Washington – According to an informal member survey by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) travelers can save an average of 20 percent to 30 percent during high season by buying a vacation package or tour rather than making athe same arrangements on their own.
The survey found that travelers can save on average 30 percent on land/sea vacations and 20 percent on packages that include airfare versus planning the same trips on their own.
Savings are based on a typical one-week package during high season at rack rates.
Depending on the destination, travel in low season nets an additional 20 percent savings, with savings of up to 40 percent for areas like Mexico and the Caribbean.
USTOA reports that savings have remained constant since 2005, when the association last surveyed its members.
The survey also revealed that for travelers with limited time, booking a one-week air-inclusive escorted tour saves an average nine hours of planning time and an average 16 transactions.
Booking a vacation package rather than a tour saves an average five transactions.
Transaction are defined as booking airfare, transfers, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, events and meals.
The USTOA survey was based on a sampling of 12 companies representing a wide range of tours and vacations to all parts of the world. www.ustoa.com
-taken from the 2008 Group Travel Industry Buyer’s Guide pg. 51
