Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 1, 1993 TAG: 9305290143
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
The American Automobile Association and the Travel Industry Association predicted 232 million "person trips," a measure defined as one person traveling 100 miles or more from home. That would be 4 percent more than in 1992, they said.
The forecast was drawn from telephone surveys by the Travel Industry Association and the U.S. Travel Data Center, an affiliate.
"Nearly every indicator points to a strong summer travel season, even though vacationers aren't expected to return to their freer-spending ways prior to the recession," said AAA President Paul R. Verkuil.
"Today's traveler has learned to shop for a vacation in much the same way he shops for a TV or a stereo - watch for a bargain and then buy," he said.
Roger Ballou, national chairman of the travel industry group, said surveys indicated that Americans, while increasingly cost-conscious and insistent on value, were "more confident than they have been in years about spending on travel."
The AAA said its annual study showed a family of four must spend on average $215.60 a day when on the road, including $99 for food and $89 for lodging, for an overall increase of $6.50 since 1991. Car expenses, figured at $27.60 per 300 miles, were up 60 cents from last year but $1.50 below 1991.
Verkuil said AAA's estimates were based on average prices at the more than 30,000 lodgings and restaurants listed in its tour guides.
While some airline fare discounts will be available this year, Verkuil said, the travel industry doesn't foresee a reprise of the 1992 air fare war.
The travel forecast is based on a monthly telephone survey of 1,500 adults, asking about their past travel habits; and a separate telephone poll on summer travel intentions done this March, also with 1,500 adults.
by CNB