REGIONAL— More than two years into the pandemic, Americans report that gas prices and inflation will impact their summer travel decisions more than concerns about COVID-19, according to a new survey conducted by the polling firm Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
The findings could have an impact on summer travel to northeastern Minnesota, where some area resorts are already struggling with the effects of record high water.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer travel season, a traditionally busy time for the hotel and resort industry. And this year, nearly seven in ten Americans (69 percent) report being likely to travel this summer, with 60 percent saying they are likely to take more vacations this year compared to 2020 and 2021.
That finding seems consistent with what lodging facilities are seeing in northeastern Minnesota. “We’ve spent the last three Mondays visiting with chamber members involved in lodging and we’re hearing they have very strong reservations at this point,” said Eva Sebesta, executive director of the Ely Chamber of Commerce. “We had a few conversations about gas prices and whether it would influence folks. I don’t think there was a huge level of concern. I expect will be another really good summer based on the conversations I’ve had.”
While the cost of a road trip may be a bit higher this season, Sebesta notes that the past two years, when the area saw large numbers of new visitors to the area who were primed for outdoor experiences, appears to be paying off again this year. Interest in outdoor activities spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, since indoor activities presented a higher risk of infection.
Sebesta said the Boundary Waters was particularly popular as large numbers of people seemed to covet the isolation that the wilderness provided. It appears that interest in the wilderness has yet to abate. “I’m hearing that Boundary Waters permits are really booked up for the season,” she said.
Even so, the new survey found that 57 percent of respondents indicated they are likely to take fewer and shorter leisure trips as a result of inflation, particularly gas prices, while 44 percent said they are likely to postpone trips and 33 percent are likely to cancel plans. Eighty-two percent say gas prices will have at least some impact on their travel destinations.
What respondents tell pollsters, however, may not always be consistent with what they eventually decide to do. Sebesta notes that even though gas prices are high, the additional cost of gas is a surprisingly small factor compared to the other costs of travel, including dining, lodging, and other activities.
The survey of 2,210 adults was conducted May 18-22, 2022. Other key findings include:
• 68 percent of Americans agree they have a greater appreciation for travel because of missed experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
• 57 percent are planning a family vacation this summer, a majority of which plan to stay in a hotel.
• 46 percent are likely to travel overnight for a family event such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or family reunion.
• 25 percent are likely to travel for Memorial Day; 32 percent for 4th of July; and 27 percent for Labor Day.
• 60 percent say they are likely to take more vacations this year compared to 2020-2021.
• 60 percent are likely to attend more indoor gatherings.
• 57 percent are likely to take longer vacations.
• 56 percent are likely to take trips to farther-away destinations.
• Due to current gas prices, 57 percent are likely to take fewer leisure trips, 54 percent are likely to take shorter leisure trips, 44 percent are likely to postpone trips, and 33 percent are likely to cancel with no plans to reschedule.
• 90 percent say inflation is a consideration in deciding whether to travel in the next three months (39 percent major consideration, 31 percent moderate consideration, 20 percent slight consideration, 10 percent not a consideration).
• 78 percent of Americans say that COVID-19 infection rates are a consideration in deciding whether to travel this summer (33 percent major consideration, 23 percent moderate consideration, 22 percent slight consideration, 22 percent not a consideration).