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Visit Galveston, a division of the Park Board, is responsible for marketing and promoting Galveston as a premier destination for visitors across Texas, the US, and globally. Curious to know the tourism outlook for Galveston in 2024? Read on from CEO Kimberly Danesi below. ** During the last Park Board Trustees meeting, my colleague Tony Lyle, the executive director for Visit Galveston spoke about what we can expect from the tourism market in 2024. Visit Galveston is a department of the Park Board, and they are responsible for not only marketing the island, but also understanding the trends that impact travel. The data Tony shared will allow the Park Board to target key audiences, ensuring the impact of visitation is not only economically beneficial, but also considers the impact on residents and infrastructure. Tony shared an analogy I really appreciated. He said that for the last several years, especially after the pandemic, Galveston’s tourism industry was akin to a car speeding down I-45 at 80 miles an hour. In 2024, that car is expected to slow down to 55 mph. While we’re still moving at a great pace for Texas, we’re tapping the brakes a bit. Factors that Tony considers when evaluating tourism trends for the year ahead include interest and employment rates, as well as trends in markets related to tourism such as booking platforms and air travel. All the data compiled points to a softening in the leisure travel market as compared to the years directly following the pandemic. On the other hand, group and business travel is growing at a rate higher than prepandemic numbers. With challenges come opportunities. Our sales team is shifting to meet demands as well as to ensure the growth we see aligns with the sentiment we often hear from residents and business owners — how can we attract a visitor who will positively impact the island economy, but treat it as if they are residents? Recently, the team brought on a manager whose sole responsibility is attracting sports tourism groups to the island, and encouraging family visitation. We know that families visiting the island will not only visit our beaches, but they will shop in our boutiques, spend time exploring our history and attractions as well as dining at our numerous restaurants. We’re also actively working to build upon our relationships with the state tourism agency, Travel Texas, and the U.S. travel agency, Brand USA. Both organizations advocate for tourism and help promote Texas and Galveston to visitors from further afield. Visitors who travel from farther afield spend more time here, visit several attractions and are immersed in and respectful of our community. To read the full article and support the Galveston County Daily News, read on at https://lnkd.in/eyV6uMtU

Calcasieu Parish Welcomed 7 Million Visitors in 2023👇 Visit Lake Charles announced positive results from the 2023 Travel USA Report, underscoring the destination’s continued growth and appeal. The study, conducted by Longwoods International, a leading travel and tourism research firm, provides invaluable insights into visitor behavior, spending patterns, and overall visitor satisfaction.  Calcasieu Parish welcomed seven million visitors in 2023, generating $800 million in total spending. This is particularly noteworthy given the economic challenges and industry fluctuations, in addition to the parish currently operating with over 1,000 fewer hotel rooms compared to pre-Hurricane Laura levels. While overall visitation numbers remained consistent with previous years, visitor spending increased by 3.3% compared to 2021, a positive reflection on the region’s ongoing appeal to travelers.  A key takeaway from the data is the high level of repeat visitation, with 82% of overnight visitors having previously visited Lake Charles, and 37% returning within the past 12 months. This indicates a strong loyalty to the destination and satisfaction with the travel experiences offered.  "These numbers clearly reinforce our community’s staying power as a quality destination that visitors continue to find tremendous value in visiting", said Kyle Edmiston, CDME, CDTP, President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “As a community, we cannot take for granted that travelers choose to return to our region time after time to experience the culture, cuisine, and attractions that make our area one-of-a-kind. As we do with all our research data, we will use the information to continue to make data-driven decisions when it comes to our marketing strategies to keep our destination at the forefront of visitor markets to drive awareness, increase visitation and spending.”  The report also revealed that outdoor activities, dining, and shopping are among the top visitor interests. Additionally, the average per person per trip expenditure increased from $184 in 2021 to $195 in 2023.  Lake Charles has successfully navigated industry challenges, maintaining a steady business travel market, while many other destinations experienced declines. This stability reinforces the area's resiliency as a versatile destination for both leisure and business travelers. Moreover, 84% of overnight travelers expressed satisfaction with their trip, highlighting the positive impact of the destination's attractions, accommodations, and hospitality. #VisitLakeCharles #LouisianasPlayground https://lnkd.in/gYy7_7Mx

