Travel Agent - October 15, 2007 - (Page 112)

TRENDWATCH Who Buys Travel Insurance? Squaremouth.com, a travel insurance comparison web site, has released statistics about who purchases travel insurance products, revealing that California, New York, Florida, Texas, New Jersey and Mississippi residents are the top travel insurance purchasers. Other findings? Domestic travel accounts for 12% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $126 while foreign travel accounts for 88% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $167. European travel accounts for 30% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $172. I The highest average per-policy premium is for world cruises with an average of $2,825. I Study Indicates Ski Industry is Retaining Older Participants Among the most prominent trends noted in the 2007 National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) National Demographic Study is the continued aging of the visitor base, with strong growth in skiers and riders ages 45 and older. The fact that older participants are being retained in the sport in significant numbers is a welcome plus for the industry. Average trip length for domestic trips is 10.18 days compared to 16.34 days for foreign trips. I Average trip cost for foreign travel is $2,945 compared to $2,312 domestic travel. I 20-30 year olds account for 15.6% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $95. I The average age of participants has risen steadily from 30-40 year olds account for 18.34% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $114 while 40-50 year olds account for 18.29% of sales with an average perpolicy premium of $150. I 33.2 in 1997/98 to 36.6 in 2006/07. Specifically, since 1997/98, the proportion of visitors ages 45 to 54 has increased from 14.0 percent to 19.4 percent; the proportion of visitors ages 55 to 64 has almost doubled from 4.6 percent to 9.4 percent; and the proportion of visitors ages 65 and older has also almost doubled, from 2.4 percent to 4.2 percent. 50-60 year olds account for 20.77% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $185 while 60-70 year olds account for 15.21% of sales with an average perpolicy premium of $265. I Over-70 year olds account for 7.69% of sales with an average per-policy premium of $312. I Under 50s spend an average of $120.85 perpolicy premium while Over 50s spend an average of $235.39 per policy premium. I Age differences across different regions of the country are dramatic. The Midwest has the youngest visitor base with a median age of 22, CONNECTING YOU For more travel statistics reflecting travel trends, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/stats followed by the Southeast at 28, Pacific West at 32, Rocky Mountains at 39 and the Northeast at 40. The annual demographic study is available for purchase at www.nsaa.org. TRAVEL AGENT (ISSN 1053-9360) is published 26 times per year (twice monthly except three times in October), 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 615-377-3322. Periodicals postage paid at Duluth MN 55806 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to TRAVEL AGENT, P.O. Box 5066, Brentwood, TN 37024-5066. Canadian G.S.T. number: 840033278RT0001. Publications Mail Agreement Number 40017597. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2007 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. STANDARD A MAIL MATERIAL ENCLOSED http://Squaremouth.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/stats http://www.nsaa.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - October 15, 2007

Travel Agent - October 15, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe Central & South America Special Supplement: Ski University Pacific/Asia Las Vegas Caribbean Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Packages Jamaica’s New Minister of Tourism Talks About the Country’s Future Special Package Deals Cruises Hotels Ski Multi-Generational Travel Tours Cover Story: Luxe Life of the Stewart Clan Business Operations - Agent Profile Technology Transportation The Industry - Agenda Caribbean News PATA Travel Mart ITME Report Latest Cruise and Hotel News Travel Week In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 15, 2007

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