For this discusion, I would like to offer my response from a couple of different viewpoints. These are all relative as they all have to do with the still recovering economy.
As a marketing/sales agent for a European company for a high end product, I know that market share in the US has suffered considerably. There are two reasons for this, the economy and visibility and acceptance of European companies as operating partners.
What is more relative to the question is that for most people who would go to Europe money is very tight and they mostly stay at home. This situation does not seems not going to be remedied until perhaps next yaar or perhaps it will take a couple of years for the economy to recover. Interestingly, the number of Europeans traveling to America seems to be increasing another area I have been involved in. As a tour operator myself operating in East Russia, I see that business for a fairly unknown destination and a failry expensive one, has also dropped significantly.
And yes, green is in, the economy has also changed a lot of people's habits and a majority now grows their onw vegetables, is concerned about the environment and overall looks for ways to save money but yet be aware of the environment.
So you most likely will see more people going to Eruope the least expensive way, by themselves, taking public transportation, sharing or swapping homes, being involved in volunteer vacations, etc.
One of the biggest increases in travel revenue I toresee, is that of building community, getting people to leatn from each other and get together. The internet has sparked this, but it goes much deeper even generational. People want to be with people and through these groups form social bonds.
Aaltje van Zoelen
Managing Partner, World Wise Ecotourism Network
Business Development, Oceanwide Expeditions
Tour Manager for American Ring Travel
Replies
As a marketing/sales agent for a European company for a high end product, I know that market share in the US has suffered considerably. There are two reasons for this, the economy and visibility and acceptance of European companies as operating partners.
What is more relative to the question is that for most people who would go to Europe money is very tight and they mostly stay at home. This situation does not seems not going to be remedied until perhaps next yaar or perhaps it will take a couple of years for the economy to recover. Interestingly, the number of Europeans traveling to America seems to be increasing another area I have been involved in. As a tour operator myself operating in East Russia, I see that business for a fairly unknown destination and a failry expensive one, has also dropped significantly.
And yes, green is in, the economy has also changed a lot of people's habits and a majority now grows their onw vegetables, is concerned about the environment and overall looks for ways to save money but yet be aware of the environment.
So you most likely will see more people going to Eruope the least expensive way, by themselves, taking public transportation, sharing or swapping homes, being involved in volunteer vacations, etc.
One of the biggest increases in travel revenue I toresee, is that of building community, getting people to leatn from each other and get together. The internet has sparked this, but it goes much deeper even generational. People want to be with people and through these groups form social bonds.
Aaltje van Zoelen
Managing Partner, World Wise Ecotourism Network
Business Development, Oceanwide Expeditions
Tour Manager for American Ring Travel