The tourism industry in the Southeastern US has experienced a roller coaster ride over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant downturn, followed by a post-pandemic boom as travel restrictions eased and people were eager to explore the rich culture and natural beauty of the Southeast. However, recent data suggests that ..read more

When the data speaks loud and clear, no crystal ball is needed to predict short term travel trends. All indicators point to a busy summer and fall 2024, as any concerns about traffic jams, air travel headaches, or overcrowding doesn’t seem to be detering Americans from enjoying their vacations. Record Breaking Travel Forecast In a press release issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency says they are prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has ever experienced during the 2024 summer travel season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The latest ..read more

Authenticity reigns supreme in today’s marketing landscape. The touchstone of that authenticity is user-generated content (UGC), and it has become an invaluable tool for destination and attraction marketers. Transcending the polished sheen of professional marketing, UGC offers real, relatable experiences that resonate deeply with potential visitors. Let’s explore how it can elevate your marketing efforts. Increased Brand Trust and Credibility 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over advertising (Nielsen). UGC showcases genuine experiences from real people, fost ..read more

Our next team spotlight features account executive Andrew Held. While new to the industry, Andrew is no stranger to the world of Travel and Tourism. A lifelong adventurer, Andrew is proud to have explored every state east of the Mississippi, most of Western Europe, and a good chunk of the Caribbean and Central America. He even boasts of having lived in Bermuda for 4 years! Prior to Advance Travel & Tourism, Andrew was very active in the entrepreneurial space, both launching his own ventures and assisting other early-stage businesses navigate their way to success. Born and raised in Louisv ..read more

Reaching repeat visitors and driving the right prospects requires having multiple paths from engagement to conversion. Based on our recent findings and given all the options at their disposal — both digital and traditional — how are DMO marketers planning to allocate paid media resources in 2024? When asked about directing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward marketing efforts, a significant number (18%) indicated they would be spending more on paid media in 2024. To support these campaigns, a good number of DMOs (21%) said they planned to invest more money in creative. Survey respo ..read more

“Local gastronomy, nature, wellness and rural tourism experiences will take centre stage in travel in 2024.” SANDRA CARVAO Chief of Market Intelligence & Competitiveness, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) “Jack be nimble, Jack be quick…” Since 2020, destination marketers have had plenty of practice with skills like pivoting and flexibility. Watching consumer travel trends to stay ahead of the curve is essential for a nimble organization. Smart digital marketers are keeping an eye on the following trends, adapting content, product, and messaging accordingly: WELLNESS Rest, relax, re ..read more

Our 2024 Travel Outlook highlights DMOs’ Marketing Priorities, with professionals from destination marketing organizations (DMOs) emphasizing brand awareness as their top goal for 2024, even surpassing the importance of increasing visitor numbers. Brand awareness, indicated by 40% of respondents, is deemed crucial for destinations in generating demand and emerging from the recent pandemic years. DMOs recognize that establishing brand awareness is foundational to achieving other objectives. They understand that fostering emotional connections with customers can yield significant dividends. Fo ..read more

One thing I have turned to over the last several years is LEGO and truly getting into enjoying the hours it takes to build something. It really is about the memories created brick by brick, and this got me thinking…   As Destination Marketers, we are not too far off from being a LEGO Designer. It just looks a little different. We too create memories for our target audiences that are celebrated and remembered for years to come.    If you attended the Florida Governor’s Conference last year, you got a chance to hear from LEGO about their branding, and it was something that has since s ..read more

Every year, digital marketing presents unique challenges and trends, but an election year takes the complexity to a whole new level. As the political landscape transforms, the effects ripple across various sectors, including digital advertising. In this survival guide, we explore the nuances of digital marketing in an election year, specifically focusing on the landscape of 2024. Understanding the impact of elections on digital marketing is crucial for business owners, marketing directors, and chief marketing officers who want to navigate this intricate terrain successfully. Why Elections Ma ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of modern marketing, effective communication among different organizational departments is vital to achieving coherent and impactful campaigns. This holds particularly true for the travel and tourism industry, where successful destination marketing requires collaboration between various teams. Enter the content plan – a strategic roadmap that not only keeps your brand on course but also facilitates seamless interaction among different departments. Here we’ll delve into the ways a content plan can captivate communication between social media marketing, digital ads, the ..read more