Travel Forecasts, Trends for 2018

As part of the United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) annual survey of travel forecasts and trends, the organization found several strong indicators that the industry will thrive during 2018.

95 percent of all USTOA tour operator members expect growth in sales next year, with another 64 percent of members forecasting estimated growth between 7-10 percent.

The bright outlook for 2018 comes after many tour operators reported strong numbers for 2017, including 84 percent of members saying their overall sales grew and 35 percent watching their numbers jump by 10 percent or more.

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As for what is causing the growth in sales, 35 percent of members looked to an improving economy and consumer confidence as the main reason, while 31 percent attributed the increase to better and improved marketing.

“Member confidence levels for continued growth in 2018 are high,” USTOA president and CEO Terry Dale said in a statement. “The reported growth and positive projections the year ahead are particularly encouraging. It speaks soundly to the remarkable resilience of both our industry as well as today’s traveler, who continues to explore, despite the challenges of an ever-changing world.”

Another portion of the USTOA survey focused on the top travel trends for 2018, which found that Iceland, Colombia and Vietnam were the top three off-the-beaten-path destinations for next year.

As for hot locations forecasted for 2018, respondents listed Australia, Spain, Iceland, Italy, France, and Japan as the most popular international destinations, and ranked California, Florida, Hawaii, New York, Alaska, Nevada and Washington DC as the top U.S. destinations for clients.

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Additionally, the USTOA announced the 2018 Board of Directors, including Chairman Dana Santucci, vice president of Development at EF Education First; Vice Chairman Harry Dalgaard, president of Avanti Destinations; Treasurer Charlie Ball, executive vice president of Princess Cruises & Tours; Secretary Scott Wiseman, president of Travel Impressions and immediate past chair Paula Twidale, executive vice president of Collette.

The remaining members include Bob Drumm, Alexander + Roberts president; Dan Mahar, Tauck CEO; Elizabeth Crabill, CIE Tours International CEO; Ian Swain, Swain Destinations owner and president; Kirk Demeter, Down Under Answers president and owner; Madhvi Buch, Destination America CEO; Nish Patel, Mayflower Tours president; Olle Olsson, WorldStrides Explorica senior vice president; Peter Schaefer, Mark Travel Corp & Affiliated Companies general counse and Scott Nisbet, Globus Family of Brands CEO.

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