New Survey Shows Fewer Students Spent Less on Spring Break
April 9, 2009
CHARLESTON, SC – April 9, 2009 – A new survey shows that the annual rite of passage known as college Spring Break has become another victim of the struggling economy.
A study released by the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston shows that 45% of the college students surveyed indicated that they have spent less this year than in previous years during Spring Break.
Stephen W. Litvin, a Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston says that the average student spent $464 on Spring Break this year, with 11% having spent less than $100 and 11% over $1,000.
South Carolina students spent on average $427, while out-of-state students averaged $496.
The survey also shows that fewer students spent Spring Break at traditional “hot spots” this year. He says that only 26% of students visited what would be considered a “party destination” this year. Last year, 28% of the students went to a “party destination”. 48% of the students said that they either stayed in town and worked or went home for the week.
“With meetings and convention travel evaporating, family vacation budgets shrinking and students spending less on Spring Break, it looks to be a tough spring leading into a challenging summer at vacation destinations across the South,” says Litvin.
