| December 15, 2002
Contact: Jeffrey Gayduk
Tel: 630.964.1431, E-mail: jeffg@premiertourismmarketing.com Study
Indicates Strong Trends in Leisure Group Travel Industry Downers Grove,
IL - Results from a recent study conducted by Premier Tourism Marketing publications
indicate a steady group market in 2002 with a strong trend towards improved results
in 2003. The firm surveyed 300 group travel planners across North America
this past October. When asked about their group sales in 2002, 33% indicated an
improvement over the previous year, 55% the same or similar level of activity
and 12% reported a declining group sales trend. When ask to forecast 2003 group
sales, respondents were extremely bullish. 57% indicated an increased level of
booking activity for next year, 41% similar or same level of sales and 2% reported
declining sales. Jeff Gayduk, president of Premier Tourism Marketing and
publisher of the firm's three trade journals and two e-newsletters said, "The
results of this study are a testament to the core strength of the leisure group
travel market. While other segments, such as meetings & conventions, business
travel and inbound travel have been, in certain respects, decimated, the leisure
group travel industry is holding strong. And looking ahead to next year, our results
indicate that bookings will continue to grow. This is great news for any supplier
who's target marketing their business to group travel planners." The
firm also asked planners what domestic and international destinations are of interest
for their groups over the next two years. On the domestic front, New England outdistanced
the competition with just over 70% of readers indicating a desire in the region.
The Midwest/Great Lakes came in second with 56%, followed by the South at 49%.
Among those groups traveling internationally, Canada is ranked highest on the
desirability list at 72%, followed closely by Europe at 71%. Complete results
of this survey can be obtained by e-mailing survey@premiertourismmarketing.com,
or contact the firm's Downers Grove headquarters at 630-964-1431. Premier Tourism
Marketing publishes Leisure Group Travel, considered the premiere publication
for the group market; Travel Tips, the Travel Planer' Resource for the West; and
Leisure Travel Directories - special directory pullout supplements that reach
the 27,500 combined readers of both publications. The firm is a four-time winner
of the Mature Media Award for journalism excellence in travel trade magazines.
| 