The latest ITB World Travel Trends Report, dated March 11 and released at the ITB World Travel Convention in Berlin, will be available from http://www.itb-berlin.de beginning March 30.

Among the trends noted:

• Internet travel bookings will surge
• Demand for online virtual meetings will increase, thereby reducing demand for business travel and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Congress, Events) sector.

The trends report is based on half a million travel interviews in 58 countries. The report indicates that most travel markets will see a decline in business in 2009. The report further indicates that 2010 will be neutral, and small growth is expected to return in 2011 and 2012.

The interviews indicate that 66% of European travelers and 60% of Asian travelers will change their travel plans due to economic conditions. This means they will be more likely to travel only domestically, for shorter periods of time, and to less expensive destinations. The report predicts, however, that travel demand in 2009 will see increased growth in China, India, and Latin America, although the growth will be at a slower rate than in the past 10 years.

To help deal with a prolonged economic downturn, travel, resort, and hospitality destinations can reduce costs, offer outstanding price-cutting deals to guests, and increase email marketing and online sales initiatives to their target markets.