Agents name most popular destination, best value in Allianz Travel Insurance Survey
RICHMOND, Va., January 25, 2013 — Travel agents say Europe will be this year’s most popular travel destination while Mexico will be the place to go for those seeking the best value for their vacation dollar, according to a survey of 70 travel agents by Allianz Travel Insurance. The survey, which asked about travel trends for 2013, also found that all inclusive vacations and cruises will be the top trips for value travelers.
Responding to the Allianz Travel Insurance 2013 Travel Trends Survey, 70 travel agents who offer the company’s travel insurance products gave their predictions for the year. When asked their pick for the most popular destination for 2013, 44% of travel agents picked Europe. Other top picks included Mexico and the Carribbean. Mexico was by far the top vote getter when it came to naming the best value destination, garnering 42% of agents. The Caribbean and South America also received votes. When asked what types of vacations offer the best value, all-inclusive vacations was the top vote getter with 35% of agents, followed by cruises with 25% of agents.
“As vacation experts, travel agents are unrivaled in their ability to spot the year’s hottest trends,” said Alan Josephs, Chief Marketing Officer at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “When booking international travel and cruises, travel insurance is especially important, and we’re pleased to supply coverage that offers both financial protection and peace of mind.”
Allianz Travel Insurance provides its customers with coverage should a planned trip be cancelled or interrupted for unforeseen circumstances that are included in the purchased policy.* For additional information on Allianz Global Assistance USA products, or to purchase Allianz Travel Insurance, visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.
* - Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. For a complete description of the coverage, carefully review the terms and conditions of the certificate of insurance. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakwood Terrace, Ill), or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), depending on the insured's state. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company.
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Allianz Global Assistance USA
Allianz Global Assistance USA is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in 29 countries. In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) insures 13 million customers and is best known for its Allianz Travel Insurance plans.
In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers event ticket protection and unique assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for health insurers, property and casualty insurers, and credit card companies.
For more information about Allianz Global Assistance USA, please visit allianzassistance.com. To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance plans, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.
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Replies
Northeast, you ask a valid question, and as Caribbean Editor of Recommend, one of the magazines that are written for travel agents, I might be able to suggest an answer.
True, many of the trips Americans take are to domestic destinations -- and not just Walt Disney World or Branson, but to regional destinations (e.g. for New Yorkers, the Pocono and Catskill mountains, and the Jersey shore). Now, booking long weekends in Wildwood, NJ, is not how agents earn a living, but the same people who arrange Wildwood on their own often call agents when they're doing something unfamiliar, whether that's picking a river cruise in Europe or a resort in the Dominican Republic.
I don't see how travel agents can pick Europe as the "most popular" destination. Most Americans don't even have passports and if they do it's mostly to visit beach destinations instead of going to Europe. Why on earth would the travel agents say Europe?