ASTA Travel Agency Financial Benchmarking Trends | Travel Research Online

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ASTA Travel Agency Financial Benchmarking Trends

ASTA has been a reliable source of research on the travel agency industry for many decades. We collect, collate and analyze data that is not available anywhere else on agency operations from agency business models to revenue sources. Our data can be used to pinpoint agency trends, compare and contrast agency operations, and develop marketing tactics.

Part of the American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) wide-ranging benchmark reporting program, the upcoming 2017 ASTA Travel Agency Financial Benchmarking report provides a snapshot of the U.S. travel agency industry through ASTA agency members’ financial and operational outlook.

2017 YTD vs. 2016 vs. 2015 Performance Comparisons

ASTA member agencies continue to thrive in the improved post-recession business environment. In full year 2016, over eight in ten (81%) of survey respondents indicated that their revenues either increased (64%) or stayed the same (17%) when comparing to their 2015 revenues. Similar positive results are also shown in increases in sales (81%), transactions (80%) and number of clients (86%).

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For the first half of 2017, ASTA members’ financial performance remained strong with three quarters (78%) of members indicating their revenues increased or maintained the same when comparing to the first half of 2016 results at the time this article is published. Similar results also showed in sales (78%), transactions (74%) and number of clients (78%). ASTA will continue to track the full year of 2017 financial results as data becomes available.

Comparisons by Segment

When looking at individual travel segments that agencies sold in 2016, more than half reported that they observed increased sales in cruise (51%), tour groups (51%) and FIT (50%), followed by travel insurance (48%), hotel (45%) and air (35%) when comparing to their 2015 results.

Going into the second half of 2017, similar positive sales trends should remain. However, seasonality and recent natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes) might have a certain degree of short-term impact on regional travel that might cause some shifts in certain travel segments.

Take a look at what we have to offer, which ranges from labor issues to GDS usage to financial benchmarking, at ASTA.org/ResearchReports. And don’t forget that ASTA membership includes preferential pricing for these reports, and in some cases complimentary access. Support your national trade association and join ASTA today!

 


PictureKevin brings to ASTA over 20 years of professional experience with over 15 years in the travel and tourism industry, including at the U.S. Travel Association and Choice Hotels International, where he frequently shared research insights and information at conferences and seminars with his expertise in managing quantitative and qualitative research studies, projects and programs.

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