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Just the Facts : Going With a Group

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In an ongoing effort to find out who goes on escorted tours, and why, the National Tour Assn.’s research and education division is surveying travelers. It has completed its first two surveys, and another two are planned. A benchmark survey of 787 respondents concluded that on average, tour travelers are older (average age, 66), well-educated empty-nesters from traditional households. Half have been to college and three-quarters are retired. The single largest group, 33%, came from the Midwest and 11% from the West. They preferred trips of seven nights, they paid an average of $915 per person and 85% traveled by motor coach. This is what else the study found when it asked travelers about trips they had taken:

Top Destinations (1992)

Ohio (site of Ameriflora exhibit, Columbus): 6% Nevada (gaming): 5%

Missouri (Branson): 4%

Tennessee (Nashville): 4%

California: 3%

Florida: 3%

Deciding Factors

(Rated in order of importance)

Price: 42%

Description in brochure: 37%

Availability of cancellation insurance: 35%

Recommendation of tour operator or travel agent: 28%

Recommendations of family and friends: 17%

Where They Like To Go

New and different places: 50%

Very well known places: 27%

Fairly familiar places: 23%

Favorite Themes

(Rated in order of importance)

Tours having evening entertainment, concerts or dinner theater: 54%

History-oriented: 44%

Heritage/Cultural: 32%

Wilderness: 31%

Garden: 31%

Outlet mall: 27%

Casino: 22%

Arts/Culture: 22%

Sporting events: 20%

What’s Important

(Rated in order of importance)

Education/Learning: 84%

Sharing memorable experiences with friends or family: 48%

Average Length of Tour

3 nights, 4 days: 41%

8 nights, 9 days: 37%

15 nights, 16 days: 22%

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