In spite of the challenging economy, the latest travel research shows that shopping remains a desirable activity for leisure travelers, ahead of other popular vacation pastimes. According to the just-released Ypartnership/Yankelovich Inc. 2009 National Travel MONITOR, more than one-quarter of all leisure travelers (26 percent) cite shopping as an activity…
In spite of the challenging economy, the latest travel research shows that shopping remains a desirable activity for leisure travelers, ahead of other popular vacation pastimes. According to the just-released Ypartnership/Yankelovich Inc. 2009 National Travel MONITOR, more than one-quarter of all leisure travelers (26 percent) cite shopping as an activity of interest when on vacation. In fact, shopping outranks other favorites, such as:
- Visiting an amenity spa (cited by 18 percent of respondents)
- Attending a professional sporting event (16 percent)
- Boating for recreation (11 percent)
- Playing golf (8 percent)
- Snow skiing/boarding (7 percent)
Another recent study reveals shopping is desirable for international travelers visiting the United States, too. More than half (50 percent) of international travelers surveyed who have visited this country and shopped here during the last 12 months say they are likely to return and shop here again during the next year, according to the inaugural 2009 International Shopping Traveler study. This online survey, conducted early this year, was commissioned by Taubman Centers and Shop America Alliance in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries*.
What’s more, Orlando ranked Number Four on the list of Top 25 U.S. cities visited by international shopping travelers, ahead of Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., the International Shopping Traveler study found.
“We’re delighted to see Orlando’s shopping as a premier destination amenity right alongside the region’s theme parks,” explains Brenda Lounsberry, marketing director for The Mall at Millenia, located in the heart of Orlando’s Tourism Corridor.
“Travelers come here for the unique offerings and to treat themselves and loved ones to signature purchases and coveted gifts,” Lounsberry says of the Mall. "Several of our stores are exclusives, including high-fashion designers and best-of-category brands unavailable in many U.S. and international markets.”
Shopping, dining and entertainment venues, such as The Mall at Millenia, continue to see robust traffic even in a challenging economy. Currently, this Mall is enjoying a 97 percent occupancy rate, with high-profile stores, such as Christian Audigier, Tory Burch and True Religion Brand Jeans, leasing new space.
“Since the start of this summer’s travel season following the Memorial Day Weekend, mall traffic has been very strong,” Lounsberry reports. “On average, many of these shoppers drive farther to get to this mall, stay much longer and spend significantly more money than is typical at other malls nationwide.
“The Mall at Millenia’s soothing ambiance and distinctive architecture create a unique environment,” she points out. “Here, shopping is only one element of the guest experience. The Mall also offers culinary hotspots, a lively bar, free concerts, live runway shows and signature events. Visitors gather with friends to dine, sip cocktails, relax and enjoy themselves in a tranquil setting.”
At The Mall at Millenia, award-winning design and architectural elements include cascading natural water features, end-to-end skylights and a 60-foot-high glass rotunda providing views of swaying palms. In the Mall’s eight-story Grand Court, visitors recline on plush sofas and watch runway shows from New York to Milan projected on 35-foot LED screens, using the latest technology. Shortly after opening, the Mall won the 2004 International Design and Development Award from the International Council of Shopping Centers.
The Mall’s stylish eateries range from gourmet to casual fare, including The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscan Grille, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. Travelers can unwind with signature cocktails in the Blue Martini lounge, offering a full wine and tapas menu, nightly musical entertainment and exclusive VIP events.
Of course, the shopping is also exceptional. The Mall at Millenia features 150 stores, including many that are exclusive to the market. Shoppers enjoy top design houses, including Gucci, Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo. Popular national stores include Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Abercrombie & Fitch, Juicy Couture, Coach and Crate & Barrel. Little luxuries like spa treatments and personal fashion consultants offer an unexpected retreat. The Mall also features premier services and amenities, including a full-service concierge, valet parking, U.S. Post Office and more.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
