Online Travel Sites Revolutionize the Travel Industry

The internet and the advent of online travel services have had a major impact in the way vacationers search for accommodations. Travel agents and traditional print advertising and marketing are becoming things of the past when consumers search for vacation rentals, car rentals, airfare and hotel lodging.

According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), 78% of travelers use the internet for travel destination information. Travel and tourism generates $1.3 trillion in economic activity in the U.S. every year. That equates to $3.4 billion per day! Travel and tourism brings in $100 billion annually for local, state and federal governments. This industry is one of the largest employers in the U.S. with 7.3 million jobs. 1 out of every 8 U.S. non-farm jobs is directly and indirectly created by travel and tourism.

Vacationers can now view properties online and see pictures and descriptions of rental properties so they can actually see what the vacation homes, villas and condos look like before deciding to rent. Some sights even offer a 360 degree virtual tour, providing an excellent view of rooms and furnishings.

Many towns and municipalities now feature vacation rentals on their tourism and convention bureau or Chamber of Commerce websites. These sites can be valuable for property owners because they provide a more directly focused pool of visitors. These sites can also offer important tips about the area and its attractions. TIA reports that 80% of adult travelers have included an historic or cultural activity while traveling. This is an important fact in a place with such rich history as Charleston.

Nearly half of online travel planners use destination websites – such as those maintained by convention and visitor bureau’s to plan trips. According to a recent survey by MSN, approximately three quarters of U.S. adult respondents who have ever taken a vacation say they visit three or more websites when researching/booking their vacation plans.

Instead of visiting traditional travel agents, many travelers are getting their travel information from generic online searches, sponsored searches, blogs, and online reviews.

Survey results from TIA indicate that lodging (including vacation rentals) is one of the top three travel services that is researched and booked online. Beaches are one of the most popular travel destinations; one in ten trips of fifty miles or more includes going to the beach.