04/22/2022

Updates 04/22/2022: Ohio's Travel Industry and Current Travel Research

TRAVELERS’ COVID-FEARS CONTINUE TO RECEDE

Key findings from Longwoods International fielded April 13, 2022

• A record low 19% of American travelers now say that fear of COVID-19 will greatly impact their decision to travel in the next six months.
• Only 43% report that the pandemic will cause any changes to their travel plans in the next six months.
• Four out of ten (38%) American travelers now say the pandemic has no impact whatsoever on their upcoming travel plans. 
• 37% of American travelers still say rising gas prices will greatly impact their decision to travel in the next six months. This is unchanged from last month.
• Of the ways travelers are adjusting their travels due to rising gas prices, we saw an uptick in those saying they are planning trips closer to home, up three points in the past two weeks to 36%. We also saw a slight increase in those saying there are reducing their spend on entertainment and recreation, up four points in the past two weeks to 26%
• About one in five (19%) still indicate that rising gas prices are not impacting their travel plans.

CONSUMERS WANT TO SEE SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES ARE IN PLACE

Key findings from Expedia in partnership with Wakefield Research fielded Feb. 11 through March 6, 2022

• Nearly 70% of consumers are willing to sacrifice some element of convenience in order to travel more sustainably.
• Nearly 3 in 4 travelers would choose a destination, lodging, or transportation option that supports the local community and culture, even if it was more expensive.
• Half of travelers want to see more sustainability information from destinations, tourism boards, or visitor resource groups.
• Recommendations for locally owned businesses and restaurants and transportation options that have lower environmental impact is the leading type of sustainable travel information consumers want to see when planning a trip.
• Travel brands should make sustainable travel information easier to understand and show the value and impact of responsible travel choices.
• Travelers want to know that travel brands are committed to sustainability, not just checking a box.

WILLINGNESS TO DONATE TO MUSEUMS, ZOOS, PERFORMING ARTS, AQUARIUMS AND OTHERS AT HIGHEST LEVEL IN SEVEN YEARS

Key findings from IMPACTS Research published April 2022.

• Both recent visitors and members are willing to make charitable gifts to both exhibit-based and performance-based organizations.
• These organizations, however, must make the case for their missions and ask for donations in a thoughtful way
• Members or subscribers of these organizations are more likely to give than recent visitors, but recent visitors also show a greater propensity to donate. 
• Members are also more likely to give higher donations or gifts