Tourist activities and attractions: The grey area of DMCs and Toir Operators using OTAs to find customers—without adding value by merely reselling standard tickets—has been on my mind for some time, as the lines between these roles are becoming increasingly blurred. I have a few thoughts on the matter. Perhaps I’m wildly off the mark. Or perhaps we’re slowly cannibalising ourselves. Tourism has always been built on relationships, whether between a supplier and a trade partner or directly with the guest. Trust, collaboration, and shared value are the cornerstones, reflected in commission structures designed to reward effort and investment. At its core, the tourism value chain is a system of interconnected businesses working together to deliver seamless experiences. Suppliers depend on operators, agents and DMCs to find new customers, while partners rely on quality products to keep clients satisfied. Commission rates traditionally incentivised this relationship, with higher returns for those bringing volume and quality customers. However, OTAs have shifted the dynamics. These platforms are highly efficient at attracting customers through technology, marketing, and payment systems. But the growing trend of DMCs and partners using OTAs for quick resales, without nurturing relationships or adding value, is problematic. Tourism is more than just selling a product. It’s about creating experiences that build lasting connections. When partners rely solely on OTAs without contributing to the overall journey, the purpose of commission structures is lost. They were meant to reward collaboration, not passive resales. This shift calls for a reassessment of how we approach relationships in tourism. Those who invest in partnerships and customer acquisition should be recognised and fairly rewarded. Whether it’s an agent offering personalised service or a Tour Operator / DMC providing local expertise, these partners are vital to the guest experience. Suppliers also have a responsibility to maintain fairness. Commissions should reflect contributions to growth and value, whether working directly with consumers or through trade partners. Ultimately, tourism is a people-driven industry, and relationships are key to sustaining a thriving sector. As we adapt to the evolving travel landscape, we must remember that the value chain isn’t just about transactions—it’s about creating lasting experiences and partnerships. I certainly value both agents and OTAs within the tourism value chain! They play a crucial role in driving growth. However, I believe it’s time we reassess the traditional commission structure, which hasn’t evolved alongside the changing dynamics of the industry. Perhaps we need to return to some straightforward honesty: trade partners should be transparent and declare when they are simply reselling products through OTAs.

I’m seeking opinions on the current state of cultural tourism (CT) in the U.S. and Canada… Twenty-three years ago, the Travel Industry Association of America’s Bill Norman observed, “The sheer volume of travelers interested in arts and heritage as well as their spending habits, their travel patterns and demographics leaves no doubt that history and culture are now a significant part of the U.S. travel experience.” The same can be said of the Canadian travel experience. During the past twenty years, one would have expected the development of innovative destination planning approaches and novel marketing strategies to target North America’s “CT travel cohort.” It hasn’t happened. In spite of extensive, ongoing research documenting a sizeable cohort of dedicated cultural travellers - motivated primarily by an interest in museums, galleries, historic sites, heritage attractions, arts and cultural events, festivals, culinary experiences and interpreted natural history - the industry rarely engages in CT-specific destination planning or builds marketing campaigns to target this cohort. (The notable exception is the segment of cultural travellers who are motivated primarily by culinary experiences.) Overall, as a rule, the destination’s cultural flagships - its signature cultural events and attractions - are simply embedded within generic leisure travel campaigns. ‘Twas ever thus. Effective tourism marketing is marketing by segment. At the same time, effective CT marketing is anchored in the unique attributes of “place” - its history and heritage, its narratives and stories, its landscapes, its townscapes, its people. Call it the destination’s “cultural terroir.” Few DMOs understand how to capitalize on the allure of “place.” Similarly, few understand the demographics and psychographics of culturally oriented travellers - or how to reach these well-heeled travellers. And I’ve seen no fundamental change in this reality during the twenty years I’ve spent working in the field. Why is this? Steven Thorne

🌲 Exploring the growth in Idaho's tourism industry: Idaho’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable recovery, with the Panhandle region leading the way in revenue increases. Here's a snapshot of the key insights from the recent Idaho Tourism Virtual Tourism Statewide Industry Meeting. 🚗 Region One, encompassing the five Panhandle counties, witnessed a significant 7.4% surge in tourism revenue from January 2020 to January 2021, showcasing a strong comeback post-pandemic challenges. 💼 Idaho Travel Council and the Idaho Department of Commerce discussed the region's recovery trajectory, highlighting its resilience and growth in visitor numbers, particularly in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint/Lake Pend Oreille areas. 🏞️ Metaphor: Idaho's tourism surge is like a river flowing steadily, overcoming obstacles and carving its path through changing landscapes, reflecting the state's allure to travelers seeking wide-open spaces and outdoor adventures in the post-pandemic era. 🏠 Vacation rentals and nontraditional lodging options like Airbnbs have played a pivotal role in Idaho's tourism growth, marking a 23% increase in recent years, offering visitors unique lodging experiences. 📈 Despite initial projections of a 28% decline in the state’s lodging tax revenue, Idaho's actual performance exceeded expectations, down only about 9%, indicating a more positive outlook for the state's travel industry. 🌟 Idaho's exceptional performance on the national tourism stage underscores its appeal as a top destination, with its natural beauty and outdoor activities drawing visitors seeking rejuvenation and exploration. 🖐️ The future of Idaho's tourism industry holds promise, with the state positioned for continued growth and increased visitor interest, showcasing the resilience and enduring charm of the Gem State. https://lnkd.in/gzZ2vdcy

