HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Tour and package sales are up and are
expected to continue to rise, according to a survey of tour operator members
conducted by the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), the results of which
were released at the organization's annual conference on Wednesday.
Eighty-four percent reported an increase in sales for 2017,
53% of which cited an increase of 10% or more. Eighty percent said they had
passenger growth in 2017, with 46% reporting passenger growth of 10% or
higher.
Nearly all (95%) said they anticipated further growth in
sales for 2018, with 64% forecasting that 2018 will be a "boom year."
As for why business is booming, 35% credited an improving
economy and consumer confidence, and 31% said improved marketing efforts.
"In my seven years with USTOA, it's the first time that
in talking to my members, virtually every single one, regardless of the
category, has had strong single-digit growth or double-digit growth," said
USTOA CEO Terry Dale.
Paula Twidale, executive vice president of Collette said
that the combination of consumer confidence, a good economy, the strong dollar
and competitive pricing have been great for travel.