(BOSTON ) – A new survey conducted by the Suffolk University Political Research Center for the Beacon Hill Institute shows that 49% of Massachusetts voters surveyed said they would spend about the same amount on summer vacations as they did last year. Twenty-seven percent (27%) said they would cut their spending by at least 10% while only 13% said they will spend 10% or more on vacations. Eleven percent (11%) of the respondents were uncertain of their spending plans.

The results are reported in the inaugural issue of BHI Economic Indicators, a new quarterly publication that will offer local economic analysis.

Based on recent data and the poll results, the Institute estimates that a plurality of Massachusetts households in its survey can expect to spend an average of $1,730 on vacations this year. For those who plan to spend at least 10% less that translates into $1,557 or less. Households who plan to spend at least 10% more can expect to spend $1,903 on their vacation.

“Whether they are taking vacations locally or abroad, most Massachusetts voters do not intend to spend more than last year,” said Paul Bachman, Director of Research at BHI. “People continue to be uncertain about the
economy and that’s reflected in their responses. If this sentiment holds up Massachusetts businesses hoping for a robust summer season may well be disappointed.”

BHI Economic Indicators will combine polling data with under-reported economic data collected by the Institute and the Department of Economics at Suffolk University. The current issue includes data on metropolitan employment and wage trends.

Future issues will take a drilled-down view of housing data, energy costs and a summary of the Commonwealth’s economic performance over the past year.

The statewide survey of 500 Massachusetts registered voters was conducted May 20-23, 2010. The margin of error is +/- 4.4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence.

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