(TAN): The US remains the preferred choice for shopping holidaymakers, as evident at Virtuoso Travel Week, which took place in Las Vegas, from August 13–18, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said.
“Retail tourism is a thriving market segment of the travel & tourism sector in the US,” said WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson at the event.
The joint research collaboration between WTTC and the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with The Bicester Collection, will be published on September 7 during an event taking place at La Roca Village, part of The Bicester Collection, in Barcelona, Spain.
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Historically, retail tourism has been overlooked by researchers; resulting in limited data for travel providers to plan and invest strategically. The latest report by WTTC seeks to correct that, providing insights into people’s shopping habits when travelling, such as out-of-town retail destinations; the latest trends in retail tourism, such as sustainable retail, and the immense potential it holds for destinations and businesses.
Simpson said: “For millions around the world, shopping is one of life’s great pleasures. The pandemic impacted both travel and retail industries severely, but as the world reopens, this report shows how the retail experience can become a journey too. Our latest findings on the US reinforce its allure as a shopping mecca, highlighting the vital role that retail tourism plays in the country’s Travel & Tourism sector.”
