Survey: 61 percent of Americans planning overnight leisure trips in next four months

APPROXIMATELY 61 PERCENT of Americans are set to travel overnight for leisure in the upcoming four months, with 34 percent anticipating an uptick in their leisure travels this summer compared to last year, according to a recent survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Additionally, around 31 percent of respondents plan to up their hotel stays this summer versus the previous one.

Around 35 percent of Americans anticipate an overnight business trip within the next four months, with 16 percent planning to boost their business-related travel this summer compared to last summer, the survey conducted by Morning Consult found.

Meanwhile, hotels remain the preferred lodging option for both business travelers, with 60 percent, and leisure travelers, with 46 percent, this summer, the survey revealed. The survey presents a positive outlook for hoteliers amid ongoing economic challenges like a nationwide labor shortage and high interest rates, AHLA said. However, it indicates that persistent inflation remains a significant obstacle to growth for hoteliers and other travel-related businesses.

The poll, conducted from April 25 to 28, surveyed 2,202 U.S. adults. Over the next four months, the survey revealed:

• 55 percent of respondents indicated that inflation might decrease their likelihood of staying in a hotel, a slight decrease from 56 percent in January.
• 51 percent expressed that inflation might reduce their probability of traveling overnight.
• 46 percent mentioned that inflation might decrease their likelihood of traveling by airplane.
• 44 percent stated that inflation might reduce their likelihood of renting a car.

Additional findings include:

• 52 percent of respondents expressed likelihood to travel overnight for a family trip in the next four months, up from 51 percent in January, with 36 percent indicating they would likely stay in a hotel.
• 42 percent indicated likelihood to travel overnight for a romantic getaway in the next four months, with 56 percent of them planning to stay in a hotel.
• 31 percent expressed likelihood to travel overnight for Memorial Day, with 35 percent of them planning to stay in a hotel.
• High-speed WiFi was ranked as the top technological amenity by 32 percent of those surveyed when evaluating hotels.

“This survey shows hotels are poised to benefit from a strong summer travel season, but it also underscores that inflation remains a stubborn obstacle to growth for our industry,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA’s interim president and CEO. “As hoteliers continue to face serious economic challenges, including a nationwide labor shortage, high interest rates and aggressive federal regulatory efforts, AHLA will be fighting at all levels of government to overcome those obstacles on behalf of our members.”

A recent survey commissioned by G6 Hospitality, parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, found that nearly eight in 10 Americans plan to travel by car to their summer destination, with the majority citing the enjoyment of driving. Additionally, most travelers prefer hotel stays, although they acknowledge that cost will influence their travel plans.