It’s been a tough year for the travel industry, but it may be getting a much-needed lift during the upcoming holiday season.
Cooped-up travelers are starting to plan their holiday getaways nearly eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Travelhorizons survey from MMGY Travel Intelligence — a study of traveler intentions that has been measured every three months since March 2007 — which surveyed 1,073 Americans planning to take a leisure trip within the next six months.
Half of the respondents report intending to travel between November and early January, with 25% voyaging for Thanksgiving; 31% for the December holidays; and 15% for New Year’s.
Two-thirds of respondents say they are “enthusiastic” about their upcoming trips, though being safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is still of utmost importance. Although 38% of those surveyed are booking a flight, most are still preferring to travel within a private vehicle (45%), a rental vehicle (16%) or a recreational vehicle or camper (11%). Additionally, 42% are opting for a stay with family and friends during this time — a higher number than those intending to stay at a hotel (36%), at a resort (20%) or at a bed-and-breakfast or short-term rental (17%).
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When it comes to final destinations, domestic travel is overwhelmingly favored by survey respondents (88%), with the majority (52%) traveling between 100 and 499 miles from home, and 27% traveling between 500 and 999 miles. Only 20% are eyeing an international trip, and some 11% of guests say they are expecting a diminished visitor experience when they travel. Most plan to visit friends and family, but others report wanting to vacation as a couple (23%), travel solo (20%) or take family leisure vacations (25%) or multigenerational trips (15%).
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Not everyone is choosing to venture out for the holidays, however. Of those planning to stay home, some are doing so due to concerns over their health (38%), the health of their travel companions (33%) or the health of those they expect to visit (28%). The most cautious travelers tend to be older baby boomers (8% report intending to travel), followed by 18% of young boomers, 23% of Gen X and 43% of millennials.
Note: MMGY Travel Intelligence is the industry research and insights brand of MMGY Global, an integrated global marketing firm specializing in travel, hospitality and entertainment.
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MMGY Travel Intelligence
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