Although many travelers book directly with
airlines and hotels or on the Internet, the majority still prefer
to use travel agents, according to statistics released by the
Commerce Dept.s Office of Travel and Tour Industries.
Statistics released
by the U.S. Commerce Dept.s Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
show leisure and business travelers typically choose to book with
travel agents over other options.
In its report on
U.S. Resident Traveler Characteristics (2004), the office found 43%
of all U.S. travelers booked air with a travel agent, while 21%
booked over the Internet and 19% directly with the
airline.
Similarly, 43% of
leisure travelers booked with travel agents, 23% on the Internet
and 21% directly with the airline. Only 14% of business travelers
booked air on line, while 41% booked with a travel agent and 15%
booked directly with the airline.
When it comes to
getting travel information, 40% went to a travel agent and 33% went
to the Internet. Other information sources were airlines (24%),
friends and relatives (16%), company travel departments (8%),
travel guides (5%), tour companies (5%), newspapers/magazines (2%)
and state/ city travel offices (2%).
Sixteen percent
booked accommodations through travel agents, while 10% booked
directly with the hotel or motel.
The report found
41% travel alone, 29% travel with their spouse and 25% travel with
family or relatives.