Leisure Travel Soar: 61% Of Americans Eye Overnight Trips, 34% Planning More Summer Trips: Report

Thursday, May 23, 2024

A recent survey reveals a remarkable surge in leisure travel, with 61% of Americans planning overnight trips and 34% increasing their travel this summer.

A recent survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and conducted by Morning Consult reveals that 61% of Americans plan to embark on overnight leisure trips within the next four months. Furthermore, 34% anticipate increasing their overnight leisure travel this summer compared to the previous year.

The poll highlights that 31% of Americans intend to boost their hotel stays this summer compared to last year. When it comes to business travel, 35% of Americans expect to take an overnight business trip within the next four months, with 16% planning to increase their business travel this summer.

Hotels continue to be the preferred lodging choice for both business (60%) and leisure (46%) travelers this summer.

The survey results offer a positive outlook for hoteliers, who are navigating economic challenges such as a nationwide labor shortage and high interest rates. However, persistent inflation remains a significant hurdle for growth in the hospitality and travel sectors. Key findings over the next four months include:

• 55% of respondents believe inflation will likely decrease their hotel stays, a slight drop from 56% in January.
• 51% think inflation will likely reduce their chance of traveling overnight.
• 46% say inflation will likely lower their likelihood of flying.
• 44% indicate inflation will likely reduce their chance of renting a car.

The survey, which polled 2,202 U.S. adults from April 25-28, 2024, also found:

• 52% of respondents are likely to travel overnight for a family trip within the next four months, up from 51% in January, with 36% likely to stay in a hotel.
• 42% are likely to travel overnight for a romantic getaway in the next four months, with 56% likely to stay in a hotel.
• 31% plan to travel overnight for Memorial Day, with 35% likely to stay in a hotel.
• 32% of those surveyed prioritize high-speed Wi-Fi as the top technological amenity when choosing hotels.

The U.S. Travel Association projects that business travel spending will grow annually through 2027, albeit at a slowing rate, with expenditures reaching $265.5 billion in 2024 (87% of 2019 levels) and $282.7 billion by 2027 (92.4% of pre-pandemic levels). Domestic leisure travel is expected to maintain a steady 2% growth rate in 2023 and 2024, with travel volume increasing faster than inflation-adjusted spending from 2024 onwards.

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