Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 - (Page 90)

TRENDWATCH No Gold for China In a recent online poll, TravelAgentCentral (www.travelagentcentral.com) asked agents, “Has media coverage of the Olympics spurred your clients to ask you about travel to China?” Although nearly one-third of respondents noted a significant rise in inquiries about 30% Yes, 37% China, overall the Olympic games significantly Not at all haven’t created much impact for agents—60 percent of respondents 10% Yes, reported little or no increase in clients a little bit 23% Not planning travel to China. that much Source: www.travelagentcentral.com Spa Industry Trends “NEXT GENERATION” TRAVELERS Here are some results from The “NEXTgen Traveler” survey, co-authored by Ypartnership and PhoCusWright, conducted in March 2008. “Next generation” travelers: I Are highly educated (30% have a four-year college degree; 20% have at least one year of graduate school). I Are affluent (30% have an annual income of $100,000+). I Have a zest for travel (75% would travel more if they had more money; 62% would travel more if they had more time) and spend, on average, over 50% more on travel services annually. I Rely heavily on the Internet when it comes to planning, purchasing and sharing information on travel experiences: I 71% use the Internet to search for travel information; 41% have taken a virtual tour of a destination; and 38% have built a trip itinerary online. I 58% cite the “ability to check the best fares/rates” as the most important feature in a travel website. I 37% report being influenced by personal comments read on social networking or travel advisory websites. I 33% have authored and posted a travel review online. Complete copies of the results of the NEXTgen Traveler survey results are available for purchase through the Publications section of www.ypartnership.com or www.phocuswright.com. The International Spa Association (ISPA) has compiled its findings of the latest spa trends. Here are the highlights: Spa at home—Lifestyle classes at spas; incorporating spa décor—tubs, showers, products and massage tables, clothing and candles—into homes, plus, home spa parties. In-room spa amenities—Spa suites and sleeping rooms with massage tables, high-end amenities and spa-like bathrooms. Accessibility—Spas can now be found in health clubs, resorts/ hotels, doctors offices, airports, malls and on cruise ships. Aging treatments—Spa-goers increasingly seek healthy aging treatments and products that actually work. Medical components—Medical spas allow clients to get a physical or medical procedure while also receiving a spa treatment. Lengthier stays—Spa-goers are requesting longer treatments. Specialty products—Clients wish to incorporate local and indigenous ingredients into their treatments. Spa-going as a group—Whether it’s families, girlfriends, business associates or bridal parties, groups are indulging in spa treatments together. Multi-generational spa visits—Kids can join parents. Booking time instead of a treatment—Clients can choose what they want when they get to the spa based on their mood. CONNECTING YOU For more data and statistics on consumer and industry trends, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/stats TRAVEL AGENT (ISSN 1053-9360) is published bi-weekly 26 times per year, by Questex Media Group, Inc., 306 West Michigan St., Suite 200, Duluth, MN 55802. Subscription rates: $250 for one year in the United States; $350 for one year in Canada and Mexico; all other countries $350 for one year. Single copies (prepaid only): $4.95 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and in all other countries. For air-expedited service, include an additional $75 per order annually. Include $6.50 per order plus $2 per additional copy for U.S. postage and handling. For current single copy or back issues on CD-rom, call 866-344-1315. Outside the US, please phone 847-763-9594. Periodicals postage paid at Duluth MN 55806 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to TRAVEL AGENT, PO Box 1267 Skokie, IL 60076-8267. Canadian G.S.T. number: 840033278RT0001. Publications Mail Agreement Number 40017597. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2008 Questex Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including by photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the publisher, Questex Media Group, Inc. Authorization to photocopy items for internal/educational or personal use, or the internal/educational or personal use of specific clients is granted by Questex Media Group, Inc. for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400 fax 978-750-4470. For those not registered with the CCC, send permissions request to: questexpermissions@reprintbuyer.com or 800-494-9051, Ext 100. http://www.travelagentcentral.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com http://www.ypartnership.com http://www.phocuswright.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/stats

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 Online Now Contents Agent Insider From the Editor Hawaii Europe Pacific/Asia Las Vegas US Airways Vacations - Atlantis, Paradise Island Specialist Central & South America Mexico Caribbean Cruises Cover Story: Merge Mania France by Rail Weddings & Honeymoons Gay & Lesbian Travel Tours Agent Profile Triptailor Vacations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Vegas Week Insights on Singapore Travel Leaders Builds New Alliances The Latest from the Caribbean A Sneak Peek at a New Ship Classified Marketplace In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Thailand Travel Planner

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

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