With the majority forecasting growth, the most common reasons given included pent-up demand from travelers who may have held off in 2017, an improving economy and strong stock market and increased inventory with new, innovative ships and exciting itineraries.
As well, the Independent Agencies cited the momentum of 2017's strong wave season and sales throughout the year.
'The stock markets have been doing really well this year, and I’ve seen both spending per trip increase and repeat and referral business grow,' said Lesley Egbert of Live Longitude Travel. 'In addition, there are some great new itineraries and attractive incentives from both Avoya Travel and suppliers available for travelers to take advantage of, so I think overall it’s going to be a great wave season.'
Lisa Long, co-owner of Luxury Vacations LLC, shared that after world events affected her 2016 wave growth, the 2017 wave was exceptional for her agency. 'I anticipate that 2018 will be even stronger, and I sense that customers are starting to feel more comfortable traveling again and that there will be pent-up demand,' she said.
Of the Independent Agencies Avoya surveyed, most foresee growth along all product segments of the leisure travel industry. In particular, river cruising and upper premium and luxury cruising were projected to do exceedingly well, with more than 78% of respondents expecting wave sales increases in those categories. Growth is also forecast for escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts and contemporary and premium cruising.
Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network credited new inventory and great promotions for helping drive demand across these top segments. At Long's business, many premium customers are moving to upper premium, and river cruises are becoming more popular than ever. Cruise lines are opening new itineraries, she added, and delivering experiential travel options that appeal to a more diverse clientele.
Avoya’s survey also revealed that 75% of the Independent Agencies predict Alaska, Europe, Caribbean and Hawaii will be the top four destinations with high demand during the 2018 wave. Alaska is expected to be an even bigger seller this year with new ships, and Independent Agencies placed Europe as a close second believing the ever-popular destination will be as strong as ever.
Respondents overall had a positive outlook for the Caribbean, encouraged by the speed of islands' recovery from hurricanes and the promotions from suppliers. 'Caribbean ports will have updates soon and my customers are confident these islands will open back up, so I believe there will be demand,' said Cheryl Myerson, owner of Unforgettable Cruises & Tours, LLC.
'Avoya Travel is looking forward to 2018 wave season and helping a growing number of Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network connect with customers ready to plan their next vacation,' said Scott Koepf, SVP sales. 'With more capacity in Alaska, new immersive travel experiences from river cruises and tours in Europe, new ships and strong industry support for promoting the Caribbean, we expect lots of demand from customers in all travel segments.'
Avoya surveyed all Independent Agencies in its network that produce more than $1m in annual sales.
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