This week PR Newswire reported on survey results designed and delivered by Echo Research's
Dan Soulas and his team in New York for Courtyard by Marriott.

The first ever Courtyard couple travel survey, conducted by Echo Research, revealed that 25 percent of couples never travel for leisure purposes, and on average, 50 percent only travel together once or twice per year. According to the survey of men and women, almost 70 percent say they don't go away often enough as a couple, and 87 percent enjoy traveling with their spouse or significant other more than anyone else.

"We all have so many responsibilities in our lives that making time for ourselves and a significant other all too often becomes our last priority," said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager for Courtyard. "Making time for a weekend or overnight getaway to a fun destination can be rejuvenating, and there is no better time than now to find that perfect destination."

To inspire couples to hit the road more often, Courtyard teamed up with engaged travel bloggers Johnny Jet and Natalie Bahadur to identify top U.S destinations that offer everything couples look for in a leisure destination.

The good news, according to the survey, is both men and women agree on what's important when on vacation together. Top couples' priorities include visiting local attractions (56 percent), rejuvenating (39 percent), being romantic (37 percent), developing their relationship (35 percent), eating great new foods (33 percent), and relaxing at their hotel (28 percent).

When asked what they wish their partner would surprise them with away from home, both men and women ranked a fancy dinner out as number one. Following a fancy dinner, men would like to be surprised with catching a pro sporting event or an adventure activity, and women would like to be surprised with a couple's spa treatment or shopping-although both men and women recognize those activities may not be on top of their partner's activity wish list.

Based on couples' travel preferences, Johnny Jet and Bahadur developed a list of 20 well-trodden and off-the-beaten-path locations destined to make for fun and relaxing getaways where couples can discover local treasures, try tasty food, relax, and rekindle their relationships.

To read the full article click here or to contact Dan Soulas about any of Echo Research's Media Evaluation, Reputation Analysis or Market Research services please call (+212)­ 901 0456 or click here