According to the Visa & PATA “Determining Travel Preferences in 2009 & Beyond” survey, one in three respondents are heavily influenced by frequent flier programmes. This was strongest in China (49%), Hong Kong (47%) & Korea (44%). As would logically be expected, frequent fliers are more heavily influenced (48%) than occassional travellers (33%).
The survey also found that people are now taking shorter breaks (25% spent 3-5 days at destination) and are looking for cheaper alternatives (64% reviewing plans in light of economy)
Nothing surprising, but good to have the numbers.