Industry Forecast

industry forecast ❖

Travel Pros Eye the Future As we close the door on 2011, we turn our attention to 2012. Where’s the tour business headed next year? To find out, we asked those at the heart of the industry— association leaders from USTOA, ABA and NTA—for their perspective on how 2012 will shape up.

16 December 2011

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ith a membership that spans the globe with diverse products, destinations and experiences, USTOA is in this business not simply to sell travel, but to inspire and motivate others to travel.

Our members recognize that travel is proven economic stimulus and, as such, prompts job creation in the US and abroad.

The demand in business travel often sets the tone for leisure travel, and so far we have cause for optimism in 2012, with business travel demand on the rise. While it would be wishful thinking to say “we’re out of the woods,” there is a case for optimism, especially with demand in luxury travel and increased consumer confidence. Travelers are also President, USTOA now more willing to pay for luxury amenities, which is a leap forward from 2010. A recent survey in leisure travel trends by Ypartnership showed that “nearly two in three travelers are willing to pay full price if they are guaranteed the quality and service they believe they deserve.”

Travelers know they can trust USTOA’s Active Member Tour Operators to deliver authentic experiences safely and securely— both critical benefits for consumers in today’s ever-changing world.

This past year, political and natural events had a major impact on travel patterns around the world. Naturally, consumers were wary of traveling to some countries because of these events. USTOA’s Active Member Tour Operators responded swiftly to these events to ensure their guests’ safety and security, and they continue to provide a level of insight as well as timely packages to not just allay consumers’ nervousness but to encourage travel and reward travelers with memorable experiences.

The Ypartnership survey also showed that consumers are optimistic and exhibit a “new resourcefulness” and an “unwavering commitment to travel despite economic setbacks.” Whether it’s pentup demand or the continued passion for enriching experiences, an optimistic outlook is encouraging and the members of USTOA will continue to provide rewarding experiences, safely and securely.

The Shape of the Travel Industry in 2012

By Terry Dale

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ith 2011 coming to a close and 2012 just around the corner, it is an appropriate time to look back and forward at the same time.

Speaking with operators from across the country yields a positive of how 2011 turned out. Many tour and coach operators have said their business was even or ahead of 2010, although some of the reviews were mixed. Some indicated that sales were up, but that was often accompanied by the sentiment that more effort was put in to staying even or that sales were up while profits were down. Nearly everyone noted, with exuberance, that business was better than 2008 and 2009.

Regardless of how you President & CEO, ABA look at it, 2011 seemed to be another year where staying even was classified as a WIN! As we enter into the booking cycle for 2012, most operators are optimistic that the New Year will be stronger than last year. Tours and especially motorcoach charters will be ahead of 2011. The concept of “pent-up demand” is beginning to push consumers and groups to making decisions that they may have been putting off for some time.

Much still depends on the economy. A stronger economy, or even a steady economy without wild swings and the uncertainty it creates for consumers, will help travel. The weak dollar, which is likely to continue through 2012, will continue to attract overseas travelers seeking tours and travel across North America.

While no one can predict exactly what will happen in 2012, early signs are for a good travel season, and the optimism expressed by most operators seems to echo that.

2012 Motorcoach & Group Travel Outlook

By Peter Pantuso

As we enter into the booking cycle for 2012, most operators are optimistic that the New Year will be stronger than last year.

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industry forecast â?–

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Customize for the Like-Minded Group

By Lisa Simon

ecember is Convention month for NTA this year, and if registrations are any indication of the business climate, 2012 will be an uplifting year for packaged travel.

NTA tour operators are seeing opportunities for growth through special-interest and affinity markets. People want to travel with people they know—or people who are likeminded—so we’re seeing more products catering to these special groups. At the same time, more consumers want trips customized to their likes and needs.

Taken together, these general trends point to a few specifics: As has been the case for many years, people are booking later and taking shorter trips.

These tendencies have been accelerated by the aging baby boomers and new senior market, as well as the recent economic climate.

Travelers want more hands-on activities, and they travel because of special interests such as bird watching or wine tasting or photography. Smaller groups make these activities

more attractive.

More boomers are traveling with tour operators, and they, too, want smaller groups.

This is an independent-minded, young-acting population. They want to learn. They want to do. They want those authentic experiences.

Another important group to look at is the family traveling together—sometimes the extended family. Families are busy these days, but they still need quality time together.

Two additional markets are growing: adventure—from a light hike in a national park to shooting the rapids—and faith-based tourism, everything from a church group traveling together on a vacation, to a mission trip or a trip to the Holy Land.

While the global economy has been sluggish, I am optimistic. What has been most encouraging during this economic slowdown is the creativity and diligence NTA members have shown in generating new revenue streams through product development, collaboration and new marketing strategies.

President, NTA

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Association Conferences – At a Glance USTOA The 2011 USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace will take place from Dec. 11-13 at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club and Spa in Marco Island, Fla. All activities, both social and professional, are planned to give Supplier Members plenty of opportunities to meet with some of America’s most respected and renowned tour operators.

The conference is open only to delegates from Active Member and Supplier Member (Allied and Associate) companies of USTOA. The 2012 conference will be held from Dec. 6-8 at Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. 212-599-6599, ext 24; ustoa.com

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18 December 2011

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ABA’s 2012 Marketplace will take place in Grapevine, Texas from Jan. 6-10. It is a premier business event for the group travel

industry. The appointments, the core of the show, allow buyers and sellers to meet face-to-face in pre-scheduled sevenminute sessions. In addition to the quality appointments, ABA’s Marketplace offers professional education seminars and numerous networking opportunities.

ABA’s 2013 conference will be held in Charlotte, N. C. from Jan. 5-9.

202-218-7230, buses.org

NTA The National Tour Association’s annual convention is from Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nev. This annual, all-member convention brings together a diverse group of buyers and sellers. With its all-inclusive format and proven business-building design, NTA’s convention has been described as “a business meeting extraordinaire, designed to maximize the opportunities for networking.�

NTA’s next conference is from Jan. 1923, 2013 in Orlando, where it will co-locate with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA). 859-264-6540, ntaonline.com

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JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL 80th Anniversary Season June 20-August 28, 2012

Customize your group visit to this National Historic Landmark and world-renowned dance festival: • Discounts and flexible payment plan • Personalized historic tours

Adele Myers and Dancers; photo Karli Cadel

• Group dining • 200 + free performances, talks, & exhibits

JACOB’S PILLOW D A N C E

Group Sales Coordinator: Toni Bolger 413.243.9919 x132 • jacobspillow.org

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