Hotwire Survey Reveals Majority of Americans Have Never Visited Some of Our Most Important U.S. Landmarks

SAN FRANCISCO, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotwire.com®, a leading discount travel site, today announced further results from their American Travel Behavior Survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive in July amongst over 2,000 adults age 18+.  The survey revealed that a majority of Americans have never visited some of the Nation's most well-known landmarks including the Alamo, Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge and the White House. With the weather heating up and Hotwire's one-day hotel sale March 30, there's no better – or more affordable – time for Americans to see what their country has to offer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120327/AQ77455)

According to the survey results:

• 72 percent of U.S. adults have never visited the Alamo
• 65 percent of U.S. adults have never visited the Grand Canyon
• 62 percent of U.S. adults have never visited the Statue of Liberty
• 61 percent of U.S. adults have never visited the Golden Gate Bridge
• 57 percent of U.S. adults have never visited the White House

"Landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and the White House define our history and culture; but it's surprising to me that many have only seen them on film or in photos," said Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. "I'm a firm believer they have to be visited in person to get the complete experience, and there's no better time than now to book a landmark trip as we're launching a one-day sale on all of our already discounted hotels. I urge travelers to take advantage of these even deeper Hotwire® discounts, along with the warmer weather, to visit the important sights right in our own backyard."

Hotwire's one-day hotel sale comes just in time to help Americans visit these and other landmarks. For one-day only, March 30, 2012, travelers can save big off Hotwire's already discounted hotel rates. For example, sale pricing on hotel rates, plus average car rental and airfare rates for Landmark cities are included below:  

The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas (72 percent have never visited)

Many forget about the Alamo, but it is an important part of American history. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo is the site of the most famous battle in the Texas Revolution.  In addition to its rich culture and history, San Antonio is packed with family fun as the home of Six Flags Texas, Sea World and the famous River Walk.

• Average hotel price on Hotwire: $86/Sale Price $66
• Average air price on Hotwire: $354
• Average daily car rental rate from San Antonio on Hotwire: $43

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (65 percent have never visited)

As one of the wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon took over three millions years to form and is constantly changing. An easy drive from Flagstaff or Phoenix, the Grand Canyon is a must-see for the entire family. For those who love the outdoors the Grand Canyon offers hiking, camping and white water rafting.

• Average hotel price in Flagstaff on Hotwire: $90/Sale Price $71
• Average air price on Hotwire to Flagstaff: $441
• Average daily car rental rate from Flagstaff on Hotwire: $50

The Statue of Liberty, New York, New York (62 percent have never visited)

Given to the United States by France during the American Revolution, the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of freedom. While the statue itself is closed for renovations through October, it remains visible from Manhattan and visitors are encouraged to take a short ferry ride for a tour of Liberty Island.  As the largest city in the United States, travelers should also plan to visit the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and Central Park.

• Average hotel price on Hotwire: $194/Sale Price $99
• Average air price on Hotwire: $337
• Average daily car rental rate from New York City on Hotwire: $59

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California (61 percent have never visited)

Standing 746 feet above and 1.7 miles across the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most well-known symbol of San Francisco and is the most photographed bridge in the world. The city has much to offer as a great spring or summer vacation location. Travelers can picnic in Golden Gate Park, tour the city by trolley, visit the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf and taste San Francisco's world famous sourdough bread and clam chowder.

• Average hotel price on Hotwire: $117/Sale Price $66
• Average air price on Hotwire: $350
• Average daily car rental rate from San Francisco on Hotwire: $51

The White House, Washington, D.C. (57 percent have never visited)

Built in the late 1700's, the White House has been the home to every president since John Adams. Visitors can gaze at the iconic mansion from the street or sign up for a tour of the interior (make plans in advance). For history buffs, our nation's capitol is the mecca of art and architecture as the home to many of America's classic landmarks including the Washington and Lincoln Memorials, the Capitol Building and in spring, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

• Average hotel price on Hotwire: $109/Sale Price $64
• Average air price on Hotwire: $388
• Average daily car rental rate from  Washington, D.C. on Hotwire: $40

*Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery omnibus product on behalf of Hotwire from July 27-29, 2011 among 2,127 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Andrew Reynolds at [email protected] or (323) 648-5425.

** All average hotel, air and car prices are based on bookings made 3/1-3/22 for travel in April. Hotel averages are based on 3-star Hot Rate hotels and above. Sale prices are discounted from hotels booked between 3/15-3/20 for travel between 4/1-4/30. Supplies are limited. Prices are dynamic and vary based on date of booking, length of stay and star rating. There is no guarantee that these prices will be in effect at the time of your search. Prices do not include taxes and fees. The discounted rates offer ends 3/30/2012 11:59PM Pacific Time. Offer valid only on a new booking at a participating hotel of a Hotwire Hot Rate®.

About Hotwire

Hotwire.com is a leading discount travel site with low rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages.  Launched in 2000, Hotwire negotiates deep discounts from its travel suppliers to help travelers book unsold airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars.  Hotwire is an award-winning website and operating company of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2053390-50.  NST: 20003-0209.  For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com. Hotwire sites operates in 8 countries worldwide: www.hotwire.com, www.hotwire.com/uk, www.hotwire.com/ie, www.hotwire.com/au, www.hotwire.com/nz, www.hotwire.com/se, www.hotwire.com/no and www.hotwire.com/dk.   In addition to Hotwire, The Hotwire Group of websites includes: www.hotwire.com, www.travel-ticker.com, www.carrentals.com.  

Hotwire, Hotwire.com, the Hotwire logo and Hot Rate are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 Hotwire, Inc.  All rights reserved. CST# 2053390-40.

Contact:
Andrew Reynolds
Atomic PR
(323) 648-5425
[email protected]

SOURCE Hotwire.com