Tag Archives: U.S. tourism

This Week in Travel & Tourism — 6/18/2012

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INTERNATIONAL

U.S. hotels see dwindling European bookings this year

European tourists to the U.S. are declining as Europe’s difficulties intensify, with the U.S. hotel industry feeling the effect. Travelers from European countries booked 1.1% fewer rooms in the U.S. in the first five months of the year compared with the same period in 2011, Pegasus Solutions reports. In the first five months of 2011, hotel bookings by Europeans increased 13.7% compared with year-earlier figures, the reservation processor says.

Report: U.S. tourism industry will bounce back by 2017

Research firm IBISWorld predicts that the U.S. tourism industry will enjoy moderate revenue growth over the next five years, brought about by an increase in travel from East Asia and South America. IBISWorld says in the report that it expects the industry’s revenue to grow to $1.4 trillion from 2011 to 2012.

DOMESTIC

Brand USA chief departs

Brand USA, the public-private partnership formed to promote international travel to the U.S., said Thursday that CEO Jim Evans stepped down after one year on the job.

Number of July Fourth weekend travelers will reach 42.3 million, AAA says

Lower gas prices and July Fourth falling on a Wednesday will contribute to a record rise in travel volume during this year’s Independence Day weekend, which is projected to reach 42.3 million, AAA reports. “This is the second holiday this year where travelers indicated a determination to travel while economizing by actively seeking value-added travel options and activities,” said Bill Sutherland of AAA Travel Services.

CRUISE

Luxury cruise lines crack down on agents who rebate onboard

Crystal Cruises last week became the latest luxury line to shore up its anti-rebating efforts, with a new policy aimed at reducing onboard solicitation of cruise clients and discouraging passengers from shopping their future bookings while onboard.

LGBT

Guerneville, Calif., offers haven for LGBT community, nature lovers

Several hiking trails and the wide expanse of the Russian River in Guerneville, Calif., offer plenty of adventures and natural sights for visitors. The laid-back town also touts its status as “a hate-free community,” offering a warm welcome to families and gay couples alike, this feature says.

ETC.

Hoteliers are tweaking amenities to cater to Chinese travelers

The massive influx of Chinese leisure travelers into the U.S. has prompted many hotels to align their amenities toward meeting these visitors’ cultural preferences, this feature says. From serving authentic Chinese cuisine to employing Mandarin-speaking front-desk staff, hotels continue to adapt their operations in a bid to capture the growing demand.

Senator introduces bill of rights for airline passengers

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has introduced a bill of rights for air travelers, as well as a bill that would require private workers to replace the Transportation Security Administration. “While aviation security is undoubtedly important, we must be diligent in protecting the rights of all Americans, such as their freedom from being subjected to humiliating and intrusive searches by TSA agents, especially when there is no obvious cause,” said Paul in a statement.

This Week in Travel and Tourism — 4/23/2012

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DOMESTIC

New York looks to China and Brazil for big tourism growth

New York aims to boost tourism’s annual economic impact by almost 45% during the next three years by increasing marketing efforts in South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Between 2011 and 2015, the number of annual visits from China and Hong Kong will jump 51% to 494,000, while the number of annual visits from Brazil will rise 45% to 1.02 million, projected NYC & Company, New York’s tourism-marketing organization.

U.S. prepares to launch $150M tourism marketing drive

A $150 million campaign to encourage foreign travelers to visit the U.S. is set to begin in May, led by the U.S. Travel Association. The program spans a variety of media and marks the country’s fist coordinated attempt to market itself to the international traveling community.

AIRLINE

United Continental posts $448 M Q1 loss

United Continental Holdings reported a $448 million net loss for the first quarter, compared with a $213 million net loss for the same period last year. The loss includes $162 million in special costs “primarily” related to United’s integration of Continental Airlines, according to the carrier.

JetBlue Q1 profit up tenfold

JetBlue Airways reported a $30 million first-quarter net profit, up from $3 million for the first three months of 2011.

JetBlue’s average quarterly one-way fare increased 6% year over year to $159.93, the carrier’s “highest quarterly average fare ever,” according to CFO Mark Powers. First-quarter passenger unit revenue grew 8% year over year on a 12% increase in capacity.

Delta, US Airways expect profitable summer on strong Q1 results

Delta Air Lines and US Airways posted profits of $124 million and $48 million, respectively, compared with losses in the previous year and predicted a strong summer travel season based on steady demand growth. Observers are predicting that airlines will try for further airfare increases to capitalize on the strong demand.

CRUISE

Carnival Glory’s extended Boston sailings will continue in 2013

Carnival has unveiled plans to extend a series of sailings from Boston for the summer 2013 season. The schedule this summer will comprise four- and five-night voyages to Canada aboard the Carnival Glory. Starting June 2013, the Glory will undertake three seven-night cruises.

Norwegian’s Partners First program marks successful first year

Norwegian Cruise Line plans to build on the positive feedback that its Partners First initiative received in its first year through changes that would further simplify agents’ operations, said Andy Stuart, Norwegian’s executive vice president of global sales and passenger services. Planned changes include expanding Partners First Weekends, a restructuring of the in-house reservations department and a shift from offering amenity points for agents to dollars.

ETC.

Winner of Etihad contest will double salary

Etihad Airways, flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a promotion under which it will match one U.S. travel agent’s salary ($90,000 limit).