SAN DIEGO — Ensemble Travel Group members say early indications show 2017 as a banner year across all travel segments, with Europe coming back in a big way. The Ensemble Insights Survey, conducted in September, reflects the input of nearly 200 members across Canada and the U.S.

For overall bookings in 2017, 62% of respondents said they expect sales to increase when compared to 2016 activity, with Europe rebounding for 46% of the participants in the year ahead, compared to an anticipated decrease expected by 49% of respondents for Europe bookings in 2016.

Ensemble members chose Croatia, Iceland and Ireland as their top spots in a list of international destinations that clients are showing a new or renewed interest in (other than traditional favorites such as Paris and Rome).

“All signs are pointing to an extraordinary year in 2017. And what makes it even better is that 2016 is going to be one of the best performances in our company’s history,” said Ensemble’s Georganne Shirk, VP, Marketing, North America.

In the cruise category in 2017, 65% of the respondents expect bookings to increase compared to 2016, with 42% indicating the premium segment to have the largest gain, followed by contemporary (30%) and luxury (28%). New itineraries, new ships, and cruise line loyalty programs are the top three features that keep veteran travellers returning to this type of popular vacation experience, according to survey respondents. In addition, river cruises continue to be popular as 49% of survey respondents forecast an increase next year compared to 2016.

Cruising also was the clear choice by Ensemble members for the product generating the most customer loyalty at 66%, followed by air (17%), tour (11%), and hotel (6%). Driving much of cruising’s popularity was “consistency of product” and “loyalty/rewards” programs.

In the land segment next year, 61% of the respondents report bookings to increase compared to 2016, with FITs reporting the largest gain at 57%, followed by groups (26%) and escorted tours (17%). Looking ahead, domestic travel in both the U.S. and Canada, which gained momentum in 2016 due to world events, will remain a solid travel option in 2017 as 35% in the U.S. and 20% in Canada expect continued growth closer to home.

In the travel insurance category, 65% of the respondents forecast an increase in 2017 compared to 2016. According to survey results, the top two reasons for purchasing travel insurance are general medical concerns/accident-illness (61%) and older age of traveler or companion (36%).

According to respondents, the top four ways clients are avoiding paying incremental airline fees are by opting for carry-on baggage rather than checked (56%); avoiding travelling on certain airlines (51%); using affinity airline credit cards (50%); and paying more to go non-stop (32%).

When asked for what are the two biggest changes in the travel industry or consumer demand that have impacted the job as a travel agent in the last 10 years – excluding technology and OTAs, Ensemble members cited the impact of world events on bookings (42%) and number and complexity of travel products (36%).

“Traveling has become much more complex, between responding to the impact of world events to wading through more numerous and multi-faceted travel products,” said Shirk. “The Ensemble Insights Survey supports the growing importance of the travel professional and how that position has evolved from order taker to that of consultant, advisor, and specialist.”

The 2016 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference is taking place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Ensemble Travel Group Co-Presidents Lindsay Pearlman and Libbie Rice announced several new initiatives designed to “deliver the difference” for the organization’s members and partners as they kicked off the event. Some 900 members, suppliers and guests are in attendance. Ensemble reported a strong acquisition performance, welcoming 76 new member locations to the global organization since last year’s conference in Orlando.