With this post, I’m wrapping up my coverage of PhoCusWright. It was a good week to learn about innovation, catch up with old friends, and meet new people within the industry. I’d say the common theme (besides vacation rentals and trip planning) was a heightened awareness and cautiousness about the state of the economy.
Yes, airlines are seeing relief as the price of oil continues to plummet, but there is still a great deal of concern that people will, *gasp*, start living more within their means. That leaves many wondering what that will do to travel spend. People will always want to go home for the holidays, but there’s no doubt more people will think about driving instead. And maybe some will start rethinking those quick weekend getaways as well. The potential impact is large, without question.
So, we’ll have to see what the mood is like when the conference shifts back to Orlando next year, but hopefully we won’t have nearly as much to worry about.