Media and Travel Trends: Bridging the Gap While media often focus on specific travel trends and destinations, the reality of actual bookings can be quite different. A recent study by media monitoring provider pressrelations Inc. and tourism consultancy firm IPK International showed that media attention on topics like budget tourism, sustainability, and adventure travel does not always align with the most popular destinations and booking patterns. Spain received the most media coverage but was only the fourth most booked destination. Conversely, neighboring countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands were underrepresented in the media, despite being top choices for travelers. This discrepancy highlights the need for travel providers and destinations to look beyond the headlines and understand the unique interests and preferences of their target audiences. Media frequently seek to set themselves apart from other media outlets by exploring very niche topics or highlighting luxurious travel experiences that, while appealing in writing, are often out of reach for the "average traveler." In this context, it becomes crucial to adapt or select specific aspects of trending media coverage to ensure they resonate with and are accessible to ones own target audience. By employing targeted PR strategies that emphasize relevant unique selling points for relevant target groups and resulting target media, one can enhance visibility. Developing compelling stories that resonate with niche audiences, such as adventure seekers, eco-conscious travelers, or culinary enthusiasts, can help drive bookings beyond the mainstream. Utilizing on personalization and social media integration can also provide valuable insights into traveler interests and behaviors to ultimately move beyond generic destination/product marketing and focus on the authentic experiences and emotional connections that will inspire travelers to choose an offering. Off to bridging some gaps - Belinda S., Ronnie Kohler and Anke Jobs

How to start Travel & Tourism Company ?! 🔑 Define Your Niche The first step in starting an online tourism company is to identify a specific niche that sets your business apart from competitors. This can range from ecotourism, adventure travel, cultural experiences, or luxury travel. Conduct market research to understand the demand and preferences of potential customers in your chosen niche. Create a Business Plan Once you have identified your niche, the next step is to create a comprehensive business plan. This should include your business model, target audience, marketing strategies, and financial projections. A well-organized business plan will serve as a roadmap for your business and help attract investors or secure loans. Choosing a Team Choosing the right team, in my opinion, is the most important stage of the success of any business, regardless of the type of business, because the team that represents experience and loyalty to its knowledge and the search for self-development is the most important point for the success of the business. Having one incompetent person in the work is enough to destroy your entire business effort Create a User-Friendly Website Creating an attractive and user-friendly website is crucial for any online tourism company. Your website should feature high-quality images, easy navigation, and essential information about the services offered. Additionally, integrating booking systems and payment gateways will enhance the user experience and facilitate transactions. Implement digital marketing strategies To attract customers to your online travel agency, implement effective digital marketing strategies. Use social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and email campaigns to reach your target audience. Connecting with potential customers through different channels will increase brand visibility and drive traffic to your website. Partner with local businesses Forming partnerships with local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators can enhance the services you offer while providing mutual benefits. These collaborations can lead to exclusive deals for your customers and improve the overall quality of their travel experience. Building a network of trusted partners is essential for long-term success in the tourism industry. Monitor performance and adapt strategies Finally, constantly monitor the performance of your online travel agency using analytics tools. Evaluate customer feedback and sales data to identify areas for improvement. Being adaptable in your strategies will allow you to remain competitive in the ever-evolving tourism market.

