Internet Continues to Change Travel Industry

In the past five years, the Internet’s rapid expansion has created major changes in the way Americans plan and book their travel. The U.S. currently has 175 million Web users and an estimated 78.3 million households hooked up to the Internet (source: eMarketer). As more Americans get wired, they are depending more and more on the Internet to both research and book travel. Last year, an estimated 45% of all leisure travel was booked online, with a projected 64% expected by 2008, based on recent years’ data (source: PhoCusWright). Another study, conducted by YPB&R, found that 50% of survey respondents had made a travel reservation online in the past 12 months, up from 47% last year and only 19% in 2000. An astounding 80% used the Internet to book a hotel reservation, and 67% for airline reservations.

As more and more consumers book travel online, the number of travel agents is diminishing. In the 2006 YPB&R survey above, a mere 7% of all leisure trips were booked through a travel agent. The U.S Department of Labor counted 88,480 employed travel agents in early 2005, down from 124,030 in 2001. The number of travel agents has dropped significantly every year since 2001, even while the overall American travel industry has recovered post-9/11 (according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the number of U.S. overseas travelers dropped from 25,249,029 in 2001 to 23,397,388 in 2002, before increasing every year since). While the overall travel agent industry is shrinking, the number of home-based agents will likely increase in coming years. Based on recent data, the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) projects that the number of storefront agents will drop by 47.2% over the next 4 years, while the number of home-based agents will increase by about 50.3%. Recognizing consumers’ propensity for the Internet, home-based agencies are adapting to the times. Many have built websites and depend largely on the Internet for new business. In the future, the most successful travel agents will likely be those that are most adept at incorporating online technology into their business.

Not only has the Internet changed the way Americans book trips (through such popular sites as Orbitz and Travelocity), but it has also influenced the way in which Americans research travel. While guidebooks and media may have played a more prominent role in the past, peer-to-peer websites are an increasingly influential tool for travelers. These sites allow consumers to post product reviews and to dialogue about their personal travel experiences. As these online communities develop, consumers are trusting their peers’ input as much as the journalists who are commissioned to cover destinations. A recent survey by Harris Interactive Inc. revealed that 85% of respondents considered word-of-mouth communication (input from friends, family, coworkers, and peer-to-peer websites) credible, while 70% trusted traditional advertising and public relations sources. A number of the more popular peer-to-peer websites include discussions about Tahiti, with a mix of positive and negative reviews on all aspects of the tourism industry. Several of these sites are listed below and can be searched for "Tahiti":

www.tripadvisor.com
www.igougo.com
www.realtravel.com
www.epinions.com

Mari Masuda Moves On

After more than six years at Tahiti Tourisme North America, Mari Masuda is saying goodbye. Mari started in customer support in early 2000 and was responsible for restructuring the fulfillment program. Over the years she took on more responsibility, growing into her final position as Manager of Promotions and Events. TTNA will miss her great organization, planning skills, and energy in the office. Best of luck Mari.

Changing of the Guard: Michelle Bartlett (left), TTNA's new Manager of Promotions and Events, and Mari Masuda (right), departing Manager of Promotions and Events

Welcome Michelle Bartlett

Michelle Bartlett is the newest addition to the TTNA team, replacing Mari Masuda as Manager of Promotions and Events. Michelle brings over a decade of experience in travel, having previously worked in reservations and sales development in the airline industry. She most recently served as a travel account executive for LA Weekly.

Spring Workshops Wrap Up
TTNA finished its Spring Workshop Series last week with three events in Mexico.

Although it took some time to get momentum going, the Workshops ended up being the most successful series in our history. In the U.S., we had a record 829 travel agents attend! Below you will find the attendance figures for all the workshops. As we’ve mentioned before, we are planning to change the structure of workshops next year, and look forward to your input, ideas, and suggestions.

May 2, St. Louis, Missouri: 46 Attendees
May 2, Irvine, California: 110 Attendees
May 3, Chicago, Illinois: 54 Attendees
May 3, Pleasanton, California: 90 Attendees
May 4, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 54 Attendees
May 4, Seattle, Washington: 42 Attendees
May 9, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: 35 Attendees
May 9, Houston, Texas: 52 Attendees
May 10, Phoenix, Arizona: 57 Attendees
May 10, Detroit, Michigan: 67 Attendees
May 11, New York, New York: 116 Attendees
May 11, Bridgeport, Connecticut: 22 Attendees
May 11, San Diego, California: 68 Attendees
May 16, Montreal, Canada: 48 Attendees
May 17, Toronto, Canada: 77 Attendees
May 18, Vancouver, Canada: 71 Attendees
May 23, Monterrey, Mexico: 51 Attendees
May 24, Guadalajara, Mexico: 87 Attendees
May 25, Mexico City, Mexico: 57 Attendees

Participating Partners in Mexico Workshops:
-Air New Zealand
-Air Tahiti Nui
-ANZ Tours
-Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
-BM Tours
-Hotel Bora Bora
-InterContinental French Polynesia
-Island Destinations
-Jetabout Island Vacations
-Lider Tours
-Link Overseas Travel
-Marsoceanica
-Metropolis Mayoristas en Viajes
-OITSA
-Olga Pulido South Pacific Tours
-Pearl Resorts
-Pleasure Travel
-Romance Conexion
-Starwood French Polynesia
-Travelhaus Operadora de Viajes
-Valero Viajes Internacionales
-Viajes Monterrey Travel/Viamosa

Participating Partners in the Monterrey, Mexico Workshop