U.S. Leisure Travel Expected to Ratchet Up in 2008

Leisure trips and travel spending are expected to continue modest growth through 2008, but travel preferences are changing, according to the Travel Industry Association’s annual forecast.

Travel spending by domestic and international visitors to the U.S. in 2008 is expected to increase 5.2 percent, to $778.2 billion, and the number of leisure trips taken domestically is projected to increase 2.5 percent for 2007 and 2 percent next year, TIA predicted.

Despite higher hotel room rates, higher gas prices and the hassles of flying, “people continue to value their leisure travel,” said Suzanne Cooke, TIA’s senior vice president of research, in an October 24 conference call.

Cooke said that spas, the gaming industry, the cruise industry and sports-related tourism, such as trips related to NASCAR races, are among the leisure travel sectors that are doing well.

International travel to the U.S., including visitors from Canada and Mexico, is expected to rise 3.7 percent in 2008 to 55.6 million visitors, following a projected 5.1 percent increase for 2007, the TIA said.

However, since 2000, there has been an 11 percent decline overall in overseas visitors to the U.S., the TIA said, despite the fact that the weak dollar makes the U.S. a travel bargain for many travelers from abroad.