The number of U.S. incentive
travel programs is expected to increase over the next two
years, according to a new study of 94 U.S. incentive planners
conducted in October by the Incentive Research Foundation in New
York City.
While respondents projected increases
to both domestic and international destinations, more groups will
be staying closer to home. Twenty percent of those polled said the
number of domestic incentive trips will increase moderately, while
34 percent said such travel will increase slightly.
For programs outside the United States,
14 percent predicted a moderate increase, and 26 percent projected
a slight boost over the next two years. Twenty-seven percent said
the number of domestic programs will remain the same, and 22
percent anticipated no change in the number of overseas
programs.
When asked to what extent world affairs
concerned them in relation to incentive travel, 64 percent of
respondents said they are significantly concerned about travel to
international destinations, while only 28 percent are significantly
anxious about travel within the 50 states.
Respondents said their constituencies
(higher-ups, clients) also are concerned (46 percent significantly,
40 percent moderately so) about travel abroad, while they said 27
percent are significantly worried about domestic trips. Among their
concerns:
* Security/safety, cited by 50
percent;
* Exchange rate/weakness of U.S. dollar
(38 percent);
* Fear of terrorist attack/terrorism
(11 percent);
* Deteriorating U.S. reputation abroad
(11 percent);
* Lack of trust in airline security (9
percent).