Travel Biz Index Sees Decline In August

<B> Travel Biz Index Sees Decline In August</B>

The August Travel Business Roundtable Index of Leading Economic Indicators dipped 0.7 percent in August, after rising 0.8 percent in the previous month.

The U.S. Index of Leading Economic Indicators also dropped, though to a more modest 0.1 percent. It too enjoyed a healthier July with a 0.3 percent increase for that period. It was the third monthly decline for the U.S. Index in the past 12 months. Decreases in ARC sales, hotel/motel occupancy rate and hotel/motel revenue all contributed to the drop in the TBR Index.

"While the August decline is to be taken seriously, it must be noted that one month's performance does not make a trend," said Dr. James Howell, president of the Boston-based Howell Group, which compiles the index. Rental car price per day and travel and tourism employment remained unchanged.

Two segments rose slightly in August: retail sales at eating and drinking establishments and personal consumption expenditures for travel and related services.