Summer Tourism Outlook Survey Shows Trend Toward Last Minute Travel

Summer Tourism Outlook Survey Shows Trend Toward Last Minute Travel
A survey of Vermont Chamber of Commerce travel and tourism members conducted in the past week shows that the majority of businesses are expecting a positive summer season with many last minute reservations.
A total of 70% of respondents are looking forward to a business season that is the same or better than last summer: 30% of respondents said business is looking better than last year, while 40% said that they expect the summer 2005 season to be on par with last summer.
Factors contributing to travel and tourism members assessment of the upcoming summer season include: a healthy economy and a sense of optimism among travelers, marketing efforts, and group tour reservations. Events and the perception of Vermont as a destination state also contribute to bringing visitors here, according to travel and tourism members. Those surveyed cited taxes, the burden of regulation, and costs as a continuing draw on business.
Half the lodging businesses surveyed believed that advanced bookings are indicative of how business will be this summer. Survey data indicated that the lead time for bookings is becoming less of an indicator for success; only 39% of all accommodations are reserved with 2-3 months lead time. Factors contributing to the perception of a trend toward less lead time, from lodging businesses perspective, include weather predictions and the widespread use of the internet.
Respondents say Vermont visitors come chiefly from within the drive market: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. Visitors also are drawn to Vermont from the Midwest and California.
While Canadians account for 2.33 million trips made by visitors or 18% of all visits to Vermont, only 20% of the total respondents felt that the current relative strength of the Canadian dollar will impact business this summer. However, the number of travel and tourism members located north of Route 4 who felt the strong Canadian dollar would have a positive impact on business totaled 32%, or 12% higher than the statewide average. Meanwhile, a total of 32% of respondents thought the strong Euro would contribute to a positive business season although 47% of respondents from the Things to See and Do category thought the Euro would help this summer.
The number of respondents totaled 127, or 17% of travel and tourism members who received the survey. Vermont Chamber travel & tourism members comprise the following: Lodging (B & Bs, Cabins, Campgrounds & Camping, Cottages, Country Inns, Hotels/Motels, Lodges, Real Estate-Rental Properties, Reservation Services, Resorts, Vacation Rentals); Restaurants; Shopping and Retail; and Things to See and Do (Art, Galleries & Workshops, Attractions, Golf & Golf Courses, Maple Products/Producers, Museums, Music, Recreation, Ski Areas, Theaters).
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