AAA expects Labor Day holiday travel to reach a new post-recession high with 33 million Americans, including 1.36 million Ohioans, traveling at least 50 miles from home between Thursday Aug. 30 and Monday Sept. 3. This is an increase of 2.9 percent nationwide and 3.1 percent for Ohio from Labor Day 2011. This marks the third straight holiday in 2012 with an anticipated increase in travel.
A sluggish economy and high gas prices continue to squeeze many families’ budgets, yet, holiday travel continues to grow. AAA attributes this year’s expected increase in Labor Day travel to Americans’ unwavering desire to travel and year-over-year improvements in consumer confidence.
Growth in the travel industry has a positive effect on employment and the overall economy. In the first quarter of 2012 the travel and tourism industry supported 7.6 million American jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In a survey of intended travelers 66 percent said their current financial situation would not impact their Labor Day holiday travel plans. Of the remaining 34 percent of travelers who said their current finances would impact their travel plans:
- 21 percent will economize in other areas such as reducing spending on sightseeing and staying with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room
- 9 percent will take a shorter trip
- 4 percent will travel by an alternative mode of transportation
Despite high gas prices, automobile travel remains the dominant form of transportation, as it is often more affordable, convenient and flexible. This holiday, an estimated 28.2 million Americans, including more than 1.2 million Ohioans, will take to the roads. This is an increase of 3.1 percent nationally and 3.3 percent in Ohio.
Air travel is expected to makes up a much smaller percentage of the overall Labor Day travel volume, with about 2.5 million Americans, including approximately 50,000 Ohioans, flying during the holiday. Still, airports will likely be crowded, with an expected increase of 3.7 percent nationally and 3.9 percent in Ohio.
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2012 Labor Day Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at Newsroom.AAA.com.
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