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Press Release: The American Express Retail Index
December 5, 2002
NEW YORK, NY -- More than 70 percent of Americans are traveling this holiday, proving that the travel industry
is seeing a steady rebound, according to the 2002 American Express Retail Index, a national consumer poll.
Of those planning to travel, 55 percent will be driving to their destination, 16 percent will be flying to their
holiday getaway, while 30 percent will be home for the holidays.
Travelers are also spending more this holiday season compared with previous years: 13% of respondents said they
plan to spend $500 or more on their holiday travel, compared with 10 percent in 2001 and 9 percent in 2000, the
survey found.
Bookings in American Express Travel service locations show that travelers planning more exotic vacations this holiday
are opting for warm weather retreats and relaxing vacations such as cruises, Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii.
Domestically, Las Vegas, Orlando, New York City, Hawaii and ski destinations like Aspen and Vail are popular.
In another holiday travel trend, an increasing number of Americans will unwrap a gift of travel this holiday season
as more travel agencies offer gift certificates and other travel-related gifts among their wares.
The American Express Retail Index found that those receiving travel as a holiday gift would most like to wake up
to find the following travel-related items under their tree: air tickets (36 percent); a cruise package (34 percent)
a gift certificate for a trip of choice (36 percent); a hotel stay (24 percent) or a spa getaway (16 percent).
Not only do many Americans wish for the gift of travel, but many plan to give it. The survey found that travel-related
gifts rank sixth on American's wish lists, and six percent of holiday gift-givers plan to present a friend or loved
one with a gift of travel this holiday season.
For more information, contact American Express Corporate Communications Department at 212-640-0647.
The American Express Retail Index on holiday shopping was conducted by telephone between October 11 and October
18 as part of an omnibus study and surveyed 800 heads of households, age 18 and older. The 2002 American Express
Retail Index looked at spending, buying attitudes, shopping trends and preferences among the general consuming
public. The margin of error is +/- 3.5%.
American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It
is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services,
insurance and international banking.
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Contact:
American Express, New York
Dina Long, 212/640-0647
or
Desiree Fish, 212/640-4761
Source: The American Express Retail Index