The United States Tour Operators Association recently revealed the results of its travel recovery survey. The survey of its active tour operator members analyzed current passenger booking trends, post-COVID recovery and the return to business.

According to the survey, 80 percent of members are enthusiastic or cautiously optimistic for a complete return to business by the end of 2021. Only 9 percent of those surveyed feel negative. Overall, 96 percent of responding tour operators saw an increase in new bookings within the last 60 days. Forty-four percent reported Q3 and Q4 of 2021 have the most passengers booked to travel. Of those new bookings, respondents named cancellation and refund policies as the most frequently asked question from travelers.

Domestic travel is still popular for 2021. Eighty percent of members that sell U.S. programs saw an increase in domestic bookings for 2021. Looking ahead to 2022 bookings, 83 percent are international and only 12 percent are domestic. The top three domestic destinations for 2021, based on new reservations, are Alaska, followed by Arizona and Utah tying for second place and Florida and Wyoming in a tie for third place. Alaska was also the top domestic destination for 2022 bookings. On the international side for 2021, Italy ranked first with Ireland and the United Kingdom tying for second place and Costa Rica, Egypt, Iceland and Mexico in the running for third. Italy also ranked first for 2022 bookings.

Visit the website for more information about survey methodology.