Orlando, Fla. (April 29, 2011) – The latest trend in mobile computing, the tablet, is certainly making an impact on the technological landscape, but how will it change the way consumers approach planning, purchasing and sharing information about travel?  New insights from the Ypartnership/Harrison Group 2011 Portrait of the American Travelers reveal how active travelers are utilizing tablets and how these usage patterns differ from other forms of mobile connectivity.

Approximately one-quarter have navigated a destination using the GPS function, viewed a virtual visitor guide, or shared information and photos on their tablet device while traveling.  And two in ten have used the check in feature or an app on their tablet computer to connect with family and friends via social media platforms.

•    42% - Comparison shop airfares and hotel rates;

•    39% - Search for the latest information on flight schedules and delays;

•    37% - Book air travel or lodging;

•    35% - Look for ratings or reviews of hotels, restaurants or destinations, etc.;

•    27% - Navigate a destination using the GPS functionality on your device;

•    26% - View virtual visitor guides that provide information on things to do and see in a destination;

•    24% - Share information and photos about your travel experiences;

•    18% - Use check in feature or apps such as Facebook Places or foursquare to share with others;

•    17% - Participate in customer loyalty by using like function on social networking sites;

•    13% - Download and use mobile coupons from your device;

•    13% - Download an audio walking tour of a destination to your device;

•    11% - Use a destination-specific app.

Ypartnership is America's leading marketing services company serving travel, leisure and entertainment clients. The agency's Insights group is widely acknowledged as the preeminent source of market intelligence on emerging business and leisure travel trends. The firm also co-authors the quarterly travelhorizons survey with the U.S. Travel Association. For more information, visit http://www.ypartnership.com.