Travel spending is increasing at an even greater rate than the overall economy in the US

The US economy is expected to enjoy healthy growth through 2005, and
travel spending is increasing at an even greater rate than the overall
economy, according to Research and Markets.

The company, while announcing that it has added Internet travel booking
in the United States to its offering, said that the growth can be
attributed to growing Internet penetration, increased confidence among
users, and improved technology, products and content from online travel
companies.

"The Internet provides travelers with an ever increasing number of
options, both in terms of the number of sites available and the
information, services and products offered. This expansion of options
has led to an intensification of competition among travel providers and
suppliers, with many companies battling for the online customer," it
said.

"The Internet has proven itself as a major distribution channel for the
travel industry, in that it widens the distribution of both
travel-related content, pricing information, and travel planning tools
for consumers. While it has aided in empowering consumers to research,
plan and book their own travel, it has also created transparency,
resulting in a much more price-sensitive shopper. Nonetheless, the
travel industry is in a mode of recovery and the Internet is and will
continue to be a critical channel for the industry, destinations, and
consumers. It is anticipated that in 2005 one-third of all travel will
be sold online," said a statement from the company.

The company said Internet use as a means to research and book travel
will continue to trend-up as technology and users become more
sophisticated. Competition will increase and companies that are able in
invest in travel research and booking feature improvements, targeted
promotions and robust CRM programs will reap the greatest benefits, it
said.