Tour Operators Offer 20 Percent Savings Compared to 2008

Tour operators have lowered prices an average 20 percent compared to 2008 on many vacations, in response to the soft economy and stronger U.S. dollar in many destinations, according to the U.S. Tour Operators Association. A recent member survey revealed a range of savings, from 10 percent to more than 50 percent for the same vacation when compared to last year.

A recent consumer survey commissioned by USTOA found that three out of four Americans say they will travel this year, but most are staying closer to home in response to the recession.

Affordability ranked number one consideration in planning a vacation, with almost 30 percent of those surveyed saying they would seek destinations that offer more value. And, while more than 45 percent of Americans said they were not going abroad this year, almost 15 percent were lured by a stronger dollar.

Another example is a 10-day land-cruise package in Greece. Available through August 31 the same package cost $1,500 per person in 2008, but sells for $995 this year, with free accommodation upgrades.

In South Africa, through November, a 10-day land-only tour of Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger National Park for families, is $6,355 per person versus $7,855 per person in 2008 –a saving of $1500. A savings of nearly 20 percent over last year, the tour includes most meals, sightseeing and activities. International air fare is additional.

Through December 8, a 16 day custom-planned itinerary to Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef costs $1,430 this year –or $500 less than in 2008. The savings of 25 percent includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco and all transfers in Australia.

A 7 day/6 night vacation package to Budapest and Prague that sold for $1,355 per person in 2008 costs $1,199 per person this year –a saving of $150 per person, or more than 10 percent, over last year. Included are accommodations, daily breakfast, a tour in each city, flight from Budapest to Prague, and airport transfer by private car through November.

If booked by July 10, an 11 day escorted tour of England, Scotland and Ireland that cost $2,849 per person last year sells for $2,599 this year, a $250 savings. Costing almost 10 percent less than in 2008, the tour includes roundtrip airfare from New York and Boston, accommodations, breakfasts and some dinners, plus sightseeing. Departure dates are valid through 2010.

Through October 22, an air-inclusive 7-day, custom planned itinerary to Rome and Venice with round trip air fare from New York, which cost $1,229 per person in 2008, starts at $1099 this year-a savings of $130 over 2008.