Wild Review for December 2005

TAPPING INTO TRAVEL TRENDS

Wonder what travelers of tomorrow are thinking? Wish you could capitalize on that information today? Travel Industry of America's (TIA) marketing outlook forum held in October, released the latest travel trends—that highlighted the tools necessary to grow your business.

1. Designing a Web site to attract Internet surfers with eye-catching photos and user-friendly information; this is a critical element to doing business today. TIA's research reveals that 70 percent of travelers search online for travel information, with 32 percent actually booking reservations.
   

3. Create a variety of dynamic packages. TIA's survey shows today's travelers are looking for packages offering customization, hotel amenities and a life-enhancing experience. Many southcentral Alaska businesses are in a unique position to meet these demands.

   
   

4. Prepare for a busy summer! Business travel is predicted to increase by 4 percent in 2006. Leisure travel is expected to climb by 6 percent, and meeting and convention travel is expected to rise by 13 percent.

   
   

5. Hotel/motel industry occupancy on the rise. Demand is predicted to outpace supply for accommodations, so room rates should stay at a premium. According to TIA, chain hotels will see moderate growth and properties with less than 300 rooms will see the most growth (67 percent of the market).

   Ninety percent of those surveyed say location plays a critical role in where business travelers choose to stay. Other factors are comfort, previous experience, full service and free Internet. Research shows the majority of hotels targeting business travelers will offer free Internet by 2007 to remain competitive.

Stay tuned for next month when we feature more timely travel trend highlights!