Travel Industry, Security Experts Unveil Roadmap to New Air Travel Security Screening System in U.S.

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Travel Association and a panel of travel and security experts today unveiled a groundbreaking plan to improve security at America's airports and reduce the burden on travelers. Among the most notable recommendations are the creation of a trusted traveler program and a requirement that travelers be allowed to check at least one bag at no additional cost to the ticket price as a means to reduce the amount of luggage going through the security checkpoint.

The need for reform was made especially clear by recent research revealing that travelers are avoiding two to three trips per year due to unnecessary hassles associated with the security screening process. These avoided trips come at a cost of $85 billion and 900,000 jobs to the American economy.

The recommendations, the culmination of a year-long analysis to remake aviation security screening, were issued in a report titled "A Better Way: Building a World Class System for Aviation Security," and call on Congress to own responsibility for improving the current system through effective policy decisions.

"The country that put a man on the moon, invented the Internet and creates daily innovations in manufacturing can and must do better in screening passengers and improving our air travel experience," said Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Travel Association. "Air travel is the gateway to commerce and an improved experience is directly tied to job creation and a stronger economy."

The panel was chaired by former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, former Congressman Jim Turner and Sam Gilliland, president and chief executive officer of Sabre Holdings.

In helping U.S. Travel introduce the report, former Secretary Ridge said: "A strong aviation security screening system must feature several characteristics, including efficient methods of deterring and interdicting terrorists and criminals; tailored security based upon risk assessment; frequent, clear communication with the traveling public; and cost-effective use of resources."

Rooted in the diverse professional and political viewpoints of the panelists, the group did not always find consensus in how to address the difficult challenges. Among the panel's recommendations in the report:

* Implement a risk-based trusted traveler program. Congress should authorize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement a new, voluntary, government-run trusted traveler program that utilizes a risk-based approach to checkpoint screening, with the goal of refocusing resources on the highest risk passengers;
* Improve preparation of travelers . Industry stakeholders should work with TSA to improve their education and communication on security rules and regulations, targeting locations and sources that travelers are likely to review as they book or prepare for a trip;
* Encourage fewer carry-on bags . The Department of Transportation (DOT) should issue regulations requiring airlines to allow passengers one checked bag as part of their base airfare and standardize existing rules covering the quantity and size of items that can be carried onto an airplane;
* Reduce duplicative TSA screening for international arrivals . DHS should enable certain low-risk passengers who are traveling to another domestic airport to forego checked baggage and passenger screening upon landing in the U.S.;
* Expand trusted traveler programs to qualified international passengers . DHS should expand access to international trusted traveler programs for international passengers entering the U.S., as well as lead efforts to establish a multinational network of streamlined entry procedures for low-risk travelers;
* Give TSA authority over the entire checkpoint area . Congress should immediately act to clear up confusion over "ownership" of commercial aviation security and authorize TSA to control the entire security checkpoint starting at the beginning of the security lines and ending after a traveler exits the screening area;
* Develop a comprehensive technology procurement strategy. TSA, in collaboration with technology vendors and the travel community, should develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing necessary checkpoint technology capabilities. Congress should provide multi-year funding plans for TSA to execute this strategy;
* Implement well-defined risk management processes. The Administration should convene an external panel of experts with appropriate security clearances to review TSA aviation security programs, assess the risk each is designed to mitigate and develop metrics for measuring progress to lessen that risk.

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BP Oil Spill Impact on Gulf Travel Likely to Last 3 Years and Cost $22.7 Billion

/PRNewswire/ -- Based on a landmark analysis of 25 recent natural and manmade disasters, Oxford Economics today projected that the effects of the BP oil spill on travel to the Gulf Coast are likely to last up to three years and cost the region $22.7 billion. An aggressive and comprehensive $500 million effort to attract visitors to the Gulf Coast could reduce the total economic impact by $7.5 billion.

