Americans’
travel habits and destinations are changing, as this fall’s trends show a
significant increase among alternative destinations such as Cuba and South
Africa, according to a recent survey (http://nnw.fm/lNf8N) by leading travel
insurance comparison site Squaremouth. The changes are largely due to U.S.
tourists’ growing concerns about terrorism, which have led to a major drop in
the number of booked trips to Turkey amid the country’s unrest and terror
attacks in recent months. The Zika virus, however, does not seem to be a major
cause for concern, despite a wave of alerts from the Centers for Disease
Control, as Americans are still traveling to affected destinations.
The
most popular international destination this fall remains Italy, while South
Africa has reported the highest growth in the list of 20 most popular places to
visit since last year. With Monaker Group, Inc.’s (OTCQB: MKGI) NextTrip.com,
the only real-time booking platform that allows travelers access to alternative
lodging rentals as well as traditional hotel accommodations, airline booking
services, car rentals and more, it is easier than ever to plan a trip with your
friends or family in any of this fall’s top five destinations.
Italy
has grown 25 percent in popularity since last year, still topping the list of
most sought-after travel destinations, according to travel insurance data
compiled by Squaremouth. Two other European countries, Spain and France, also
made the list of the five most popular destinations. In the wake of recent
terror attacks, most notably those in Paris last November and in Nice this
July, France has dropped to the fourth position, with 3.9 percent fewer
travelers, while Spain has climbed to the third position with an impressive 73
percent boost in traveler numbers. Once a popular vacation spot, Turkey has
seen an 80 percent drop in the number of American tourists following political
unrest and an attempted coup in the country this summer, as well as recent
terror attacks. The changes are not much of a surprise, given that a growing
number of American travel insurance customers are specifically looking to get
terrorism coverage when buying a policy. The Squaremouth survey showed that 127
percent more customers are interested in getting this type of coverage now
before going on a trip.
The
second most popular international destination after Italy is Mexico, with 23
percent more tourists planning to go there this fall. The country actually tops
the list of Zika-affected destinations as well, although it was one of the
first tourism spots to receive a CDC alert. Other top destinations with Zika
virus include the Bahamas, with an overall 25 percent increase compared to last
year, as well as Costa Rica and Peru. Cuba, however, has reported the highest
growth, with an impressive 149 percent increase in Americans booking insurance
for trips to the country despite the Zika virus. This is largely due to the
fact that several U.S. commercial airlines are beginning flights to the region
for the first time this fall.
The
fifth most popular international destination this fall is Canada, with a 32
percent hike in the number of tourists. Other highly popular vacation spots
include Japan, Portugal, Australia, and, most notably, South Africa, which has
seen a remarkable 80 percent rise in travelers since last year, the highest
growth among the top 20 most popular destinations.
NextTrip.com
from Monaker Group allows travelers to thoroughly plan their trips to nearly
all of these destinations, offering them access to alternative lodging options
such as vacation home rentals, unused timeshare inventory and resort
residences, alongside a wide range of hotels, airlines, cruises, tours, rental
cars and concierge services. Almost all of the aspects of a trip can be
arranged through the platform, which is currently the first and only real-time
booking engine that combines multiple booking solutions to meet travelers’
needs. Due to its complexity and integrated approach, the platform has grown
exponentially since its launch in February 2016 and currently comprises more
than 250,000 vacation rental units, with one million alternative lodging units
under Monaker contract to be added.
For
more information, visit www.MonakerGroup.com
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MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Sign up for “The Mission Report” at www.MissionIR.com
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
