|
ASTA Announces Results Of Travel
Destination Survey
Agents Identify
“Best Value” Destinations
Alexandria,
Va., Jan. 26, 2006—The American Society of Travel Agents
(ASTA) announced today the results of a survey conducted on the “best
value” travel destinations. In addition, agents identified popular
“up-and-coming” destinations, as well as agents’ favorite domestic and
international spots.
Kathryn
Sudeikis, CTC, ASTA’s president and CEO, said “ASTA members are in the
know when it comes to all types of travel and destinations. Whether a
client is looking for a relaxing get-away at an excellent value or
wants to be among the first to visit an upcoming destination, travel
agents are there to help make their customer's travel dreams a reality.
Access to this type of strategic research is what sets an ASTA agent
apart from the rest.”
Ranking
number one on the top 10 list of “best value” destinations is Mexico,
with Mayan Riviera accounting for one-third of its votes. Orlando
helped boost Florida’s percentage, coming in at number three. China
rounded out the list at number 10, and is the best value destination
furthest located from the United States. Additional top 10 destinations
include Las Vegas, Cruises, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Jamaica,
Canada, the Caribbean (excluding the Dominican Republic and Jamaica)
and Costa Rica, in order.
When
asked to identify the top three “up-and-coming” destinations,
respondents named Costa Rica number one, followed by Dominican
Republic. China and South America were a close third. Finishing the
list were Belize, Cabo San Lucas, Mayan Riviera, Eastern Europe, Italy,
Canada, Vietnam, Africa and India.
Respondents’
personal favorite domestic destinations ranged from the sunny
destinations of Hawaii and Las Vegas to the scenery of Colorado and
Alaska. However, when asked to list only one favorite domestic
destination, the majority chose Hawaii. Other personal favorites
include Orlando (Disney), New York City, Florida (excluding Orlando),
California, San Francisco and New Orleans. Agents’ international
favorites included Italy, England, Europe, Mexico, France, the
Caribbean, Ireland, Africa, Jamaica and Spain.
ASTA’s
Research Family is a panel that accurately reflects ASTA’s membership
in the distribution of key agency demographics such as sales, volume,
leisure/corporate mix, number of part-time and full-time employees and
geographic location.
ABOUT
ASTA
The
mission of the American Society of Travel Agents and its affiliated
organizations is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of
members worldwide through effective representation in industry and
government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and
meeting the needs of the traveling public. The Society is the world's
largest and most influential travel trade association with over 20,000
members in 140 countries. |
|
