Labor Day Weekend 2015: Traveler Spending Estimated at $13.5 Billion

Summary: The U.S. Travel Association has released figures for Labor Day weekend 2015, with traveler spending estimated at $13.5 billion.

$1 billion in denominations of $100 ~ Labor Day weekend 2015 travelers are expected to spend 13 times this amount: Michael Marcovici, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Travel Association, trade group for the U.S. travel industry, estimates a profitable Labor Day weekend 2015 for such tourism businesses as gas stations, hotels and restaurants.

Spending by travelers is estimated to reach $13.5 billion. The estimate represents a 2 percent increase over Labor Day 2014’s figure. Each traveler is anticipated to average $380 in spending.

About 35.5 million Americans are expected to log at least 50 miles (80.46 kilometers) in travel. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that 86 percent will drive to their holiday destinations while 7.4 percent, or about 2.64 million (2,640,000), will fly and 6.8 percent, or 2.42 million (2,420,000), will use other means of travel, such as bus, cruise, or train.

The U.S. Travel Association and AAA credit low gasoline costs as the spur for increased travels for Labor Day weekend 2015. The low price, with a nationwide average of $2.53 per gallon, stands as the lowest Labor Day gas price for more than a decade. The low price is topped only by $1.85 per gallon for Labor Day 2008.

Despite such seemingly attractive estimates, the U.S. Travel Association notes that 4.1 million potential travelers stay home rather than venturing afield. According to the travel group’s survey, the poor condition of highways and air-travel systems discourages billions from Labor Day weekend travels.

Whether staying home or traveling, Americans tend to find enjoyment in Labor Day weekend activities that range from outings in nature to backyard gatherings to shopping expeditions and public festivities.

Known as summer’s last hurrah, Labor Day is the third of the three major summer holidays in the United States.

Observed on May’s last Monday, Memorial Day kicks off summer. July the 4th marks summer’s middle month. Celebrated on September’s first Monday, Labor Day closes the season.

A national holiday since 1894, Labor Day marks the transition from summer to autumn with crowd-pleasing public events such as fireworks and parades. Beaches welcome locals and tourists to summer’s quintessential destination. Families and friends gather together, from nearby and afar, to enjoy the last of summer’s trademark reunions.

After Labor Day, the focus shifts to the last quarter of the year. Halloween in October, Thanksgiving in November, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve in December comprise the last quarter's festive highlights.

Labor Day picnic at Fort Lauderdale beach (Susan Stocker/Sun Sentinel file): Sun Sentinel @SunSentinel via Twitter Sept. 3, 2015

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

$1 billion in denominations of $100: Michael Marcovici, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oenbilliondollar.jpg

Labor Day picnic at Fort Lauderdale beach (Susan Stocker/Sun Sentinel file): Sun Sentinel @SunSentinel via Twitter Sept. 3, 2015, @ https://twitter.com/SunSentinel/status/639553469301587968

For further information:

“Labor Day Travelers to Spend $13.5 Billion.” Hamodia > Business. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015 (18 Elul 5771).
Available @ http://hamodia.com/2015/09/02/labor-day-travelers-to-spend-13-5-billion/

Musto, Marisa. “Labor Day Weekend Travel Forecast.” AAA Today. Aug. 27, 2015.
Available @ http://blog.ny.aaa.com/labor-day-weekend-travel-forecast/

Satchell, Arlene. "Get ready, Labor Day travel crunch begins." Sun Sentinel > Business > Tourism. Sept. 3, 2015.
Available @ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/tourism/fl-labor-day-travel-prep-20150903-story.html

Sun Sentinel @SunSentinel. "Labor Day 2015 is expected to see the highest travel volume since 2008, AAA says." Twitter. Sept. 3, 2015.
Available @ https://twitter.com/SunSentinel/status/639553469301587968