Americans Regain Confidence in Paris for 2017 Holiday Travel Season, While Fewer are Making Their Way to the United Kingdom

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a substantial decrease in U.S. travelers planning to spend their holiday in Paris last year, the City of Lights projects a 16.3 percent increase in U.S. visitors for the 2017 season, according to part two of Allianz Global Assistance's Top 10 Holiday Destination Report. Despite this increase, parts of the United Kingdom, including London and Manchester, will experience a decrease from 2016 levels.

Allianz Global Assistance reviewed more than 760,000 Americans' travel plans* during the peak holiday travel season, Thanksgiving through New Year's, and found that while Paris saw a significant decrease in American travelers during last year's holiday season (down 12.8 percent from 2015), the city has risen for 2017 and remains as the second most popular European destination.

London continues to be the most prevalent European destination for U.S. travelers despite London Heathrow Airport expecting a 10.9 percent decrease in U.S. holiday travel from 2016. Manchester also saw a significant decrease in holiday travel this year, dropping 26.6 percent since 2016.

Rome, Frankfurt and Amsterdam rounded out the top five European travel destinations for 2017, with Rome showing the biggest increase in travel (56.4 percent increase from 2016). Rome's shift in ranking from eighth to third is the second most drastic shift in the review's findings, following Reykjavik, Iceland, which jumped in ranking from 24^th to 11^th, a 143.9 percent increase in number of travel plans.

In addition to Rome and Reykjavik, the cities that benefited most from the redistribution of American travelers interested in visiting Europe include: Geneva, increased by 36.8 percent; and Athens, increased by 32.4 percent.

Overall, Europe recorded an impressive 9.2 percent increase of American travelers.

"We're pleased to see that Americans' confidence in European travel, particularly to Paris, is returning this holiday season," said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. "While world events including terrorism continue to impact travelers' interest in traveling to the United Kingdom, London remains the top holiday travel destination, and many other cities like Rome, Reykjavik and Athens are enjoying nice gains in popularity this year."

A video highlighting the review's findings is available for review.

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance** through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

*Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers' booking intent to purchase flights to European airports was gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance from June 1 to October 15, 2017 to generate itineraries for travel to Europe from the US during peak Holiday travel season (11/22/2017 – 1/08/2018), compared to the same purchasing in 2016 to peak 2017 Holiday travel dates (11/23/2016 – 1/09/2017).

Allianz Global Assistance USA
Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company. We provide insurance to 25 million customers annually and are best known for our Allianz Travel Insurance plans. In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for credit card companies.

To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

**Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents.  Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies (One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH 43215-2200), under Form Nos. SRTC 2000 and NSHTC 2500, each rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., depending on state of residence. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, a brand of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company.  The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Non-insurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by AGA Service Company.

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SOURCE Allianz Global Assistance USA