increased 10 to 15 percent in the second quarter 2010.
Summer bookings were projected to be higher by just over two thirds (67%) of the respondents. On average, fourth quarter 2010 bookings were projected to be about the same as a year ago, with a small majority (56%) of the travel trade projecting fourth quarter bookings to be higher compared to the same period in 2009.
The top motivator for travel in the next six months was listed as accommodation rates. Another motivator was the exchange rate to the U.S. Dollar. The collection of travelers’ personal information ranked as the top deterrent for the second survey in a row. Airfare and the level of promotion by other long-haul destinations rounded out the top three deterrents for travel to the United States in the next six months.
Mexico Travel Trade Barometer: Solid Growth Continued through Second Quarter 2010
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Mexico Travel Trade Barometer, Mexico tour operators reported (as of July 23 – September 6, 2010) that after first quarter gains of 10 to 15 percent, 2010 second quarter bookings from Mexico to the United States were reported to increase 16 to 20 percent on average, compared to the same period in 2009.
All of the trade projected bookings to be higher in the third quarter 2010. Trade projected fourth quarter to also be higher.
In the next six months, accommodation rates continued to be listed as the top motivator for travel to the United States, tied with the exchange rate. Airfare rounded out the top three motivators.
In this survey session, the level of promotion by other long-haul destinations jumped to the top of the list as a deterrent. Visa processing was second, with enhanced security rounding out the top three deterrents to travel to the United States.
National Export Initiative: To improve conditions that directly affect the private sector’s ability to export, on March 11, 2010 President Obama created the National Export Initiative (NEI). U.S. bookings data and travel motivators and deterrents outlined in the Travel Trade Barometer reports support OTTI’s ongoing economic analysis and are elements of OTTI’s toolkit to help achieve the goals of the National Export Initiative.
Background and Source: Travel Market Insights conducts the Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Mexico and Germany Travel Trade Barometer programs. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, is a sponsor and was the initial developer of the barometer program. The Barometer program is conducted with support from the U.S. Commercial Service and various Visit USA Committees and additional sponsors.
The Travel Trade Barometer survey is conducted on a quarterly basis in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Germany and is available through subscription. Reports sent to subscribers include additional information, such as:
- Bookings – looking at the past quarter and the next two quarters for U.S. and competitive regional destinations;
- Short term bookings for more than five specific travel segments; and
- Over 15 motivators or deterrents for travel to the United States.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
