WASHINGTON -- The Travel Industry Association's latest War Impact
Survey indicates that the economy, more than factors such as the
U.S. military action in Iraq, is playing the largest role in
stifling the travel plans of most Americans.
Eighty-two percent of those canvassed for the survey, which
gauges the impact of the war on the travel plans of consumers, said
they intend to take at least one trip during the spring and summer
months.
But because of the flat economy, 45% of respondents said they
still haven't made any specific vacation plans or booked trips.
"It would appear that the still-soft economy and low consumer
confidence continue to be the catalyst for travelers delaying their
vacation planning," said TIA president William Norman.
The economy consistently has emerged as the key factor
influencing consumer travel plans since at least 2000.
For instance, consumers responding to the TIA's Travel Sentiment
Survey last September cited personal finances as reasons for
foregoing travel.
In another TIA survey in November 2001, consumers said they were
curtailing travel plans due to the soft economy.
In September 2000, consumers responding to the Sentiment survey
also cited the economy as a reason for not traveling.
But there was some good news found in the War Impact Survey.
The end of the military action in Iraq has helped perk up
business travel somewhat.
The survey found that of those who travel for business, 79% said
they plan to travel the same amount or more this spring or summer,
up from 75% in the last impact survey in March.