Local travel business remains lively, diverse

Even though the economy nationally is experiencing a downturn, locally there are many people who have disposable income and are using it to travel to Mexico, Europe and Las Vegas according to local travel agents.

Some Springfield travel agencies are seeing a slowdown, but most seem to be doing as well or even better than at this time last year. Agents say that while business is good and people have money to spend on travel, they are always looking for specials that will save them money.

Brian McDaniel is the vice president of corporate sales for McDaniel Travel, 1550 E. Battlefield. He said corporate travel has slowed down this year.

"This slowdown has been going on for the last two or three quarters," he said. "I don't know how long it will last. We look at our clients' travel patterns every couple of months. We're looking for ways to better utilize what they're doing: where they stay, what airlines they use."

Missy Dumler, director of leisure and group sales for McDaniel Travel, said their leisure travel sales have been down for the last several months.

"People are traveling, but they're going on smaller trips," she said. "They were traveling to Europe, but now they're choosing to stay in the United States."

Dumler said she lets her clients know they can save money by going on a group tour and by faxing and e-mailing them information on travel discounts and specials.

At the Cruise and Travel Connection, 2119 E. Division, owner Jill Williams said she's having the best couple of months she's had in a long time.

"We're at least 25 percent busier than we were in January of February of last year," she said.

"Some tour packages are even sold out. Cruises to Cancun and trips to Las Vegas have been among the most popular trips we've sold this year," Williams said.

Williams said the Internet has helped their business.

"After spending time on the Internet, they learn there are specials out there," she said. "Then they call us to book a vacation package."

Kris Conley, vice president in charge of operations for Great Southern Travel, said their company is doing significantly better this year than it was last January and February.

Leisure sales are up about 12 percent while the amount of corporate travel has remained about the same.

"I think more people are traveling because we're offering a lot of promotions and sales," he said. "We also have more visibility being in our new building, at 3424 S. National, and we have longer hours than other travel agencies."

In addition to more people traveling, Conley said they're also spending more money.

"We're seeing more big money items than ever," he said. "People are choosing to travel in Europe as opposed to Las Vegas."

Business at Admiral Travel, 1923 S. Glenstone, is as busy now as this time last year, according to Office Supervisor Ainey Hampton.

"The only real differences this year are that most people are planning their vacations ahead. That's probably so they can budget ahead for it. The other difference is that more people are traveling to Mexico than ever before. I think that's because you don't have to have a passport, it's Americanized, they have beautiful beaches and water and clean accommodations."

Hampton predicted that the next year will be just as busy. "People are already calling to make their Christmas and spring break travel plans for 2002."