Income and Demographics Effect on Travel Trends

According to a recent survey conducted for the U.S. Tour Operators Association, the more affluent a traveler is the more likely it is they will return to a favored destination. Despite preconceived notions that affluence predisposes travel to a variety of exotic and unique destinations, this recent survey indicates that one-third of travelers with household income higher than 70,000 euros opted to revisit favorite vacation destinations and according to U.S Tour Operator Association President, Bob Whitey: “That is the largest group giving this response in any income category.” Thirty percent of households earning 35,000 to 69,000 thousand euros also preferred to revisit favorite destinations but this number dropped to less than 20 percent for those in the 25,000 euros and less income bracket.

The option to revisit a destination for higher income travelers, however, predisposes a more in depth exploration of the destination, and a broader selection of side trips is a factor for the selection of a tour or vacation package.

The survey also indicated that women, and those with a lower income, based their vacation choices on factors such as additional meals and sightseeing promotions and opted for all-inclusive packages.