14 Q&A 24/10/08 10:55 Page 14
In-depth Knowledge
Visitors are hitting the
highways to explore
further afield, says
Peter Moss
Q
What are the emerging So far, 1,500 students
trends in the US market? have already taken the
course and we are going
A
A high proportion of UK to beef up our student
travellers to the US are now communication with
going back time and again more opportunities.
– they like the high quality combined
with great value. We will see this trend
increasing as they move on to less
established destinations within the US.
Q
What have you
got planned
for 2009?
The big trend is for “experiential” – the
US has a myriad of experiences, from
mountains to lakes, beaches to prairies.
A
We have launched a
new training programme,
which will be a direct
Agents can play a major role advising advantage to agents as it
holidaymakers about these options. features all partners that join
Brits are travelling more adventurously Visit USA on our website and
and it’s the well-trained, knowledgeable in the 2009 edition of the
agents who can really help customers Visit USA Travel Planner.
get the best out of their US holidays. Both will offer upgraded
facilities for those
Q
What are the main students who have
challenges facing the successfully
US over the next year? completed the
A
They are the same as for other standard or advanced
destinations – mostly around level exams of the
price and available spending training programme.
money. How much impact is the credit
crunch going to have? Are we heading
for a recession? Will travellers really be
put off by air surcharges? How much
Q
In what areas
are you seeing
growth?
Q
&
impact will the changing exchange rates
have? At this stage, we don’t know the
answers as far as 2009 is concerned,
A
First-time visitors
often choose from the
the picture is not yet clear. But main destinations of Florida, New A
undoubtedly the US will remain the York and California. On subsequent
number one destination for UK visits, they are increasingly looking
long-haul holiday travellers. to explore further afield and we’ve
seen big increases to places such as Peter Moss is chairman
Q
What is Visit USA doing to Las Vegas and Arizona.
train and support agents? Visitors are increasingly travelling off
of the Visit USA
the beaten track to explore the byways Association
A
The Visit USA training of America, especially using fly-drive
programme is one of the most and RVs [recreational vehicles], with
comprehensive destination the latter continuing to grow signifi-
training facilities for agents. It can be cantly each year. UK travellers love the
accessed 24/7, agents complete it in price of American petrol, which works
their own time and at their own pace. out at about £1.90 a gallon.
14
TTG Knowledge USA October 2008
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