Historic and Cultural Travel More Popular Than Ever

June 27, 2003

Historic and Cultural Travel More Popular Than Ever
According to a new study conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) and Smithsonian Magazine, travelers’ desires to visit cultural and historical destinations is stronger than ever. In fact, 81 percent, or 118 million, of U.S. adults who traveled in the past year are considered historical and cultural travelers.

The study found that these travelers included cultural or historical components on almost 217 million person trips in 2002, spending an average of $623 per trip, excluding the cost of transportation. In comparison to the average trip taken in the United States, historic and cultural trips are more likely to spend seven nights or longer, and travelers often lengthen the trip to experience more history and culture.

The top destinations visited by cultural and historical travelers include California, Texas, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois and more.

To learn more about the TIA study, visit TIA.org.