Altour, a $500 million agency serving the luxury and midmarket travel segments, is anticipating "only a temporary downturn" as its affluent clients take a wait-and-see attitude toward leisure bookings this year, a recent survey of its agents found.

"Anecdotally, our agents report that their clients are considering the economy vs. travel deals before committing," said Alexandre Chemla, who founded Altour in 1991. "But the level of inquiries show the interest is there, with destination choices running both to the tried and true -- particularly Europe, as the dollar continues to outperform the euro and British pound -- and to the new and untried.

"The same factors that are leading to this wait-and-see attitude are also influencing those travelers who are booking to set their sights as far ahead as summer, perhaps anticipating a turning of the tide," Chemla added.

The agency has seen a marked increase in clients booking 90 to 180 days in advance, he said.

Europe's popularity as a destination extends from cruises to FIT, which remains the most resilient travel category, with 38% of agents reporting 2009 bookings tracking the same as in 2008. Sun/sand/surf travel, by comparison, has dropped precipitously, with 77% of agents reporting lower demand than 2008.

While cruises for 2009 also continue to track lower than 2008 in all market segments, Altour agents reported demand for cruises to Europe and Alaska is trending stronger than other destinations, and there is increased demand for suite accommodations aboard cruise ships this year.

"Deluxe travelers are still going," said Chemla. "They may just modify their travel expenses to be prudent in this economic climate."

Altour has 21 offices and more than 700 travel professionals throughout the U.S. and Europe. Its family of companies includes Altour Limousine, Altour Air, Altour Classic Cruise and Travel, Altour Travel Master, Altour Incentive Management and Altour Management Technology. Its website is www.altour.com.