Many Americans Suffering From Vacation Deficit

New York, NY -- The federal budget is not the only thing in the midst of a deficit, with a new Ipsos Public Affairs poll sponsored by Access America finding that many in the United States are in the throes of a "vacation deficit." The survey indicates that while two in three (67%) believe taking an annual vacation is important' (40% very/27% somewhat), among those that do, nearly one in four (23%) suggest they're not confident they'll get one this year.

Interestingly, those who are more likely to place a higher importance on taking a yearly vacation include individuals aged 18 to 34 (74%), those whose family earns in excess of $50,000 a year (73%), those with children in the household (73%), and Hispanics (77%).

At the time of the survey in late July, four in ten (37%) Americans overall reported that they had already taken a vacation in 2009, while another three in ten (29%) remained `confident' (17% very/12% somewhat) that they would take a vacation in 2009, defined as leisure travel of at least a week to a destination at least 100 miles from home. One in three (32%) are not confident (19% not at all/13% not very) that they'll get a vacation this year.

Many Americans might be chomping at the bit to snag a good deal, with three quarters (72%) agreeing (32% strongly/40% somewhat) that this is a good time to find great travel deals. But Americans are split on what kind of deals they prefer the most: while some prefer attractions such as discounted or free tickets, cruise excursions or meals (24%), others prefer free nights in a hotel (24%), hotel upgrades (21%), air upgrades (13%), or car rental upgrades or free days (6%).

When it comes to the best places to find these deals, the majority (57%) says online is the best place, while others turn to friends or family (14%) to recommend deals, or to traditional travel agents (11%).

The survey also revealed that even those individuals who do not place a particular importance on a yearly vacation are vacationing. One quarter (23%) of those who say taking a yearly vacation isn't important say they're confident (10% very/13% somewhat) that they will vacation, while 22% have already taken one this year. Still, a majority (54%) of these Americans aren't confident (35% not at all/18% not very/ 1% don't know) they'll take a vacation this year.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted July 16-20, 2009. For the survey, a nationally representative sample of 1,000 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and over residing in the U.S. interviewed by telephone via Ipsos' U.S. Telephone Express omnibus. With a sample of this size, the results are considered accurate within 1773.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population of adults in the U.S. been polled. The margin of error will be larger within regions and for other sub-groupings of the survey population. These data were weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/gender composition reflects that of the actual U.S. population according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more information on this news release, please contact: Sean Simpson Research Manager Ipsos Public Affairs (416) 572-4474 [email protected]

About Ipsos Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.

In 2008, Ipsos generated global revenues of e979.3 million ($1.34 billion U.S.).

Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.

Ipsos, listed on the Eurolist of Euronext - Comp B, is part of SBF 120 and the Mid-100 Index, adheres to the Next Prime segment and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Isin FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP