Travel Guard® – 2012 In Review & 2013 Travel Predictions

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Welcome to the December edition of TRAVEL GUARD UPDATE, a monthly review designed to provide you with up-to-date information on the latest travel trends. This month, we polled travel agents to learn about trends that shaped travel in 2012, and their predictions moving into 2013. We’ll also touch upon New Year’s resolutions and how a travel insurance plan saved the day during a safari in Africa.

Travel Guard invites your comments and suggestions on any areas you’d like to see covered in this regular update. E-mail your thoughts to us at aparry@mmgyglobal.com. For more information on our travel insurance programs, please visit www.TravelGuard.com.

In this month’s issue:

PULSE POLL: 2012 IN REVIEW & 2013 PREDICTIONS
TRAVEL TIP: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: TRAVEL MISHAP WHILE ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA

Travel Guard recently polled travel agents to learn about trends that shaped travel in 2012, and their predictions moving into 2013. Results are below.

The Sandy Effect: Several major events shaped the travel landscape in 2012, and 35% of agents polled felt that Superstorm Sandy and the disruptions it caused had the most significant impact on the travel this year. This was followed closely by the Costa Concordia incident in January, which 29% of agents felt had the biggest impact. Agents also felt the economy and the election (23%) also impacted travel, while the Summer Olympics (8%) and Hurricane Issac (6%) had much less of an effect.

Value Reigns Supreme: Though the economy has continued to improve, travelers are still concerned with getting the most for their money, as 31% of agents reported that the emphasis of value over cost was the most significant travel trend of 2012. Multigenerational travel was another significant trend reported by 22% of agents, as was the interest in emerging destinations (16%). Up In The Air: While 2012 presented a variety of travel challenges, agents felt clients were most likely concerned with the increased number of airline fees with 28% of agents noting their proliferation as a top concern, followed by delays and cancellations (25%). Unexpected trip cancellations (18%), medical emergencies while traveling (11%), natural disasters (8%) and acts of terrorism (6%) were lesser areas of concern.

Preparing For the Unknown: Given the concerns of the past year, 83% of agents reported that travelers’ awareness of travel insurance is greater than in previous years. In fact, 60% of agents responded that more clients purchased travel insurance in 2012 compared to years past.

Looking Forward: With the prevalence of mobile resources available for travelers, 43% of agents polled felt that the use of mobile apps, as an additional resource to organize and manage travel plans, would be the most significant travel trend for 2013. Agents also felt that multigenerational travel will be a significant trend (25%), as well as the trend of travelers taking multiple trips throughout the year as opposed to one extended vacation (19%).

Where We’re Headed: Emerging destinations continue to be of interest, with 36% of agents reporting that Central America will be the most popular of these destinations in 2013, followed by South Asia (21%) and the Baltic States (17%). No matter where people are traveling to and what kind of resources they are using to manage their trip, agents predict that spending will not change significantly, with 47% reporting that spending will remain about the same and 40% saying spending will be somewhat more.

TRAVEL TIP: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

A new year has always been a time for a fresh start by taking a look at the past and planning for the future. As 2012 proved, travelers never know what each adventure is going to have in store for them. They should be prepared for everything from flight delays and cancellations to medical emergencies and natural disasters. Perhaps the easiest New Year’s resolution a traveler can make and keep is to cover their investment by purchasing a travel insurance plan when planning their next vacation.

Travel Guard North America’s insurance and assistance plans provide coverage while away from home, including 24-hour assistance for last minute trip changes, reimbursement of non-refundable deposits, trip cancellation coverage, baggage delay and more. Travel Guard also has plans that cover children aged 17 and under at no additional charge.

To view Travel Guard’s travel insurance and assistance service plans, visit www.TravelGuard.com.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: TRAVEL MISHAP WHILE ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA

I was in South Africa on safari. On the first evening of the safari I fell while out in the bush. I broke my ankle in two places and required surgery. Upon my release from the hospital I contacted Travel Guard. They immediately assigned a claim number and started working on revised travel plans to get me home.

Due to my injury, I was required to keep my leg elevated at all times. Travel Guard arranged for my husband and I to travel home in business class so this was possible. Upon my return home I submitted all medical bills to their claims department. All covered expenses were paid within 30 days. I would never consider travelling again without travel insurance. Thank you Travel Guard!

– Rebecca E., Waxahachie, TX

About Travel GuardTravel Guard Worldwide, Inc., a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks. Travel Guard’s global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allows clients to receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard’s suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguard.ca.

The coverage listed here is for U.S. residents only. To learn more about coverage in Canada, please call 1-866-648-8422.

This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (“Travel Guard”).

If you’d like more information about Travel Guard news, contact:

Carol Mueller
1.715.295.9123
Carol.Mueller@travelguard.com

Shannon Semmerling
1.715.295.0950
Shannon.Semmerling@travelguard.com

Ashley Norman / Anna Parry
MMGY Global
1.212.219.7560 ext 6777 / 6766
anorman@mmgyglobal.com
aparry@mmgyglobal.com

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