Consumer spending on US retail websites has increased by 41% in the last year, according to the latest data from comScore Media Metrix.
Online sales for the second quarter of 2002 totalled $17.5 billion, of which travel sites accounted for $7.8 billion. The online travel market is predicted to be worth $64 billion by 2007 (see
Online Travel Will Be Worth $64 Billion By 2007).
“With few other sectors of the economy turning in double-digit growth, the Web continues to offer compelling opportunities as a sales and marketing channel,” said Steven Kim, senior vice president of the comScore Media Metrix division of comScore Networks.
“Despite challenging economic times, sites in the travel category were still able to attract consumers seeking information about lower-cost summer travel, such as camping and bargain vacation packages.”
Sports retail sites have also had a sunny time with unique visitors increasing by 30% to 11.5 million during May and June. Events such as the football World Cup helped to drive traffic to all sports sites up by 17% to 41.9 million visitors.
