Travel industry scrambles to cope as Americans spend less

February 23, 2009 |

A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds that 58% of people who normally take an annual vacation away from home will shrink their vacation spending this year - or just not go.

The travel industry sees the storm coming and is hustling to respond. For April, spring break time, airlines have scheduled 8.5% fewer seats than last April on domestic and international flights from the USA, according to OAG-Official Airline Guide. They've scheduled 8.4% fewer seats for June.

Travelocity.com has just launched a "deals" page. It promotes the biggest discount airfare and hotel packages by destination. Legendary destinations are responding, too. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is advertising three nights free, along with theme park tickets, with a four-night/four-day package for April through August.

But big vacations could be a tough sell for the travel industry in these tough times.

Get the full story at USA TODAY

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