Shopping Remains a Preferred Vacation Activity in the U.S. despite Sagging Economy

In spite of the challenging economy, the latest travel research shows that shopping remains a desirable activity for leisure travelers, ahead of other popular vacation pastimes.

According to the just-released Ypartnership/Yankelovich Inc. 2009 National Travel MONITOR, more than one-quarter of all leisure travelers (26 percent) cite shopping as an activity of interest when on vacation.

Another recent study reveals shopping is desirable for international travelers visiting the United States, too. More than half (50 percent) of international travelers surveyed who have visited this country and shopped here during the last 12 months say they are likely to return and shop here again during the next year, according to the inaugural 2009 International Shopping Traveler study.

This online survey, conducted early this year, was commissioned by Taubman Centers and Shop America Alliance in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries*.

What’s more, Orlando ranked Number Four on the list of Top 25 U.S. cities visited by international shopping travelers, ahead of Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., the International Shopping Traveler study found.

Shopping, dining and entertainment venues, such as The Mall at Millenia, continue to see robust traffic even in a challenging economy. Currently, this Mall is enjoying a 97 percent occupancy rate, with high-profile stores, such as Christian Audigier, Tory Burch and True Religion Brand Jeans, leasing new space.

Shoppers enjoy top design houses, including Gucci, Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo. Popular national stores include Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Abercrombie & Fitch, Juicy Couture, Coach and Crate & Barrel. Little luxuries like spa treatments and personal fashion consultants offer an unexpected retreat.