US tourism exports up for big five in Q1 2010

Bookings for the top five US travel export markets are up in the first quarter of 2010, a report has revealed.

The report was conducted by the Office of Travel & Tourism Industries, part of the US Department of Commerce, and found growth in bookings for the US from Canada, Japan, the UK, Mexico and Germany.

Canada tour operators reported that bookings to the US for the first quarter of 2010 increased 10 to 15 percent, on average, compared to the same period in 2009. Respondents listed the exchange rate as the primary motivator for travel over the next six months.

Japan tour operators saw their bookings to the US increase one to three percent, on average, in the same period. The exchange rate, deregulation of charter flights and the high level of promotion for US destinations were considered the motivators for the next half year.

The UK saw increases of four to nine percent, on average, with accommodation rates ranked as the top motivator for upcoming months, followed by the level of promotion for US destinations and businesses.

The top deterrent to US travel was the level of promotion for other long-haul destinations.
Mexican tour operators reported a 10 to 15 percent increase in bookings to the US, on average, with accommodation rates identified as the primary motivator for US travel over the next six months.

German tour operators recorded an increase of one to three percent for the same period. Natural disasters were nominated as the top deterrent to US travel by the German public, reflecting early concerns about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Travel Trade Barometer survey is conducted on a quarterly basis and includes comparisons of short-term bookings and 15 motivators and deterrents for travel to the US.

Sourced=etravelblackboardasia