The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) announced London and Rome as the two most popular summer destinations booked by ASTA travel agents internationally for travel this summer, according to ASTAs eleventh annual Hot Spots for Summer survey. London received a 9 percent share of votes followed by Rome with an 8 percent share.
Over 150 cities made the hot list, with the top ten cities accounting for 37 percent of the responses. Beyond the typical tourist cities, travel agents say they are also planning many trips to many unique destinations like Yerevan, Armenia and Johannesburg, South Africa for this summer with both cited by agents as hot locations.
"Although the top destinations have remained relatively unchanged for many years, it’s interesting to see so many fresh destinations included in the votes," said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. "Regardless of whether a destination is a perennial favorite or a soon-to-be favorite, working with an ASTA travel professional to plan your next vacation will enable you to get great value, but more importantly, an unforgettable experience."
In addition to London and Rome, Paris (8 percent), Cancun (5 percent), Punta Cana (3 percent), Barcelona (1 percent), Riviera Maya (1 percent), Amsterdam (1 percent), Madrid (1 percent), and Montego Bay (1 percent) round out the top ten international cities. Amsterdam and Madrid are new to the top ten pushing out Venice and Athens.
For countries/regions, Italy remains at the top with an 18 percent share of the votes. Mexico (11 percent) moves up to second place after two years in third and fourth place. The other countries/regions in the top five include France (11percent), United Kingdom (11 percent) and the Caribbean (8 percent). The same five countries/regions have remained in the top five for over eight years and represent 61% of the votes.
Travelers who would like to experience these hot spots can find a helpful travel agent on the ‘Find a Travel Agent' directory on TravelSense.org, where tourists can search for a travel agent who specializes in the destinations that they dream of visiting.
Survey data was collected through the 2014 ASTA Research Family in February 2014. This survey has a 95 percent rate confidence with an error rate +/-4 percent. A copy of the results can be found on the research page of ASTA.org.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) members represent 80% of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel, and its membership is growing internationally. ASTA’s history of travel industry advocacy traces back to its founding more than 80 years ago, with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information, visit ASTA.org.