Cardiff-based travel platform Lovetovisit raises €3.8 million to champion local tourism https://ift.tt/QYElfMc Cardiff-based Lovetovisit, which helps people find and book local attractions, experiences and events, has raised €3.8 million in funding to scale-up its travel platform. The round was led by Venrex and Redrice Ventures, and joined by Active Partners, Velocity Partners and Angels.  This investment will be used to scale operations in the UK and further the platform’s expansion. The team is aiming to double growth and inventory year-on-year for the next three years. The funding will also be used to enhance the platform’s AI capabilities to further optimise the user experience, and to scale operations internationally. Founded in 2021 by twin sisters Georgia and Alice Aubrey alongside tourism and culture expert Fed Pereira, Lovetovisit makes it easy for the 19.4 million families in the UK to discover and book things to do nearby. From theatre trips and city attractions, to quirky family days out, local events and festivals, Lovetovisit has been designed to cater to locals, domestic tourists, and international visitors alike. Since launch, Lovetovisit has turned over £7.4 million in revenue and powered hundreds of thousands of experiences. Alice Aubrey, co-founder at Lovetovisit, commented: “Lovetovisit has gone from strength to strength this year and we’re incredibly proud to have such esteemed investors on board. Building the business and hitting these milestones alongside my sister is a dream. We each bring unique strengths to the team, but we share a passion for supporting the many amazing events, attractions and experiences in the UK to digitise and scale. There are so many weird, wonderful and iconic things to do in this country, we just need to make it easier for people to find, explore and book them. Our goal is to be the go-to platform for booking memorable things to do and this raise is a big step towards achieving that mission.” With more than 2,700 products currently listed on the platform reaching a community of more than 3.2 million users, Lovetovisit’s proprietary API means users can buy tickets in real-time at the guaranteed lowest price. Instead of redeeming tickets via a separate retailer or voucher, tickets are sent instantly to users via text and email. The mobile-optimised platform uses AI to send personalised recommendations to users to help them discover their next trip and offers interactive maps to help them find out what’s going on nearby. The Lovetovisit founding trio, who previously worked together at Pereira’s tourism marketing agency, were inspired to launch the platform after noticing how difficult it was for consumers to find and book local things to do. This frustration did not exist for consumers ordering takeaways or booking accommodation, as these industries had already been disrupted by tech solutions. Lovetovisit solves this problem by making it easier to find and book experiences tailored to ...

Starting a travel tourism business without financial support requires leveraging low-cost strategies and focusing on providing unique, personalized experiences. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 1. **Local Guided Tours**: Offer walking or cycling tours in your city or town, highlighting historical sites, cultural landmarks, and local cuisine. Use your knowledge and enthusiasm to provide an exceptional experience. 2. **Niche Travel Experiences**: Cater to specific interests such as food tours, photography tours, or nature hikes. Specialized tours often attract passionate participants willing to pay for unique experiences. 3. **Virtual Tours**: Create virtual travel experiences using platforms like Zoom or YouTube. Showcase interesting locations, cultural events, or local cuisine. You can charge for live, interactive tours or offer free content with monetization through ads or sponsorships. 4. **Travel Blogging/Vlogging**: Start a travel blog or YouTube channel. Share tips, itineraries, and travel stories. Monetize through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. 5. **Travel Consulting**: Offer personalized travel planning services. Help clients design their trips, find the best deals, and provide insider tips. Charge a fee for your consulting services. 6. **Collaborate with Local Businesses**: Partner with local hotels, restaurants, and attractions to offer package deals. In exchange, you can get commissions or discounts for your clients. 7. **Freelance Tour Guide**: Register as a freelance tour guide on platforms like ToursByLocals or Airbnb Experiences. Offer your services to tourists visiting your area. 8. **Social Media Marketing**: Build a strong presence on social media platforms. Share engaging travel content and collaborate with brands and tourism boards for sponsored posts and partnerships. 9. **Community-Based Tourism**: Work with local communities to develop authentic cultural experiences. These can include homestays, traditional craft workshops, and local culinary experiences. 10. **Language and Cultural Exchange Programs**: Create programs for travelers who want to learn a new language or immerse themselves in a different culture. Partner with local schools and cultural centers. Each of these ideas can be scaled gradually as you start generating revenue, allowing you to reinvest in your business and expand your offerings. 1. #Travel 2. #Tourism 3. #TravelGram 4. #TravelTips 5. #Explore 6. #Adventure 7. #Wanderlust 8. #TravelLife 9. #TravelGuide 10. #LocalTour 11. #TravelExperiences 12. #VirtualTour 13. #TravelPlanning 14. #TravelConsultant 15. #HiddenGems 16. #Discover 17. #NatureLover 18. #CultureTrip 19. #FoodTour 20. #TravelCommunity 21. #TravelAddict 22. #TravelPhotography 23. #TravelBlogger 24. #TravelInspiration 25. #TravelGoals 26. #TravelTheWorld 27. #TourGuide 28. #OffTheBeatenPath 29. #Backpacker 30. #SoloTravel

The keyword to the current state of travel tourism? Authenticity. This years Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism taught me that whether you're looking at the industry as a whole, social media trends, or even nature and wellness travel, the same sentiment still rings true. Travelers aren't looking for the picture perfect vacations, they're looking for the unique, authentic experiences. Read my full takeaways on The Abbi Agency's website below ⬇️ #tourism #travel #marketing #trends