CLEVELAND, Oct. 6, 1997 - Leisure auto travel is expected to reach 990 million person-trips in 1998, up nearly 3 percent from this year's 963 million person-trips of 100 miles or more from home, according to AAA. "AAA is bullish on the future of leisure auto travel," said Graeme Clarke, senior vice president, AAA Products and Services, speaking at the Travel Industry Association's annual Marketing Outlook Forum.

"Considering that more than 50 percent of the visitors to such hot tourist draws as Orlando, Fla., Branson, Mo., and Williamsburg, Va., arrive by car, the leisure auto travel market presents enormous potential to many segments of the travel industry," Clarke said.

The nation's strong economy and unyielding consumer confidence continue to fuel the increase in the leisure travel. Also, destinations such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Cleveland, Ohio, offer a myriad of choices to those people looking for a long weekend getaway or a well-deserved vacation.

"Places like Myrtle Beach -- one of AAA's most popular destinations by car -- offer travelers choices with a capital C," said Clarke. "From the nation's oldest sculpture garden and the Carolina Opry, to a 60-mile stretch of sandy shoreline and a haven for golf enthusiasts, more than 12 million people enjoyed Myrtle Beach last year -- and not just during the summer travel season."

Travel trends to look for in the coming year:

• Although travelers will experience rising costs in nearly every segment of the industry -- air, lodging, meals to name a few -- leisure travel will continue as a staple in the American diet. In fact, according to TIA, vacations rate very high among Americans, as most gave their last vacation an overall grade of A-based on the fun factor, lack of hassles and level of service.
• The only safe prediction for 1998 gas prices is that they likely will be unpredictable. The oil and gasoline industries' move to reduce inventories and production means there are lower oil and gasoline surpluses available to shield retail prices from sometimes erratic future markets, fluctuating production schedules, stronger demand and the often tenuous political climate in the oil producing nations.
• Retail shopping will continue to gain momentum as a major leisure tourist activity. New entries such as Ontario Mills in California's San Bernardino County -- complete with more than 200 stores, a virtual-reality arcade, a man-made wildlife preserve and two ice-skating rinks -- may top Disneyland as the state's biggest attraction.
• With 20 new cruise vessels coming on line between 1996 and 1999, consumers may find attractive discounts to help fill these new mega-ships -- among them Disney's entry into the cruise market in March of next year with the Disney Magic.

Web Site: http://www.aaa.com/news/news.html

SOURCE American Automobile Association

CONTACT: Jerry Cheske or Jill Mross, both of AAA, 407-444-8000/