Survey Says Affordability Increasing U.S. Residents' Intent to Travel

According to the most recent results of the travelhorizons quarterly survey, the U.S. Traveler Sentiment Index rose to 90.2 in February 2009 from 78.2 in October 2008 due to an increase in the perceived “affordability of travel.” The survey, which was conducted from Feb. 7 to 13, polled a representative survey of 2,270 adults, from which the Index is calculated.

The spike in the perceived affordability appears to be a direct result of the promotional pricing and related incentives now being offered by tour suppliers who represent practically every segment of the travel industry. Many airlines, cruise lines, hotel companies, attractions and rental car companies are featuring rates and fares that are up to 50 percent off the prices being quoted just six months ago.

“We are very encouraged that more people are signaling a willingness to travel for leisure purposes,” said Peter C. Yesawich, chairman of Ypartnership, which co-authors travelhorizons with the U.S. Travel Association. “This is the first increase we have observed in the Index since January 2008, which indicates that the discounts travel providers and destinations are offering are working to attract more travelers, even in this down economy.” Source: National Tour Association

As I travel around the southeast promoting our destination at consumer trade shows, speaking to thousands of people, one thing is clear. Families are still traveling for vacations and get-a-ways. We are fortunate to be a drive destination and have the first ever international green airport under construction. If our spring season is any indication of what the summer is going to bring, I predict a good year for visitors and businesses.

I will be traveling to Nashville, TN next week to the Southern Women’s Show. Over 34,000 ladies will attend the four day event. I look forward to promoting our destination, accommodations and fun things to do while staying on “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”. I will give an update on my trip home.

Debi Knight, President
Panama City Beach Tourism Services
http://www.travelpcb.com

Travel News, by Debi Knight – Travel Trends and Predictions 09-10

Debi Knight, President
Panama City Beach Tourism Services

In the last four months, I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of businesses, tour operators and multiple suppliers like myself in the travel/tourism industry. I have also been fortunate to attend numerous seminars on Green Travel, Packaging your Destination and Customer Service. I have 26 years in the tourism industry and it is amazing how much more you learn every day.

I would like to share some insights, facts, travel trends and predictions for 2009-10 year.

78 million baby boomers will turn 65 over the next six years
64% of leisure travelers make their decision two weeks out
16% of leisure travelers make their decision in 48 hours
74% of American’s said “Experience is more important than Glitz and Glamour” while on a trip
In today’s economy – people are looking for “Unique” and “Easy”
47% of people that want “Green Travel”, stated they also spend more for green products
Online booking will be up 10% for 2009
Hotels are doing 50% of their booking online right now
75% of people who book online – book through the brand
10% of people that go to a website are just looking for phone numbers and details
80% of people will go to an organic site compared to a sponsored link
Blogs have become very popular with businesses promoting their product
Girlfriend Getaways – research in 2008 reported – 50% of women took a Girlfriend Getaway, 2009 will jump to 90%
75% of American’s “Travel to Party” – weddings, party bus, go crazy, reunions, etc.
Wedding Tourism – 18% of all weddings are outside of the bride and grooms home/area
Average wedding today cost $30,000
81% of Americans pick their destination and property by photos – they will pick pictures over price
Eco Tours are more popular than ever

Debi Knight’s Company promotes the destination by attending Travel Trade Shows around the country, meeting with Tour Operators, Senior Group Travel, Student Youth Travel, Bank Group Travel, FIT and other associations. Her Company organizes Day Trips, Itineraries and Packages from St. George Island, Apalachicola and Tallahassee, Fl, all the way to gaming for the day in Biloxi, Ms. For more information regarding Travel Packages, Eco Tours, Area Events, Dining, Shopping, Attractions, Golf, Weddings and more visit http://www.Travelpcb.com.

Debi Knight Starts her own Tourism Company

Debi Knight, Past President of the Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce for sixteen years, has started her own company, Panama City Beach Tourism Services. The company specializes in marketing, management, sales, consulting and travel. Panama City Beach Tourism Services has also joined the National Tour Association.

“Membership with NTA will allow Panama City Beach Tourism Services to network with other travel industry partners and provide the best quality services and products to the traveling public,” said Debi Knight, President/CEO. “I am excited with the opportunities we have to sell our breath-taking beaches, heart-pounding adventure, eco- tours, historic walks, day trips, customized packages and more. Working with my fellow colleagues locally and regionally will enhance why Northwest Florida is so unique”.

As a NTA member, Panama City Beach Tourism Services also has access to numerous educational programs, as well as the networking and business opportunities at the NTA Annual Convention.

The National Tour Association is the preferred association in the tourism industry for packaged travel professionals. NTA’s diverse membership and progressive nature make it an industry leader as the place to do business. NTA consistently seeks innovations for the services and business tools it provides to members, and the leadership keeps its fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing world. In turn, NTA members are some of the most creative in the dynamic travel industry. NTA membership represents 34 countries, and tour and travel packagers of all types, including a group, independent, student, and more. To learn more, visit www.NTAonline.com and www.travelpcb.com.

Debi Knight Resigns as President of Panama City Beaches Chamber

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL (July 1, 2008) – It is with much regret the Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce accepted the resignation of Debi Knight, President of the Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Knight has served as President for sixteen years and has been instrumental in building the Chamber of Commerce membership to over 950 members, as well as the recent relocation of the chamber office to the new Chamber Centre on Beckrich Road. Her energy and enthusiasm will be missed.

The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will work closely with an Executive Search Committee to recruit candidates for this position.

In moving forward, The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide the same excellent standard of service to its membership and this great community.

During the transition and search for a new President, all inquiries should be directed to Beth Oltman, Director of Operations at 850-235-1159 or Al McCambry, Chairman of the Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at 850-215-4842.