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As the U.S economy continues to improve, Americans a planning to spend 8% more on leisure travel in 2015 than in 2014, according to a survey by global hotel group, Choice Hotels.
The 2015 Leisure Travel Outlook Study, which surveyed 1,068 U.S adults and was conducted by Newlio, found that senior travellers said their spending will increase the most (33%) compared to ‘Millennials’ (those born from 1980 onwards), whose spending will increase by 5%.
11% of those surveyed said they will be heading to Europe in 2015, with the most popular destination as London, followed by Rom and then Paris. Reasons for their travel include 50% wanting to visit historical sites and buildings and 39% wishing to be immersed in European culture.
Duncan Berry, Choice’s UK CEO, said: “The allure of European history and culture, combined with a stronger U.S. dollar, continues to be a winning draw for U.S. travelers. London leads the way as the city most Americans want to visit but Rome beating Paris to second place may be down to the much documented Pope Francis effect.”
The survey also found that budget (62%) is the most influential factor followed by destination (60%), when selecting a leisure travel destination.
But despite being budget conscious, American travellers are willing to splurge for unique travel experiences, including ‘set jetting’ (visiting a destination seen in a movie), and ‘culinary tourism’ (food-inspired travel), where 18% and 30% increases over 2014 are anticipated, respectively.
Image courtesy of VisitEngland/Diana Jarvis
