Industry Overview
Never to be left out in the cold, the only industry in the U.S., besides health care, that keeps generating revenue is the Travel Industry. More people with families are traveling to closer destinations, taking cruises or heading across America first. The U.S. Travel Association reports that both domestic and foreign travelers spent over $772 billion for travel to American destinations. That figure was slightly down from 2007.
Travel agencies, in conjunction with airlines, cruise lines, hoteliers and other transport companies, began putting together “Vacation Package” deals. Couples, friends or a family of any size can travel fully inclusive of air/hotel/attractions-sightseeing for less than it would cost if they booked each separately.
Vacation packages in Miami might include a day cruise or overnight to one of the Caribbean islands or a couple of days in the Florida Keys. Las Vegas vacation packages could include full sightseeing tours of the city and Hoover Dam, or special entertainment tickets.
Industry Trends
The internet played a huge part in the re-growth of the Cruise Industry. More people are cruising because more cruise lines are offering packages. Some of those vacation packages can only be booked via the internet.
Cruise ships are becoming floating cities. Disney’s cruise line success caused more ship owners to create family-oriented activities on board, or activities designed specifically for children and teens.
Brand Names
There are many travel companies to choose from. American Express Travel is a leader in the vacation package development. They can provide everything from basics to luxury touring or cruising or both.
PriceLine.com, Expedia, Orbitz, Cheap Tickets and a few others can help you find the vacation packages available, but are often used for airline and ground transportation and hotel bookings.