Domestic tourism still the trend, says survey

(Tara Flake)

Most consumers are planning to vacation in their own countries this year, according to the results of a global survey released August 6.

Market research firm SSI surveyed 5,000 people around the world and found that 82 percent of people in the US and Japan said they were most likely to travel domestically this year, along with 80 percent of South Koreans, 68 percent of the French and 62 percent of Australians.

In fact, more than half of the total respondents said they would travel domestically this year, although Singaporeans, Germans, the British and the Chinese were the ones most likely to buck the trend.

SSI said that although budgets were tight, there appeared to be "widespread optimism" around vacation planning, as 60 percent of people will spend as much or more on their vacation as they did last year, led by those in China, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.

"Despite economic concerns, the chance to get away remains important for consumers around the globe—and they are finding ways to fit vacations into their budgets," said SSI's Mark Hardy.

"When we take money out of the equation, almost 90% say they'd prefer traveling to staying home. Clearly, people worldwide share the need for a change of scenery and an escape from their daily routines—even when money is tight."

THe majority of people were looking for a relaxing vacation, the survey suggested, followed by memorable and restful.

SSI surveyed 5,000 people in US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, New Zealand and Singapore.

The world's top vacation types
Data from SSI

Relaxing 48%
Memorable 39%
Restful 29%
Fun 27%
Entertaining 24%
Interesting 23%
Quiet 12%
Adventurous 11%
Long 8%
Productive 4%

http://www.surveysampling.com/