Ally

NEW YORK, Nov. 19 -- Despite the uncertain economy, 75 percent of Americans plan to spend at least as much on leisure travel in the coming year as they did in the past year, according to a survey commissioned by Deloitte. Additionally, the survey shows significant interest in new types of niche travel, such as adventure and volunteer trips.

The findings underscore the industry's strong activity: the vast majority of respondents (93 percent) said they have taken a leisure/vacation trip in the past year, and one in six (16 percent) said they took four or more. In contrast, a Deloitte travel survey in 2005 found that only 85 percent had taken a leisure trip in the previous year.

The upcoming holiday season will be one beneficiary of this trend: almost two-thirds (63 percent) plan to travel between Thanksgiving and New Year's, with almost one-third (32 percent) taking two or more trips during this period. For one-third (31 percent) of those taking a trip, this represents an increase over last year's holiday season.

"Many of these trips could be part of emerging niche travel segments," said Adam Weissenberg, Deloitte's U.S. Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure Leader. Indeed, almost half (49 percent) say they would like to, or currently do, take "adventure travel" trips, and more than one quarter (26 percent) would like to, or already do, participate in volunteer travel, where they would do good while being away. Both of these segments were heavily represented in the younger age groups (18-29); however, almost one-third (32 percent) of Americans 75 years and over also said they were interested in adventure travel. Finally, more than one in 10 consumers (11 percent) say they will travel with extended family during the coming year.

Additional topics covered in this release: -- Business or Leisure? Blurring Boundaries -- Internet Usage Continues to Grow -- Comfort is King -- "Green" Travel: The Next Front? For the full press release, visit: Travel Industry Prospects Bright Despite Economic Uncertainty | Travel | Leisure | Press Release - Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

For more information about Deloitte's Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure practice, please visit Tourism | Hospitality | Leisure | Consumer Business - Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

About Deloitte

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. Please see About Deloitte - Deloitte & Touche USA LLP for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and its subsidiaries.