RICHMOND, Va.
When most people think about a government deficit, they assume that this is a reflection of budget woes. But there is a new survey that is now out that has discovered that the United States is suffering a serious vacation deficit. This has been reported in a just-released survey of travelers, where it is stated that many Americans have yet to take a vacation this year, while many others report not planning to take one at all. This is in spite of the fact that a high value is placed on getting away for a break with family and friends.
In a recent survey of 1,000 Americans called the Access America Vacation Confidence Index, it was determined that even though a large majority of respondents (67%) indicate their belief that vacations are very important or important, still one in four (23%) of those who say this and value such travel are not planning to take a trip this year. This seems to be the case, in spite of the fact that an array of attractive deals are being offered to get them to hit the road. A large vacation deficit among Americans is being created by this disparity between those who want to take a vacation and those actually taking a trip. It is creating the opportunity for travel suppliers to woo reluctant travelers with grand deals and promotions. Ipsos Public Affairs, conducted the Vacation Confidence Index survey for Access America. Ipsos Public Affairs is a leading global survey-based market research company.
According to Daniel Durazo, director of communications for Access America, the results of this Vacation Confidence Index forms the proof of what has long been suspected, and that is that Americans love their vacations and strongly resist giving them up. Access America ordered the survey and is a brand of Mondial Assistance. Mondial Assistance is the worlds largest travel insurance provider. But apparently as reported by the survey, Americans are not taking as many vacations as they would like, and this is likely because of concerns regarding the economy. This in turn has led to a serious vacation deficit, creating as a consequence, a pent-up demand for travel.
According to other findings of the Vacation Confidence Index, Americans are in agreement that unprecedented travel bargains are now being offered. When the question was presented as to whether or not this was a great time to find travel deals, 72 percent agreed. With regard to the types of deals they value most: 24 percent welcome free or discounted tickets to attractions or cruises, and an equal number indicate their appreciation for free hotel nights or kids-stay-free offers. Another 21 percent held that they find hotel upgrades particularly attractive.
In the context of the survey, a vacation was defined as leisure travel of at least a week to a destination of at least 100 miles from home.
Survey results collected in July of this year show that 37 percent of respondents reported taking a vacation this year, and another 29 percent felt confident they would take a vacation in 2009. , leaving plenty of opportunities for the travel industry to lure would-be travelers to vacation destinations. More than half (57%), indicate that the best places to find travel deals, are online, either online travel agent sites or search engines such as Google. Recommendations from friends and family and suggestions from conventional travel agents were other primary ways for travelers to hunt for vacation bargains.