Complete Story
03/21/2025
Updates 03/21/2025: Ohio's Travel Industry and Current Travel Research
AMERICANS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON TRAVEL AFFORDABILITY. POLITICAL CLIMATE OF A DESTINATION IS BECOMING A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN TRAVEL DECISIONS.
Key findings from Longwoods International, fielded March 3:
- 89% of American travelers reported having travel plans in the next six months compared to 88% in Feb. 2025.
- A majority of respondents said they expect travel costs to become less affordable (42%) or remain the same (41%).
- Affordability for travel in the next year varies between political parties:
- 57% of Democrats said it will be less affordable, while 30% of Republicans replied the same.
- 29% of Democrats said they think it will be about the same, compared to 48% of Republicans.
- 13% of Democrats said travel will be more affordable in the next year, compared to 22% of Republicans.
- Political climate of a destination is becoming a significant factor in Americans travel decisions. In September 2024, only 24% of Americans said politics would greatly impact where they travel. This number increased to 42% in March 2025.
- Inflation (30%), gas prices (about 22%), and personal financial situation (30%) all remain stable from January 2025.
