DALLAS, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The notion of staying in a
condo, suite or private residence that has the extra amenities of home -- but
costs the same as a hotel room -- has sparked the interest of nearly
70 percent of respondents to a new survey by VacationSpot.com(R).
While more than 75 percent of respondents said that they typically stay in
a hotel while on vacation, the survey results show a growing trend for
travelers to consider booking a vacation rental (described as a condominium,
town home, villa, suite or private home) for their next trip.
According to the survey, 94 percent of participants believe vacation
rentals offer more space than a traditional hotel room; 76 percent believe
that vacation rentals offer more value for the money than a traditional hotel
room; and nearly 90 percent believe vacation rentals have more comfortable
accommodations for socializing.
"Vacation rentals are, without a doubt, the fastest growing segment in the
travel industry today," said Rick Fisher, vice president of vacation rentals
for VacationSpot.com, which is powered by Hotels.com. "And these survey
results confirm that there is tremendous interest and untapped potential for
more growth in this segment. Surprisingly, less than 10 percent of those
surveyed have ever stayed in a vacation rental."
"Vacation rentals are loaded with amenities like multiple bedrooms and
bathrooms, recreation or family rooms, fully stocked kitchens, washer/dryers,
even private pools, hot tubs and outdoor grills. They give travelers the
opportunity to enjoy more space, privacy and comfort while on vacation,"
Fisher added.
The move to roomier accommodations is really no surprise. The average
square footage of a home in the US has increased more than 800 square feet
since the mid-70s according to the National Homebuilders Association.
"People don't live in one room at home, why should they be expected to do that
on vacation?" said Fisher.
According to Fisher, there are a number of reasons the segment is
experiencing explosive growth:
"Condo Conversions": From an economic standpoint, markets such as Las
Vegas, Miami and even Panama City, Fla. are seeing major hotels and
apartments converted into suite and condominium space. Several factors
have led to this boom, including the improving performance of hotel
companies, the recent appeal of real estate over the stock market and low
interest rates.
"Togethering": A new buzz word that describes the new trend of traveling
together with friends or colleagues to a destination. "What we're seeing
is families making vacations a priority and to that end, they're really
looking for a home away from home," added Fisher. "Families want to
create an ambiance of 'togetherness,' trading amenities like butler
service and wake-up calls for a more relaxed at-home feel."
VacationSpot.com allows travelers to plan, shop and book online from among
thousands of bed and breakfast and vacation rental properties in the U.S. and
provides quality ratings, photos and detailed descriptions to help make their
decision easily and confidently. Additionally, VacationSpot.com customers can
speak with a specialist 24/7 to help make their decision by calling
1-888-290-SPOT (7768).
About VacationSpot.com
VacationSpot.com, powered by Hotels.com, is the most comprehensive
resource for booking vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts on the Internet.
VacationSpot.com offers thousands of properties in hundreds of destinations.
Travelers can book vacation rentals through the Web site,
http://www.VacationSpot.com , and through live operators available 24 hours a
day/7 days a week at 1-888-290-SPOT (7768). Hotels.com is an operating company
of Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE). CST: 2059975-40
Media Contact:
Liz Greene
The Powell Group for VacationSpot.com
lg@powellgroup.net
214.363.7763
SOURCE VacationSpot.com
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Related links:
http://www.VacationSpot.com
http://www.Hotels.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/915548.html
CONTACT:
Liz Greene of The Powell Group,
1-214-363-7763, or lg@powellgroup.net , for VacationSpot.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: For complete survey results, contact
VacationSpot.com's press office.
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