11/01/2024
11/01/2024: Ohio's Travel Industry and Current Travel Research
WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON UPON US, TRAVELERS HAVE STARTED SHARING WHERE THEY ARE GOING, WHO THEY ARE SEEING, AND HOW MUCH THEY ARE SPENDING ON TRAVEL DURING THE GATHERING SEASON
Key findings from Longwoods International, fielded Oct. 9:
- American travelers were asked what the most appealing reasons are for visiting small, locally-owned business while on vacation. Their top responses included:
- Buying from and supporting small businesses (66%)
- Browsing and/or buying local products (66%)
- Enjoying the experience and environment of a local business (62%)
- Learning more about locally-made products (45%)
- As for finding information on small and local businesses, Americans said they online search (53%), learn from friends, family, and other visitors (48%), and take tips and suggestions from locals (45%).
- The holiday season is officially here. 64% of Americans said they plan to travel about the same amount as last year during the jolly season. This has increased compared to 58% in 2023.
- In preparation for holiday travel plans, Americans share who they plan to travel with this year. Most respondents said they want to travel with their significant other (49%) or immediate family (46%).
- As for activities Americans plan to participate in during this holiday season:
- 61% said visit friends/relatives
- 57% said go shopping
- 46% said see holiday lights
- 27% said visit a national park, state park, or monument
- 27% said visit a festival
- 26% said visit a museum, art gallery, or other arts/cultural institution