Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for National Parks. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• For cash-strapped travelers, national parks are an affordable and accessible vacation.
• Travelers with RVs continue to be a lucrative market for national parks, especially as Baby Boomers enter retirement.
• Consumers are increasingly aware of the need for conservation, which may drive visits, as well as financial contributions and volunteering.
• Shifting climates are a concern for this industry.
• National parks must compete with many other destinations, and recreation/entertainment services, for consumers’ time and money.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for National Parks is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. March10, 2010]

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Timeshare, Resorts and Condominiums. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• More places are offering points, which allows vacationers to be more flexible with their vacation days.
• Some resorts are “going green” to save energy, as well as to appeal to eco-conscious vacationers.
• Retiring Baby Boomers are poised to be a very lucrative market.
• Many Americans are choosing not to take their vacation days.
• Weaker demand is causing the average prices of timeshares to drop.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for Timeshare, Resorts and Condominiums is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. March 4, 2010]

While travel spending in the U.S. saw a decline of 9% in 2009, Mintel expects to see more people taking off in the new decade with a 6% increase in travel spending expected for 2010.

“In the coming years, the travel industry needs to pay attention to how the economic downturn is affecting this market,” said Mark Guarino, senior analyst at Mintel. “The growth will be slow and will mainly stem from reduced prices on hotels, rental cars and airlines, all trying to get hesitant consumers to travel again.”

According to a recent survey from Mintel, nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents could not afford a trip in 2009, while one-third say they needed to save money instead.

Despite the rising gas prices that started in 2008, 70% of Americans cited the car as the most popular mode of transportation when going on a domestic vacation. Air travel came in a distant second with only 32% of respondents choosing this method of travel.

Mark Guarino notes: “Clearly, air travel is quicker, especially when going long distances. However, automotive travel is considered more affordable, safer and comfortable in light of security threats, high airline prices, ticketing and baggage fees and long lines that have become the norm at most major airports.”

Of those traveling, only 9% of respondents traveled for business purposes. The low percentage of business travelers may reflect a reaction to the tough economy. Companies wanting to cut corners tend to cut travel budgets. In addition, the rise of video conferencing has proven to be a more affordable alternative that may further reduce the need for business travel in coming years.

Survey conducted by Mintel, February 17, 2010.  Website: www.mintel.com.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Racetracks. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• Some tracks are adding slot machines to attract gamblers.
• Synthetic tracks (rather than the traditional dirt) are gaining interest.
• Horse racing still raises concerns about animal safety among many Americans.
• Racetracks must compete with other forms of entertainment for consumers’ leisure time and money.
• Some states are considering closing racetracks to help strained budgets.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for Racetracks is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. February 24, 2010]