Consumers are continuing to use the Internet to make their travel arrangements, but usage has declined over the past few years, The Conference Board and TNS reported.

Among those using the Internet to make travel arrangements, the ability to book airfares online garnered the highest level of satisfaction, with 48
percent of customers claiming they are “extremely” satisfied. The ability to make car rental arrangements online also received high marks with nearly 42 percent of customers saying they are extremely satisfied.

More women than men, 21 percent versus nearly 19 percent, used travel websites solely to research their travel arrangements. However, more men than women, 34 percent versus 33 percent, researched and also booked their travel arrangements via a travel website. In terms of satisfaction with travel websites, only 30 percent of consumers expressed a high level of satisfaction with these sites, although an additional 55 percent say they are somewhat satisfied.

Two out of every ten consumers say they have used the Internet more this year than last to research travel arrangements, while 18 percent have increased their online bookings. Ease of use was the primary reason behind the boost in online usage, followed by instant availability. Past experience and promotions are also among the top reasons consumers cited for their increased usage. Conversely, nearly one out of every four consumers say they used the Internet less than last year for making travel arrangements.

The Consumer Internet Barometer, produced by The Conference Board, the global business research and membership organization, and TNS, a global market insight and information group, surveys 10,000 households across the country and tracks who’s doing what on the Internet.

Originally posted on July 12, 2007 @ 11:18 am