"History and current trends indicate a potential $22.7 billion economic loss to the travel economies of the Gulf Coast states over the next three years," said Adam Sacks, managing director of Oxford Economics USA. "One of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate these damages is to immediately fund strategic marketing to counter misperceptions and encourage travel to the region."

"Travel is a perception business and the impact of disasters like the BP oil spill on the industry is actually predictable," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "We know from this research that the oil spill will have long-term effects on businesses and jobs in the Gulf Coast region unless we counteract the usual course of events with an unprecedented response."

In an effort to save the coastal region's 400,000 travel industry jobs, the U.S. Travel Association complemented the release of the Oxford Economics study with a "Roadmap to Recovery," a 10-point plan for government to help communities in crisis by implementing specific action steps that inform public perceptions, incentivize travel to an affected area and make impacted businesses whole. Specific proposals for the federal government include:

-- Create a $500 million marketing program, funded by BP, to share
accurate information on the oil spill and attract visitors to the
region;
-- Develop a "one-stop shop" online portal where consumers can obtain
up-to-the-minute information about which areas are safe and open for
travel and business;
-- Provide tax deductions in a disaster-affected area to give travelers
added incentive to travel to and do business in that region; and
-- Intervene to provide increased access to capital, low interest loans
and tax incentives that allow businesses to remain open and retain
employees.


"We call on the federal government to immediately secure the $500 million necessary to operate an effective marketing program and prevent billions of dollars in economic harm to the Gulf Coast," said Dow. "It is not too late to save Gulf Coast jobs and keep attracting the visitors that can prevent further damage to these vital American communities."

All materials related to this announcement are available online at www.ustravel.org.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org. Follow us on Twitter @ustravelpr.

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Vacation Rentals Growing in Popularity Among Travelers Looking for Better Value

/PRNewswire/ -- Vacation rental homes and condominiums are becoming even more attractive to consumers looking for greater value from their travel dollar, according to HomeAway - the world's leading online vacation rental marketplace - which today released the first edition of its new quarterly "HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report."

Deals, Deals and More Deals

According to the report, approximately 66 percent of vacation rental property owners are offering or have offered special deals or incentives at some point this year in response to the current economic climate.

-- 27% discount rental rates by a specific dollar amount
-- 24% offer a set percent off the normal rental rate
-- 16% offer a free night with the purchase of a specific number of
nights
-- 15% offer free cleaning services
-- 11% do not require a minimum stay
-- 7% offer a complimentary product or service, such as tickets to a
local attraction

While travelers may come across some unique deals this summer including pre-arrival grocery shopping services and complimentary meals or gift baskets upon arrival, 34 percent of owners surveyed did not offer special deals or incentives. By way of explanation, one of those owners said, "I didn't offer anything but a great house, in a great location, at a very reasonable price."

"With or without deals or special offers, there is an underlying value to vacation rentals," said Mike Butler, chief commercial officer of HomeAway. "Vacation rental homes enable you to rent a whole home for less than the cost of a hotel room and then even stretch your travel budget further by taking advantage of the full kitchens and extra amenities."

More Value Means Longer, More Upscale Vacations

While vacation rentals are often considered for and associated with week-long trips, the HomeAway report found that travelers are using vacation rentals for everything from weekend getaways (38 percent) to multi-week vacations (21 percent). Family and group vacations continue to account for the most popular use of vacation rentals, but travelers are also considering staying in vacation properties for a range of travel, including trips typically associated with shorter stays, such as festivals, sporting events and business trips.

The report found that one in five (20 percent) property owners surveyed said over the past 12 months they have rented out their home more frequently for shorter stays lasting two to four days.

In addition to flexible lengths of stays, travelers agree that the use of vacation rentals instead of hotels allows them to enjoy a range of value-related benefits. In fact, nearly 74 percent said they are able to travel with more friends and family. Fifty percent said vacation rentals allow them to take longer vacations; 49 percent said they can take more upscale vacations; and 35 percent said vacation rentals allow them to travel more frequently.

