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LEISURE TRAVEL Leaving the recession behind
From economic outlooks and forecasts to travel agent transactions, there has been mounting evidence this year that the leisure travel business is gathering pace after a long period of slow growth. In fact, recent compelling research from PhoCusWright shows that Americans are fi nally coming out of their great recession hibernation and are spending on travel again. According to analysts, millions of US adults who’ve sacrifi ced vacations
over the past few years fi nally felt confi dent enough to book in 2013, resulting in a 7% growth in American leisure travelers. Much of the recent growth has come from baby boomers, whose signifi cant disappearance from the travel marketplace following the recession affected many sections of the industry. But this hard-hit demographic seems to be bouncing back, with around 60% taking leisure trips in the past year. With US travelers taking more trips, spending more and visiting international destinations, together
with a spike in air and lodging bookings, it’s hard not to be buoyed by positive signs that the industry is returning to, and in some cases exceeding, pre-recession levels. And just as the industry ups its game, so, too, should everyone within it. ASTA is always on hand to
make sure its members are prepared for the rapidly changing business landscape ahead, but agents serious about advancing in the industry shouldn’t miss its forthcoming Global Convention. It takes place on the cruise ship Norwegian Breakaway sailing from New York to Bermuda (September 14-21) — be sure to book your place now to gain access to unrivalled education and networking opportunities. In the meantime, this issue of ASTAnetwork examines the growing potential of river cruising, explores
established and emerging destinations such as Italy and Malaysia, and investigates hot topics such as travel blogging, concierge services and the complexities of Cuba. Here’s to a prosperous summer ahead…
CHRIS PEACOCK EDITOR
ASTA Executive Committee:
John I. Lovell, Chairman; Roger Block, Vice Chairman; Leo Zabinski, Treasurer; Marc Casto, Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) Chair
Subscription Inquiries Information Center: ASTA Headquarters 800 275 2782
ASTAnetwork (USPS 1548-1913) is published quarterly by Absolute Publishing Ltd and distributed in the US by Asendia USA 17b S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ and additional mailing offi ces for the American Society of Travel Agents. Known offi ce of publication: 1101 King Street, #200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Copyright under International Copyright Convention. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Travel Agents. All rights reserved. ASTA and world symbol registered US Patent Offi ce. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASTAnetwork, 1101 King Street, #200, Alexandria, VA 22314.
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