Summer 2014 trends – American Express Travel Survey

How will the summer season 2014 look like ?

American Express Travel Survey Reveals an increase in travel bookings despite increased travel costs.

American Express Travel recently surveyed a group of 300 travel counsellors to understand future hospitality trends.  They all agreed that the summer season would start from 1^st of June and finish on August 31^st.

Nearly half (45%) said their summer travel bookings have increased compared to last year, despite the fact that 67% percent admitted that the costs of travel substantially increased.

The survey showed what the most important issues are for travelers when booking summer holidays:

• 33% customers would welcome some upgrades
• 26% admitted that the destination is a prevailing issue
• 20% indicated their budget as decisive

Perhaps because of the long winter season – on average – holiday duration lasts 10 days and the most popular way of spending time is the purchase of an all-inclusive deal. More people than before (34%) would like to spend time at a destination with a different cultural background. Ship cruise vacations remain very popular and a high booking rate for this year has been already noticed.

For whom do we plan holidays?

For a majority ( 81% ) planning vacations include family members. But an increase of 29% has been noticed for those planning to travel with friends or others.

What are the top 10 destinations?

It seems that London is still one of the most popular destinations and hoteliers should remain happy with this travelling trend.

1. London

2.Paris

3.Rome

4.Orlando, FL

5. New York, NY

6. Kahului, HI

7.San Francisco,CA

8.Cancun

9.Los Angeles, CA

10.Honolulu, HI

This list often changes and one should not worry if his favorite hotel or place did not appear!

Destinations on the rise : 

Not surprisingly – Brazil found its place at the top and Italy is still in its 9th position.

1-5. Brazil ( Manaus, Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo)

6. Santorini

7.Hilton Head, SC

8.Grand Junction, CO

9.Milan

10.Bucharest

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