Americans Flee Looming Recession

8 May, 2008 by Martin Kelly

By Martin Kelly, Editor, Travel Trends

IN a surprising twist – one that may foreshadow local trends – major United States travel companies are reporting increased demand for international travel despite the ever-looming recession (one day, it will come).

But travel patterns are changing as dollar-poor American abandon traditional high-cost Euro haunts and seek value-for-money destinations. They are also taking shorter holidays and buying more all-inclusive package holidays.

"I have heard a lot of grumbling about the U.S. dollar, but it is not stopping them – travel has become a lifestyle," Pam Edwartoski from Carlson Wagonlit told USA Today.

Amy Ziff of Travelocity added: "More people are travelling internationally, but where they're going is different."

Summer bookings for countries where the Euro is used – such as Spain, France and Italy – are 15% lower than last year, while bookings are up 16% for Eastern European countries that don't use the Euro, Ziff says.

American Express confirmed the trend, with spokeswomen Mona Hamouly reporting significant growth in travel to China, South America, Hong Kong, Moscow and St. Petersburg and Russia. Travel Trends: May 8, 2008

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Events

'REAL TIME - Sydney, March 30'

When: March 30, 2012
Where: Amora Hotel Jamison
Program: Real Time
Bookings: $499 + gst Early Bird

BOOK now to get the Early Bird rate for the No Vacancy accommodation industry conference in Sydney.

Real Time is the theme of No Vacancy 2012, reflecting the fact that we live in a world where everything happens now, or not at all.

In no business is this more obvious than tourism. Booking lead times are now measured in hours not days or weeks.

To succeed requires a new way of doing business, a fresh mentality and a fair amount of nerve.

The program is packed with the information you'll need to thrive in today's just-in-time world with a focus on distribution, marketing, innovation, consumers and technology.

Speakers confirmed so far include the following, and there are a few more on the way...

Rachel Argaman, CEO, Toga Hospitality
Dave Audley, Heading of Consulting, Experian Hitwise
Quentin Briard, GM Australia & NZ, Club Med
Daniel Bridges, Head of Travel, Trade Me (NZ)
Julio Bruno, Global Vice President Sales, TripAdvisor
James Cassidy, HomeAway.com.au
Robbie Cooke, CEO, Wotif.com
Will Deague, CEO, Art Series Hotels
Dean Dransfield, Director, Dransfield Hotels and Resorts
Bob East, CEO, Mantra Resorts
Leah Lipman, Area Director Reveneue Management Australasia, IHG
Simon McGrath, CEO, Accor Australia
Bryon Merzeo, Analyst, STR Global
Bernard O’Keefe, Group Online Marketing Manager, Hamilton Island
Todd Parker, Founder, Parker Travel Collection
Nikolai Pitchforth, Head of Online Travel, Google
Brett Pointon, Founder, Oaks Hotels and Resorts
Anton Stanish, GM, The Stayz Group
Janet Wilson, Managing Director, Nationwide Hospitality

It'll be a great day. As usual, the focus will be on distribution, marketing, sales, innovation and technology for both hoteliers and Online Travel Agents.

Sponsors:

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Returning September 17, 2012

The date has been set for TRAVELtech 2012 - Monday, September 17.

Meanwhile, thanks to everyone who attended TRAVELtech: Best of Enemies in Sydney recently.

It was a fantastic event, lots of fun with a touch of controversy.

Please check out the photographs or use this link to see great 360 degree panorama shots of the conference from Panedia.

TRAVELtech is Australia's original web travel, marketing and distribution event, featuring a compelling program, great speakers and fantastic networking.

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