Key Takeaways from Destination Analysts: July 12th Update on The State of the American Traveler

The following provides the key takeaways from the July 12^th State of the American Traveler webinar presented by Destination Analysts.

The presentation covered their research findings in travelers sentiment, the state of the economy/pricing, and compromising. 

The most significant findings are as follows: 

1. Traveler sentiment:
   
   1. The current travel sentiment index improved somewhat in June.
   2. The excitement to travel remains at near record highs. 
2. Recessionary concerns: 
   1. Lessened slightly this month. 
   2. 50% of travelers expect to enter a recession in the next six months. 
   3. Over 60% of travelers are being careful with their spending due to recessionary problems. 
3. Prices:
   1. High travel prices continue to impact travel decision-making. 
   2. 44% of travelers say high prices have kept them from traveling this month. 
   3. 31% say that high prices have led them to cancel an upcoming trip.
4. Compromising: 
   1. Most travelers are likely to compromise elements of their travel experience to save money this summer.
      1. 60.5% say agree or strongly agree with this statement. 
   2. The willingness to make such compromises is stronger amongst younger, less affluent and more diverse travelers. 
   3. Food experiences are the area most likely to see money-saving compromises being made. 
      1. 48% are likely to compromise their food experiences to save.
      2. Shopping, trip length, and lodging quality are also likely to see the largest consumer behavior shift this summer.