Americans’ vacation day usage up, study finds
Americans on average last year took more vacation days off of work than in any year since 2010.
A study by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that the average American worker took 17.2 vacation days in 2017, a slight increase of 0.4 percent from the previous year.
The number is the highest it has been since 2010, when workers averaged 17.5 days of vacation days.
The data could open an opportunity for local tourism organizations to fuel continued growth in their already-record numbers.
“We try to influence visitors by using our website and social media,” said Luann Brooks, executive director of the International Drive Business Improvement District. “We have to leverage those for the individuals who are coming to the area.”
The news comes as International Drive businesses plan to debut attractions, such as the StarFlyer, within the next few weeks.
The new attraction, along with another parking garage set to open soon, could help attract more locals that take time off and stay home.
The study revealed that despite growth in the number of days off American workers take, they still spend less than half of that time traveling.
“While Orlando is a top international destination, the mainstay of our visitors — nearly 90 percent — are from the U.S., so we’re encouraged to see America’s vacation usage is moving in the right direction,” said Becca Bides, Visit Orlando’s vice president of marketing. “One of the great parts of this study for us is the validation of the special feelings that come from a vacation, including increased levels of happiness and connectedness, which is a great testament for the Orlando brand.”
Project: Time Off vice president and report author Katie Denis said work-related challenges, including a fear of appearing replaceable, hindered time off taken.
“While Americans are now using more vacation time, the benefits aren’t being fully realized because most workers are using less than half of their time off for travel,” she said. “Simple and avoidable barriers to travel end up costing American workers in the long term.”
For the entire report, visit Project: Time Off ’s website.