This week, Visa announced the results of its latest iteration of its Global Travel Intentions Study series – a look into the behavioral trends of today’s traveler. Responses from the 12,631 travelers from the 25 countries surveyed are split by region and include destination choice, spending habits, budgets, transport preferences and future intentions, all of which reveal a thriving and rapidly evolving travel landscape.
One of the most interesting findings is that budgets are no longer the top concern when choosing a holiday destination. The pull of attractions, scenery and rich cultural experiences are now stronger reasons for travel.
As if that wasn’t good news enough for the Travel and Tourism industry, the Study also showed that global travel budgets are set to increase. While global average budgets for travelers will increase by at least five percent, travelers from Asian markets are expected to increase their budgets by an average of 46 percent.
Amid the global economic uncertainty of the past four years, these findings hint at a welcome change in both the financial landscape and consumer mindset, suggesting either economic recovery or a growing aptitude for budget management. Both herald further good news for the health of international and national economies and will provide exciting opportunities for everyone involved in the Travel and Tourism industry globally.
Visa has long advocated that, as one of the world’s largest, most robust and democratic industries, Travel and Tourism has enormous potential to contribute towards stimulating economic growth, creating opportunity for wealth in both mature and emerging economies. In developing economies particularly, tourism provides a gateway to economic progress and electronic payments have played an important role by allowing countries to capture greater tourist spending and providing travelers with a form of exchange that is secure and convenient.
By identifying changes and developments that allow for a better understanding of the Travel and Tourism environment, the Study is part of Visa’s commitment to increase the collective level of information that the industry can use to make intelligent decisions – to benefit both the traveler and the industry at large. Cross-border understanding and co-ordination have never been more important for the Travel and Tourism industry, and Visa is committed to using the results of the Global Travel Intentions Study 2013 to help private and public partners understand and meet global demand, promoting growth across the industry.
For a summary of the results and for more detailed information on the Global Travel Intentions Study 2013, please visit this link.
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Posted by: Jag Mistry, Corporate Relations, Visa Inc. on April 24, 2013 at 10:45 pm
