CONSUMER NEWS RECALLS COMPLAINT FORM SCAM ALERTS

Small Claims Guide \| Class Actions \| Lemon Law \| FAQ \| Resources \| Newsletters \| Spanish
Automotive Education Electronics Family Finance Health Homeowners Shopping Travel

Analysis Shows Surge In Online Travel

December 17, 2004
Nielsen//NetRatings, which measures and analyzes Internet audience, says its figures show that 23 percent of Americans, or 68 million unique visitors, flocked to online travel destinations during November 2004, making up 46 percent of all active Web surfers.

In comparison, there were 60 million Web users who visited online travel sites in November 2003, growing 13 percent year-over-year. The company says the volume of traffic and annual growth underscore the Internet's role in helping consumers make travel preparations for the holiday season.

Online consumers spent $919 million on travel during November 2004, jumping 11 percent from the $828 million spent in November 2003, according to the Holiday eSpending Report by Goldman Sachs, Harris Interactive and Nielsen//NetRatings.

In November, MapQuest ranked number one in online travel destinations with 31 million unique visitors, while Expedia followed with 14 million visitors. Travelocity drew 11 million online surfers, while Orbitz.com and Southwest Airlines rounded out the top five online travel destinations with 11 million and seven million unique visitors, respectively.

"While retailers are in the spotlight during the holiday months, the revenue and traffic generated from online travel destinations should not be overlooked," said Heather Dougherty, senior retail analyst, Nielsen//NetRatings. "During this November, much of the online travel spending stemmed from lower to upper middle class households."

Those with household incomes of $50,000-$74,999 comprised 28 percent, or the largest group of online travel visitors, during November 2004, while those with household incomes of $25,000-$49,999 made up 20 percent of online travel visitors. Following closely in third place, online surfers with household incomes of $75,000-$99,999 comprised 19 percent of those visiting online travel destinations.

"Our research shows that those living in household incomes of $75,000 or more tend to favor brand-specific travel Websites over any other category of travel sites, while those earning $75,000 or less tend to visit multi-category travel sites such as Expedia and Travelocity where one can comparison shop," said Dougherty. "Clearly, those with higher household incomes extend their loyalty online to their frequent travel programs."

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

July 7 2008

Print, mail, etc.

FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F
Sign up now!

Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday
Sign up now!

Knowledge is free.
Knowledge is power.

Back to the top |

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof.