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Up-to-the-Minute Travel Insights from Travel GuardSurvey: Improving economy, record-low air fares will generate increased consumer travel through end of 2009 Stevens Point, WI – (September 29, 2009) – More than 40 percent of travelers say the improving U.S. economic outlook makes it more likely they will travel before the end of 2009. In addition, an overwhelming 70 percent say today’s historically low air fares combined with recent passenger-benefit upgrades and service enhancements will motivate them to travel in 2009 and early 2010, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of Travel Guard (http://www.travelguard.com/), one of the nation’s leading providers of travel insurance and assistance plans. The survey, conducted for Travel Guard by Ruf Strategic Solutions, indicates that consumer confidence is building, with many travelers planning vacations as the economy shows signs of bouncing back. In fact, the majority of travelers polled (30 percent) say they will not forego vacations in lieu of other discretionary purchases in 2009. Of those not planning travel in 2009, only nine percent cited the economy as a factor. The majority (83 percent) won’t travel in 2009 because they recently took a summer vacation. In all, 43 percent of travelers surveyed are more likely to travel in the fall and/or winter of 2009, while only 11 percent described themselves as “less likely to travel.“ Most who intend to travel are seeking extended journeys. For example, 21 percent are most likely to opt for “independent travel to an international city or destination,“ while another 20 percent will select a cruise vacation. Less-popular options were “visit family and friends“ (11 percent), “travel to U.S. city or destination“ (10 percent) and “shorter getaway close to home“ (6 percent). Finally, a majority of respondents (60 percent) will spend between $1,000 and $5,000 for their entire trip’s cost. The survey results also reflect travel’s importance to today’s time-challenged consumers. For example, most consumers surveyed (30 percent) would not forego a vacation to make another significant discretionary purchase. The next-most popular discretionary purchase options after vacations were house/apartment renovations or remodeling (20 percent), new car (18 percent), and apparel (18 percent). Still, the survey revealed that travelers are concerned that “routine“ travel mishaps could affect their vacation plans. For example, 38 percent were “concerned“ with airline fees, while another 36 percent were “very concerned“ about airline delays and/or cancellations in 2009. “Consumer confidence is strengthening and along with it, many frequent travelers are again planning their next vacation,“ said Dan McGinnity, vice president of Travel Guard. “Although growing consumer desire for travel is good news for our industry, clients are more concerned than ever that unexpected problems may impact their vacation travel. Travel Guard offers several flexible plans that not only provide comprehensive coverage in the event of travel mishaps, but also feature 24/7 assistance services that can re-book flights and hotel rooms, and even coordinate emergency services.“ The complete family of travel insurance and assistance service plans available through Travel Guard can be purchased online at http://www.travelguard.com/, through Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center (800-826-1300), or from one of the more than 12,000 travel agencies who offer travel insurance plans available through Travel Guard. Travel Beat is a survey offering the latest traveler insights conducted by Ruf Strategic Solutions on behalf of Travel Guard. 
About Travel Guard Travel Guard, a Chartis company, (http://www.travelguard.com/) is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance plans for more than 9 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States. Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 40 million clients in over 160 countries and jurisdictions. With a 90-year history, one of the industry’s most extensive ranges of products and services, deep claims expertise and excellent financial strength, Chartis enables its commercial and personal insurance clients alike to manage virtually any risk with confidence. Chartis is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty and general insurance operations of Chartis Inc. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. Coverage may not be available in all states. Assistance services provided by Travel Guard Assist.
About Ruf Strategic Solutions Ruf Strategic Solutions delivers a full suite of marketing intelligence solutions to help organizations acquire new customers, retain existing customers and develop one-to-one relationships to maximize profitability. Founded in 1976, Ruf Strategic Solutions helps organizations maximize the return on their marketing investment through superior customer intelligence. Ruf’s unique ability to integrate vast arrays of data, technology tools and 30 years of expertise, empowers organizations with truly actionable and measurable intelligence. Through Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM), Ruf’s clients are able to use consumer insight to reach their target audiences through multi-channel marketing. Ruf currently services many market leaders in a variety of industries. For more information, visit www.ruf.com.
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