Over the last five years the length of stay for the leisure traveler has declined from 6 days to just over 4, while the number of trips per year has increased. Not surprisingly, the packaged tour group market also reflects this change in travel planning. Leisure travelers are value conscious. Low-cost air fare or transportation packages are very important to them. While travelers are attracted by bargains and beauty, the leisure domestic travelers increasingly voice concern over issues like safety and the environment.
Research indicates that safety is a primary concern and natural beauty remains a powerful draw.
Relatively few leisure request itineraries which include famous cities. Frequent travel, shorter length of stay, low-cost air and ground transportation, and concern for safety and the environment, are important to the leisure traveler. Arizona's rural communities can capitalize on these trends. The distinction between the leisure and business traveler is rapidly blurring. A similar percentage takes another household member with them.