From coast to coast, the long-anticipated post-polar vortex start of summer kicks off with Memorial Day Weekend. It’s May’s opening salvo to signal that days are noticeably longer in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures are on the rise, June brings in the brides, we salute our vets, congratulate the grads and celebrate the dads. And we travel.
Lucky enough to have 3,794,083 million square miles to stretch our legs and our minds, the third-largest country on the planet offers massive opportunities to explore without even reaching for a passport.
According to a recent study by travel website Orbitz.com, a whopping 88 percent of Americans — up 11 percent over last year — are planning to take a real summer vacation in 2014. On these trips, travelers are anticipate an expenditure of $2,000 or more while spending a night or longer away from home.
Travel and hospitality executives at recent industry trade shows echo the trends highlighted by the Orbitz Insider Index. The National Restaurant Association reported extensively on innovations in menus, technology and food sourcing targeted at attracting and retaining consumers. At the biggest-ever American Bus Association Marketplace in Nashville, motor coach tour operators such as Globus, Mayflower and Tauck reported sales north of 20 percent over 2013. From the podium at Visit California Outlook Forum in Pasadena, President & CEO Caroline Beteta reported that annual travel-related spending in the Golden State surpassed the $100 billion mark with forecasts trending upward. At U.S. Travel Association’s 6,200-delegate IPW trade show in Chicago, many Orlando and Las Vegas hoteliers reported sellout dates, reflecting the Orbitz survey citing these as the leading destinations for the summer of 2014.
Rounding out the USA hot list are Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, New York, Boston and Honolulu. South of the border, it’s Cancun pulling past Orlando for the #1 spot.
Fasten your seat belts and get out the sun cream, everybody. Pent-up demand is hitting the road from the Pacific Coast Highway to Route 66 to the Appalachian Trail; we’re in for a good ride.
From branded to independent, year-round to seasonal, top hotels and resorts choose Coyle Hospitality to mystery shop and ensure exemplary guest experiences.
