An “extremely optimistic” vision of 2011, with the travel and tourism industry leaving the global financial downturn behind, has been declared in a poll of senior buyers.
The survey of World Travel Market’s Meridian Club members found that almost eight out of ten (78%) are optimistic for the industry’s prospects this year.
More than half (54%) of the 330 senior buyers polled say the industry will perform better in 2011 than last year, with 37% believing the industry’s performance will be on par with 2010.
A large majority of those polled revealed more bookings have been made already this year compared to recent years, helping to instil confidence for the rest of 2011.
A majority (89%) said they are optimistic for their organisation’s prospects in 2011 – compared to just seven out of ten when asked the same question a year ago.
Nearly 70% believe their company will perform better this year than in 2010 with just 4% expecting their organisation to perform worse than it did last year.
Meridian Club marketing manager Ajay Ahluwalia said: “It is great news that the industry’s senior buyers have such a positive outlook for 2011.
“It would appear the industry is leaving the tough times behind and has optimism for the future.
“Meridian Club members are the industry’s most senior buyers and the people purchasing the tourism product making them the first group to see an uplift in consumer demand.”
Anonymous comments included:
• “It’s been a great start to the year so far following on from a good finish to last year.”
• “People in general still have a good appetite for travel and London in particular will be boosted by the Royal Wedding.”
• “Having had a growth strategy during the recession the company continues to grow and make positive returns on investments.”
• “So far it has been very busy and as long as interest rates do not go up it should stay that way.”