he U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), at its Annual Conference & Marketplace at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Fla., released results of its annual travel trend and forecast survey of its active tour operator members. It also recapped highlights of the group’s previous year and offered a preview of what’s to come in 2020.

USTOA’s survey had feedback rom 89 percent of its active members. For 2019, 69 percent of active members reported an increase in sales, while 50 percent said sales increased by 10 percent or higher. Growth in customers was reported by 67 percent of members, with 52 percent saying they say growth of 10 percent or higher. The increase was attributed to better marketing by 37 percent, while another 37 percent attributed it to added capacity through expanded portfolio of products, new programs and new ship builds.

Even better than the growth in sales or 2019 was the outlook or 2020. Confidence is high for 2020, with 82 percent of USTOA members anticipating growth, and nearly half (45 percent) saying they are “optimistic” and forecasting a “boom year” with growth anywhere from 7 to 10 percent or higher.

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