HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Plunkett Research, Ltd. has identified major trends shaping the travel and tourism industry today. These trends show why the industry is facing one of its toughest times in decades. A complete industry trends and statistics analysis is provided in Plunkett’s Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Almanac, 2010 edition.

“The 2009-2010 period finds the travel industry continuing to face challenging times,” said Jack Plunkett, CEO. “Consumers’ budgets are tight, and they are cutting down on discretionary expenses such as travel. When the middle class does take a vacation, it is on a reduced budget. Meanwhile, business travel budgets are tight as well.”

Plunkett’s Major Trends in the Airline, Hotel and Travel Industry:

Airlines Face Economic Challenges

Open Skies Agreement on Trans-Atlantic Travel

Boeing and Airbus Continue Their Struggle for the Best New Aircraft

Airports Hit Hard by Tough Economy

Huge Travel Markets in China and India

Booking Over the Internet Becomes the Norm

Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism Grow

Hotel Occupancy Rates Fall/Pod Rooms Emerge

Steady Cruise Industry Bookings

High Speed Passenger Trains, Including Maglev, Boom

Self-Check-In and Other New Technologies Save Labor

Las Vegas Hotels Slow

Jack Plunkett continued, “Most airlines have cut routes and reduced the total number of seats available, partly by removing older, fuel-guzzling aircraft from service. Travel providers of nearly all types are competing fiercely on price or are offering their customers special inducements and packages.”

A complimentary Introduction to the Travel Industry can be viewed at Plunkett’s website. ‘We believe that the travel and tourism industry will continue to restructure and seek ways to reduce costs. The travel sector is going to post dismal financial results for 2009. However, increased use of labor-saving technologies, fuel-saving strategies and better operating efficiencies will help going forward,” Jack Plunkett said. “Meanwhile, the cruise industry remains very strong, while discount airlines and value-priced hotels show promise.”

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Our reports and data services are used by the world’s top corporations, consultants, universities, libraries and government agencies. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data. We cover such industries as healthcare, ecommerce, computers, retailing, entertainment, renewable energy and telecommunications.

Plunkett Research, Ltd.
Jack W. Plunkett, 713-932-0000
media@plunkettresearch.com
www.plunkettresearch.com