Eighty Percent of Small Travel and Tourism Businesses Saw Strong Levels of Travelers in Summer 2006
Aug.21, 2006. It appears that the overall travel and tourism industry has had the same positive increase in business that has been experienced by luxury vacation rentals this summer. Small travel and tourism businesses are experiencing strong levels of visitors and customers in 2006, with 80 percent of small travel and tourism businesses reporting reservations were at or above last year's levels (37 percent and 43 percent respectively), according to a survey conducted by Constant Contact(R), and published by Hotel News Resource
The survey further reported that 84 percent expected more online sales in 2006, with the majority of small travel and tourism businesses today are using several methods of online marketing. In fact, 95 percent surveyed maintain a website, with 80 percent using email marketing to drive website traffic and to promote special offers.
In a finding that is consistent with the August Vacation Rentals Newsletter, the survey included the following finding, “In addition, small travel and tourism business owners revealed that while summer (48 percent) and winter (23 percent) are their busiest seasons, there is opportunity year-round for sales - fall and spring ranked as having the greatest impact for 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of businesses.�
We have long stressed that the way to make a profit in the vacation rentals business is to maximize bookings in the off-peak seasons, We are glad that more and more members of the travel and tourism business are finding this out.
