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Consumer concerns impact Summer travel bookings

Travel advisors report shifting consumer behavior due to economic and geopolitical concerns, with rising travel costs prompting budget-conscious booking strategies. ORLANDO, FLA. – Consumer concerns about the economy and geopolitical situation are sparking changes in travel bookings, according to a new survey of advisors affiliated with TRAVELSAVERS and NEST agencies. The networks revealed the survey results at their Travel Market conference, taking place June 4 to 7 at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando. Travel Expense Top Client Concern The high cost of travel is the top concern clients are mentioning now, cited by 50 percent of the responding advisors. Related, 41 percent named inflation and rising prices as a client concern. Lack of consumer confidence in the economy was mentioned by 34 percent. Geopolitical anxieties were cited by 29 percent of the respondents, with 26 percent saying clients are worried about safety in certain regions. 'Regardless of their financial situation, we know that consumers are still eager to travel this year,' said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, TRAVELSAVERS Chief Sales Officer and NEST President. 'Given these prevailing headwinds, advisors are a traveler's best friend. A professional advisor can design a memorable, enjoyable trip that accommodates a range of budgets and preferences.' Advisors Shape Lower-Cost Options Uneasy travelers are turning to advisors for expert assistance in lowering the cost of trips, employing a variety of tactics to decrease spending. Selecting less expensive destinations was named by 35 percent of advisors, as was flexibility with travel timing to secure lower fares. Using loyalty points to fund travel was cited by 34 percent. Thirty-two percent of advisors reported that clients are taking fewer trips, and 26 percent said clients are taking shorter vacations. 2025 Sales Predictions Shift As a result of this changing behavior, advisors are adjusting their forecasts for 2025 sales. Forty-six percent predicted sales will rise this year, while 22 percent envisioned them staying at 2024 levels. Thirty-two percent foresee their sales decreasing. Last fall, 79 percent of advisors anticipated higher sales in 2025, compared with 18 percent who predicted sales would stay at 2024 levels. At that time, only four percent envisioned a slight decrease. Summer Bookings Largely Flat With some consumers taking a wait-and-see approach to travel, hoping their personal situation improves, summer sales are generally in line with last year. Thirty-six percent of advisors said their summer travel bookings are up from last year, while 39 percent reported sales are down. One-quarter of the respondents said sales are level compared to summer 2024. The Summer of Staying Close to Home Topping the summer travel list, advisors reported a mix of perennial European hot spots alongside destinations in the Americas. Almost half the advisors named Italy, followed by Alaska. Rounding out the top five were the Dominican Republic, Cancun and Greece. When asked which destinations advisors recommend to ease client concerns, North American locales largely took center stage. Alaska moved into first place, bumping Italy to second. Portugal, Canada and Hawaii also ranked in the top five, followed by Orlando, Cancun and the Dominican Republic. 'Wherever travelers are venturing this summer, advisors will be able to book them a trip with superior value,' commented Mazza-Burney. 'With their close supplier connections, advisors can secure exclusive discounts and promotions as well as complimentary amenities. Those benefits help travelers stretch their budgets even further at this time.' Survey Results 2025 Sales (results from April/May 2025) 34% predict sales will increase somewhat 12% predict sales will increase significantly 22% predict sales will stay the same 26% predict sales will decrease somewhat 6% predict sales will decrease significantly 2025 Sales (results from October/November 2024) 52% predict sales will increase somewhat 27% predict sales will increase significantly 18% predict sales will stay the same 4% predict sales will decrease somewhat Summer Bookings 14% up 10% or more from last summer 22% up between 1% and 9% from last summer 25% the same as last summer 25% down between 1% and 9% from last summer 14% down 10% or more from last summer Client Concerns 50% high cost of travel 41% inflation/rising prices 34% lack of consumer confidence in the economy 29% geopolitical issues 26% safety in certain regions Vacation Budgeting 35% selecting less expensive destinations 35% being flexible with travel timing for lower fares 34% using loyalty points to pay for travel 32% taking fewer trips 26% taking a shorter vacation Top Summer Travel Destinations 46% Italy 41% Alaska 21% Dominican Republic 21% Cancun 19% Greece Top Advisor Recommendations for Summer Travel 36% Alaska 23% Italy 19% Portugal 17% Canada 17% Hawaii Advisors from TRAVELSAVERS and NEST agency affiliates in the U.S. and Canada took the survey from April 22 to May 9, 2025.