National Survey on Leisure Travel:  The TNS February survey of U.S households that traveled in the past twelve months indicates that overall, leisure travel expectations are stable as consumer confidence begins to rise. But a few segment differences did appear:

• Most (80%) past 12 month travelers expect to take a leisure trip within the next six months
• Job worries still abound; many (16%) plan to stay home for economic/job related reasons; travel expectations declined most notably among seniors (60+) from 89 % a year ago to 82% currently.  As this is a key segment for Vermont’s fall visitation market, one we will continue to monitor closely.
• However, those with children (81%) and those under 40 (79%) seem more open to travel than a year ago.  Only minor changes occurred since last month, suggesting this is a positive indicator of potential summer travel.

On the other hand, business travel remains constrained:

• Business travel expectations still place below the year-ago level (24% from 28%; 25% last month)
• Almost half (46%; up from 41% last February) do not travel for business (47% last month)
• Of the remaining non-business travelers, a few cite business cancellations (meetings, conferences, conventions), but they represent a much higher level than a year ago (rising to 6% from 1%  percent last year; 5% last month)
• Higher income ($75,000) business travelers remain the most likely to travel, but the proportion drops notably from last February (32% from 40%; 33% last month).

(TNS Omnibus Survey, February 2010)