Where do photography enthusiasts prefer to vacation?
According to parallel surveys conducted by the U.S. Tour
Operators Association and Popular Photography & Imaging
magazine (aka Pop Photo), a plurality of photo buffs seek Hawaii,
followed closely by Alaska and Australia. For these three
destinations, USTOA members recommended the best places to shoot as
Haleakala National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Denali
National Park in Alaska and the Outback or Tasmania in
Australia.
More than 9,200 readers of Pop Photo, the world’s largest
photography magazine, recently completed the survey featured on the
magazine’s Web site.
The importance of photography to vacationers is illustrated by a
recent Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) survey, which
cited that nearly 45 percent of adults who traveled in the last
year purchased new cameras or equipment for their trip.
According to Bob Whitley, USTOA president, tours geared to this
travel niche are helpful to shutterbugs.
“Many of today’s tours and vacation packages offer a
photo-friendly way to travel,” he said. ”Escorted tour guides and
local guides are excellent sources for the best places and times to
photograph.”
John Owens, editor in chief of Pop Photo, considers photography
and travel as inseparable.
“Sure, it’s fun to take photos on vacation,” Owens said. ”But,
perhaps the best comes when you get home and you can relive the
memories anytime you look at the photos.”
Visit www.ustoa.com for survey results as well as to find USTOA
members offering packages and tours to these and other areas. The
Web site also features the USTOA Vacation Personality Quiz,
designed by psychologists to help travelers identify the best type
of tour or package for their interests.
For a complimentary copy of USTOA’s “Travel Agent’s Kit,” call
800-468-7862.
