Inflation: It's Impacting Summer Travel Decisions More Than COVID-19

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) recently conducted a Survey of 2,210 Adults, with some surprising results.

More than two years into the Pandemic, Americans report that Gas Prices and Inflation will Impact their Summer Travel Decisions more than Concerns about COVID-19, according to a New Survey Conducted by Morning Consult and Commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Memorial Day Weekend marked the Start of the Summer Travel Season, a traditionally busy time for the Hotel Industry. This year, nearly seven in ten Americans (69%) Reported being likely to travel this Summer, with 60% saying they are likely to take more Vacations this year compared to 2020-21.

New concerns about Gas prices and Inflation, however, are impacting Americans’ Travel Plans in a variety of ways. Majorities say they are likely to take fewer Leisure Trips (57%) and Shorter Trips (54%) due to Current Gas Prices, while 44% are likely to postpone Trips and 33% are likely to Cancel with no plans to reschedule. 82% say Gas Prices will have at least some Impact on their Travel Destination(s).

Key Findings
• 68% of Americans agree they have a greater appreciation for Travel because of missed experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• 90% say Gas Prices are a consideration in deciding whether to Travel in the next three months (50% major consideration, 23% moderate consideration, 17% slight consideration, 10% not a consideration)

• 90% say Inflation is a consideration in deciding whether to Travel in the next three months (39% major consideration, 31% moderate consideration, 20% slight consideration, 10% not a consideration)

• 78% of Americans say that COVID-19 Infection Rates are a consideration in deciding whether to Travel this Summer (33% major consideration, 23% moderate consideration, 22% slight consideration, 22% not a consideration)

“The Pandemic has instilled in most people a greater appreciation for Travel, and that’s reflected in the plans Americans are making to get out and about this Summer. But just as COVID’s Negative Impact on Travel is starting to wane, a new set of challenges is emerging in the form of Historic Inflation and Record High Gas Prices. We will be keeping a close eye on these issues and urging Congress and the Administration to do the same in order to help ensure they don’t negatively impact Hotels’ continued Pandemic Recovery,” said Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

AHLA recently relaunched its Hospitality is Working Campaign with a focus on reigniting Travel across the Nation and highlighting Hotels’ Positive Economic Impact in Cities across the Country. With Travel ramping back up, Hotels have embarked on an unprecedented Hiring Spree to recruit hundreds of thousands of workers for more than 200 Hotel Career Pathways.

About AHLA
In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic,Hospitality was the first Industry Impacted and it will be among the last to recover. That is why AHLA is committed to promoting Safe Travel while also creating a Standardized Safety experience Nationwide through the Safe Stay Initiative. With an enhanced set of Health and Safety Protocols designed to provide a Safe and Clean Environment for all Hotel Guests and Employees, Hotels across America are ready to welcome back Travelers when they are ready to Travel. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the Sole National Association representing all segments of the U.S. Lodging Industry. Learn more At: www.ahla.com.