A recent survey conducted by global hotel group Choice Hotels International reveals that, as the U.S. economy continues to improve, Americans are planning to spend 8% more on leisure travel in 2015 than in 2014. Senior travellers say their spending will increase the most (33%) compared to Millennials, defined as those born from 1980 onwards, whose spending will increase by 5%.
Most popular European destination is London
11% of those surveyed say they will be heading to Europe in 2015. Reasons for doing so include 50% wanting to visit historical sites and buildings and 39% wishing to be immersed in European culture. The most popular European city destination is London, followed by Rome and then Paris.
Commenting on the findings, Choice’s UK CEO, Duncan Berry: “The allure of European history and culture, combined with a stronger U.S. dollar, continues to be a winning draw for U.S. travellers. London leads the way as the city most Americans want to visit but Rome beating Paris to second place may be down to the much documented Pope Francis effect.”
Budget v unique travel experiences
Over 40 % of American travellers regularly stay at mid-price hotels such as Comfort and Quality hotels when travelling for pleasure. Not surprisingly, budget (62%) is the most influential factor followed by attractions (60%) when selecting a leisure travel destination.
But despite being budget conscious, American travellers are willing to splurge for unique travel experiences, including set jetting (visiting a destination seen in a movie), and culinary tourism (food-inspired travel), where 18% and 30% increases over 2014 are anticipated, respectively.
Staying at home rather than vacation with Ben Affleck
To try and claw back the cost of their trip, in exchange for a for a hotel discount, 55% of American travellers would forgo alcoholic beverages while 53% would give up daily housekeeping services. Over a quarter (26%) say they would go without their smartphone, although perhaps unsurprisingly, Millennials are 35% less likely to do so than older travellers.
However, while 60 percent of American travellers are planning a trip with their spouse or partner in 2015, half would rather stay home than take a vacation with Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey or Warren Buffett!
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria hotels & suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.
Choice Hotels International offers the Choice Privileges rewards program. With more than 20 million members worldwide, it is one of the fastest growing loyalty programs in the travel industry.
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