Seeking Sunshine in Warm Weather Destinations

During the first quarter of 2009, Americans were seeking vacation rentals in primarily warm-weather destinations, according to the HomeAway report. Six out of the top 10 destinations that received the most inquiries by travelers were located in Florida. However, HomeAway found that New York was the second most-popular destination during that time period.

Top 10 Most-Popular Destinations on HomeAway.com by total traveler inquiries, January-March 2009 are:

1. Miami, Fla.
2. New York, N.Y.
3. Florida Keys, Fla.
4. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
5. Ocean City, Md.
6. Daytona Beach, Fla.
7. Scottsdale, Ariz.
8. Anna Maria Island, Fla.
9. South Padre Island, Texas
10. St. Petersburg, Fla.

"While New York has not typically been associated with vacation rental homes, its ranking does reflect a strong trend we're seeing in travelers seeking out vacation rentals as a value alternative to hotels in large cities," Butler said.

Fastest-Growing Destinations Among Travelers

Travelers also sought out vacation rental homes in ski, city and other destinations between January and March 2009, according to the report. Washington, D.C., which played host to the presidential inauguration in January, and the Arlington, Va., area - just outside Washington - saw property inquiries jump 140 percent and nearly 470 percent, respectively, compared to the same time last year.

Top 10 Destinations with the Largest Percentage Increase in Traveler Interest from Q1 2008 to Q1 2009:

1. Arlington, Va. (468%)
2. Watersound, Fla. (361%)
3. Colorado Springs, Colo. (244%)
4. Berkeley, Calif. (242%)
5. Beverly Hills, Calif. (239%)
6. Lexington, Ky. (202%)
7. Austin, Texas (202%)
8. Moab, Utah (201%)
9. La Follette, Tenn. (198%)
10. West Hollywood, Calif. (196%)

With the increased value of the dollar and a more favorable exchange rate, American travelers were also looking abroad during the first quarter of the year. According to the HomeAway report, the number of inquiries for European vacation rental properties originating from the United States increased by 58 percent, compared to the same time period last year. Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona were the most-searched European cities on HomeAway.com.

Where to Get More Bang for Your Buck

Whether traveling as a couple or with multiple families, vacation rentals provide extra room to relax and unwind for less money when compared with traditional hotel accommodations. Of the cities analyzed in the HomeAway report, Phoenix vacation rentals offered the greatest bargain, with travelers paying, on average, four times less the daily rate per square foot than at a hotel.

Some of the best values can be found in the following markets:

Looking to a Vacation Home for Extra Income

While a vacation rental affords travelers many benefits, it can also provide a steady stream of revenue for the owners. In fact, Butler said more and more owners are renting out their properties to generate extra income. The HomeAway report found that the economy played an important role among owners who began to rent their vacation homes to travelers in the past 12 months.

One in five owners (21 percent) new to the vacation rental market cited economic conditions, including the need to generate additional income, a recent job loss, the inability to sell the home or the risk of foreclosure, as the reason why they started renting out their vacation home. In addition to citing economic conditions as a factor, many owners new to renting their vacation homes are entering the market to generate a profit.

"The research suggests that in the past, many second home owners entered the rental market with a desire to cover all their expenses, but now listing their properties to cover expenses is an economic necessity," said Butler.

Best Bets for Renting Out a Vacation Home

For people who may be looking at vacation homes as a source of income, the HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report identified the top markets where consumer demand significantly exceeds current inventory levels.

The top 10 underserved markets during the first quarter of 2009:

1. South Miami Beach, Fla.
2. Seaside Heights, N.J.
3. Dauphin Island, Ala.
4. Mount Pocono, Pa.
5. New York, N.Y.
6. Hampton Beach, N.H.
7. Ocean City, Md.
8. Hollywood Beach, Fla.
9. Holmes Beach, Fla.
10. Sunny Isle, Fla.

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