Is Global Chaos Affecting U.S. Vacation Bookings? Not Really, Say Travel Agencies
Photo Credit: North American travelers are still taking vacations-- albeit to safer destinations. Pictured here are two cruise ships in Alaska. Flickr / Jonathan
Skift Take
Security concerns in Europe seems to be the new normal, according to travel agency executives. Travelers are simply booking vacations to safer destinations instead of putting off travel altogether.
Terrorism in Europe. A failed coup attempt in Turkey. The Syrian refugee crisis. The Zika virus. Brexit. The list goes on.
There are plenty of reasons for American vacationers to take pause this year when planning their next vacation.
North American travel agents, however, say the public is still traveling despite concerns. In fact, major travel agencies are still expecting 2016 to be a growth year for the industry.
"In the overall leisure industry, we do see growth from passenger and revenue standpoint," said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Network and Leisure Group. "I don't think its as strong and robust as we turned the year in January and February. We were like everybody, optimistic about the outlook, but some unfortunate things did happen along the way. Eu
