Carlson Wagonlit Travel's 2008 Travel Trends Survey

"International Destination" and "Cruise" Rankings Offer Surprises; Top Spots Still Held by Las Vegas & Caribbean Cruising

Mediterranean Cruising Vaults into Top 5; Beijing Cracks the Top 20; and Alaska Cruises are

Hotter Than Ever According to Survey of 555 Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates

 

Minneapolis, MN (January 2, 2008) - Today, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates unveiled the 2008 results of their authoritative annual Travel Trends Survey in which several surprises emerged. On the international front, Mediterranean cruising leaped past favorites such as London, England; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and several Mexican locations to take the #5 spot among international destinations.  While Las Vegas still comes up aces as the top domestic destination for the sixth consecutive year, Washington D.C. made the most impressive jump - up seven spots to #8 - and Kauai moved up five spots to #9. Conducted November 26-December 19, 2007, the 2008 Travel Trends Survey includes responses from a record 555 Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate owners, managers and frontline travel experts throughout the United States-equivalent to more than one completed survey for every single location in the network.

 

"This year, more than ever, we're seeing some exciting shifts in the travel patterns of our clients," stated Roger E. Block, CTC, executive vice president of the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate Division.  "Obviously consumers are still finding value in traveling to Europe, whether it's a Mediterranean cruise, various Italian cities or even London and Paris if planned through the guiding hand of our value-conscious agents. Seven of the Top 20 international destinations are European - meaning Carlson Wagonlit Travel experts are using their considerable skills and resources to help travelers looking for solutions on how best to stretch their dollars as far as possible."

 

"Alaska is another bright spot in the travel landscape - particularly for cruising.  For the first time ever in this survey, Alaska ranks as the top cruise destination being booked so far for the New Year, beating out its Caribbean competitors," Block noted. "Whether it's the vast wilderness of Alaska or the hidden gems in Eastern Europe and Central America - the top two 'emerging destination' regions in this year's survey - the fact that over 82% of our travel professionals told us their bookings are equal to or greater than this time last year means the public is not sacrificing travel. They're seeking out our experts to help make their dreams a reality."

 

Top Vacation Destinations: U.S. and International
When asked to forecast the five most popular U.S. destinations for 2008 based on actual bookings to date, agent experts reported that Las Vegas retains its hold on the #1 spot with 71.5%, while Orlando was the bridesmaid for the 6th year in a row.  Internationally, Caribbean cruising and Cancun, Mexico, deliver the 1-2 punch for the second straight year among the most popular international "destinations." In fact, Caribbean cruising has been named as the top international "destination" for five straight years.

 

Also noteworthy:

Domestic Ups:

*         Washington D.C. jumped seven spots from #15 to #8. The upcoming Presidential elections may have something to do with the renewed interest in our nation's capital.  According to Houston-based Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert Mike Wiengart: "Washington always presents a good value with the numerous museums that are free of charge.  So, should people feel the economy might be a little weaker, Washington is a good choice." 

*         Kauai moved back into the top ten this year, giving Hawaii three locations in the domestic top ten rankings.  According to Carlson Wagonlit Travel's Michele Keeley in Eden Prairie, MN: "I have been selling [Kauai] strongly for several years now to honeymooners and more frequently to those looking for soft adventure vacations.  It offers a good value compared with some destinations."

 

International Ups and Downs:

*         Mediterranean cruising sailed into the top 5, gaining ground from 15th place in 2004 to 10th place in 2007 to 5th place for 2008. Not only is there greater inventory than ever before, many U.S. travelers are finding this is the way to travel to Europe in order to get the most for their money as possible. Carlson Wagonlit Travel's Pattie Fanta in Westlake, OH, said: "With the dollar performing so poorly, we have been encouraging clients who might have steered away from an expensive European vacation to book a Mediterranean cruise - where your accommodations and meals are 'fixed' pricing and you can still visit major tourist attractions throughout most of Europe while traveling with ease on the ship."  Sondra Wilson of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Richland, WA, agreed: "I think it's huge this year because there is still a desire to see Europe, but people want their money protected."

 

*         In general, Europe's popularity is not waning. In addition to Mediterranean cruising, this year's survey saw Venice move up seven spots to #16; Florence/Tuscany took one step up to #14, London - a perennial top ten destination - gained one spot to #8.  All the while, Rome held steady at #4, Paris came in at #13 and Frankfurt jumped nine spots to #20 thus giving Europe seven of the Top 20 International destinations being booked by Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates.

 

*         Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, slid from #6 to #9.  Steve Phillips, a Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert in Crystal, MN, commented: "Punta Cana continues to be a great value for an all-inclusive destination.  However, the American tourist is used to a certain type of destination ... [with] some of the comforts of home.  The Dominican Republic has struggled to acquire and build an infrastructure to support American tourists.  Therefore after going there once, clients are not as likely to want go back, even though they feel they received great value for their vacation dollar." Carlson Wagonlit Travel's Dave Hershberger of Cincinnati, OH, put it simply: "Some of the 'newness' is wearing off."

 

*         "China Rising"- A continuing trend is the rise in China and its various cities in this survey.  Beijing is the top 20 for the first time ever, ranked at #18.  Hong Kong ranks at its highest ever, tying Athens for the #21 spot.  Shanghai has moved from 36th place two years ago up to 30th in 2008. 

 

The following lists display the top ten domestic and international destinations for 2008, along with results from the 2007 survey conducted one year ago.*

 




Top 10 Domestic Destinations: 2008

1 - Las Vegas, NV                              71.5%

2 - Orlando, FL                                   63.6%

3 - Honolulu, HI                                  51.9%

4 - Kahului (Maui), HI                       42.7%

5 - New York City, NY                       36.2%

6 - Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ               18.4%

7 - Anchorage, AK                             15.7%

8 - Washington D.C.                          12.8%

9 - Lihue (Kauai), HI                          12.3%

10 - Miami/Miami Beach, FL           11.7%

 

Top 10 Domestic Destinations: 2007

1 - Las Vegas, NV                                77.9%

2 - Orlando, FL                                     75.5%

3 - Honolulu, HI                                   55.6%

4 - Kahului (Maui), HI                        44.2%

5 - New York City, NY                        38.3%

6 - Anchorage, AK                             20.7%

7 - Miami/Miami Beach, FL                14.8%

8 - Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ                14.6%

9 - Fort Myers, FL                               13.8%

10 - San Francisco, CA                       12.8%




 




Top 10 International Destinations: 2008

1 - Caribbean Cruising      &nbs
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