Just as business travel is changing, the dynamics of leisure travel is also evolving. Just as steamer trunks packed for a seasons stay have disappeared from elegant resorts, so has the leisure visitor who books long-term stays. Today's leisure traveler is on the move, visiting destinations more frequently but staying for shorter periods of time.
Time truly is of the essence.
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.