Things Are Looking Up!!!

Don’t ask me how, but based on reports from the travel industry, we are poised for one of the best years in a long time.  Read on:

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Manzo, reported last month that Mexico is expecting 2012 to be a record-breaking year for tourism in Mexico.  In 2011, they reported 191.5 million domestic and international visitors.  She noted that by this years end, more than 200 million tourists are expected.  Since tourism represents 9% of Mexico’s GDP and generates more than 2.5 million jobs, and since hotel occupancy has registered 18 months of continuous growth, they are really pumped about what the future holds for 2013.  We here at The Travel Factory like to see that positive report because Mexico is probably the most requested international destination from our guests.  It’s close to us, and the all-inclusive resort vacations are real bargains.

A report from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism indicates that over 3.5 million tourists will have entered Israel by the end of 2012, an increase of 4% over last years figures.  The United States has sent over 610,000 tourists, Russia was a close second with 590,000 visitors.  They reported that 58% of the incoming tourists were Christian pilgrims and that 62% of the tourists were first-time visitors.  The most visited locales were Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Tiberias and Nazareth. The Travel Factory contributed 48 to that number last February, and we hope to contribute that many more this coming July.  If you are interested in a memory-making trip of a lifetime, call us for more details or go to our website: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com and click on “Featured Tours”.

Airlines are reporting on-time arrivals the highest since 2003.  During the first 10 months of 2012, 82% of flights landed within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.  The stakes are high.  Late flights cost customers and money, so the airlines are coming up with different kinds of incentives to get their flight crews and baggage handlers and check-in agents motivated to keep the people and their luggage moving quickly.  Considering now that the flights are more crowded and the plethora of carry-on luggage becoming the norm, that on-time performance is quite an accomplishment.

Not ever wanting to leave any segment of the industry out, let me report that Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line have made announcements within the past month that they are going to be cruising out of Texas the next two years.  No. . .not out of Galveston. . .out of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal, which has been mostly vacant since being completed in 2008.  Princess is moving from Galveston in November, 2013; NCL is waiting for the fall of 2014 to begin sailing from there.  Until then, The Travel Factory can provide you with all kinds of cruising opportunities as well as land-based vacation options, so drop on in for a face-to-face visit or call us at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.  We sell real good, well-experienced service!!