Nov. 16, 2005

Travelers Using the Internet More and More

We just received another interesting press release from the Travel Industry Association of America (they've been busy this week...yesterday we were commenting on a release they sent us about 2006 travel forecasts.)

Their new study called Travelers’ Use of the Internet, 2005 Edition says that while the number of Americans using the Internet appears to have reached a plateau, those who plan and book trips or vacations online continues to climb rapidly.

Just how much did it grow? The survey says that the majority of online travelers (78 percent or 79 million Americans) used the Internet for travel or destination information in 2005 – up from 65 percent of online travelers in 2004.

The survey also says that 82 percent of travelers who plan their trips online now also book reservations online -- that means 64 million Americans bought or reserved an airline ticket, hotel room, rental car or package tour online this past year.

And just who's doing all that booking? Often, women. “Our research shows that women now outnumber men online and that women are more likely to plan and book leisure trips,” explained Dr. Suzanne Cook, TIA’s Senior Vice President of Research.

And what's everyone booking online? Airline tickets, lodging and rental cars continue to be the top three travel items booked online. The report also says there was significant growth in online bookings for cultural event tickets, theme/amusement park tickets, travel packages and tickets for sporting events. (Hey, that's one way to avoid standing in long lines!)

Yesterday's Blog

Archived Blogs