According to the World Tourism Organization, visits to the world's top 50 tourist destinations were down about 8 percent for the first half of 2009, an obvious effect of the down economy worldwide. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, visits from foreign tourists to U.S. destinations were down about 10 percent in the first half of 2009 compared to the same span last year. Additionally, those foreigners that have taken vacations to the U.S. are spending less money, with spending down nearly 15 percent this year.
The cause of the travel downturn is well known, whereas the effects are just beginning to manifest themselves in the form of lower marketing budgets and spending cutbacks from destination resorts worldwide. Colorado Tourism Office director Kim McNulty said, “In general, we're still seeing that people are traveling ... but they're spending less."
The state has responded by offering special deals to travelers to highlight the lower rates, with a special website set up to act as a clearing house for travel deals this season. “We've slightly shifted our marketing dollars,” McNulty continued. “We're being very targeted. We're not doing any in-state marketing. We're trying to drive out-of-state visitation.”
While times are certainly tough, the silver lining in this cloud is the drop in rates. Travelers that book early are finding great deals are available, but they require people to book early in order to lock in the best savings.
Comments
The economy has also delayed the Lolo Montana Ski Area development as well. When it opens, if it opens, it will have the longest ski run in N America at 6 miles. I am glad about the lower rates.
I believe people will start to look for better deals on gear this year. There are lots of great choices in used equipment whether on eBay or at conventions such as ski dazzle. I also see new companies coming up. I don’t think people will stop riding, I just think they will be riding closer to home on the same gear as they were last year.