News
Research Shows Consumers Value Media More Than Marketers Do
According to a new study conducted by customer data platform BlueVenn, consumers place more value on the most commonly used traditional and digital media than marketers do. The study surveyed separate panels of brand marketers and consumers simultaneously, finding that consumers put a much greater stock in all media—especially email, Facebook, in-store, mobile apps, TV,…
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Recovery News Roundup
Thanks to widespread vaccinations and declining COVID-19 cases, recovery is being seen all around—from a growing economy and increased consumer spending to rebounding business travel demand, the remainder of 2021 is promising. Here are some of the country’s latest COVID-19 recovery highlights: Pandemic-induced recession recovery is underway. Last quarter, the U.S. economy grew at a…
Read MoreThe Latest Housing Market Forecast
Core Logic recently released its Home Price Insights Report, a comprehensive and current home price trends source. The report notes that strong demand and short supply are continuing to push housing prices higher (+11.3% year over year and +2% month over month). The report also reveals that Millennials are leading the homebuying charge, with older…
Read MoreCharlottesville Albemarle CVB Launches Mobile Visitor Centers
On Wednesday, May 5, the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau launched two new mobile visitors centers that could help tourists in a more budget-friendly way. “This is a new model that we are doing at the CACVB to provide visitor services to folks that are visiting the region, even locals can benefit from this…
Read MoreMany Hospitality Workers May Not be Returning to the Industry
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) recently conducted a study on the effects of COVID-19 on the hospitality and tourism industry. The study surveyed more than 4,000 industry workers, 70% of whom felt that the pandemic would have a negative long-term impact on the industry, while 65% said that they felt the industry did not protect its…
Read MorePicnic in the Parks Program Supports Local Restaurants
Brookhaven, a destination near Atlanta, Georgia has launched a Picnic in the Parks program to support its local restaurants. The effort from Explore Brookhaven encourages takeout orders from local participating restaurants by rewarding those who make qualifying purchases with reusable picnic baskets. The picnic baskets are to help patrons better enjoy meals outdoors at one…
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MGM Resorts Gear Up For Vegas Tourism Boom
MGM Resorts, the global casino operator behind many Las Vegas properties as well as venues in China and across the U.S., is a good financial bellwether of how things are going in the gaming industry. While the company’s first quarter performance was significantly behind pre-pandemic levels, the company’s leaders see momentum in bookings and advance…
Read MoreVegas Begins Tourism Rebound
Las Vegas recently reopened or lessened restrictions on its hotels and attractions, and their tourism economy is rebounding as a result. More than 2.2 million visitors were in Las Vegas in March alone, up 45% from February. Hotel occupancy ramped up to 55.5%, a 13.5% month over increase, making for more than 2.5 million room…
Read MoreIAAPA Conducts Mask Evaluation
The International Association of Amusement Parks (IAAPA) recently funded a study to learn more about masks and their ability to safely reduce social distancing. The study, titled Experimental and Numerical Evaluations of Masks and their Ability to Safely Reduce Social Distancing, found that three feet of physical distancing with face coverings is more effective at…
Read MoreU.S. Cruises Restarting This Summer, What That Means For Cruisers
Cruises could start sailing from U.S. ports this summer, according to a letter from the CDC to the cruise industry obtained by USA TODAY. While the letter somewhat clarified the murky time frame for cruises to resume stateside – potentially by mid-July, pending cruise lines, ships and ports meeting certain requirements – it leaves plenty…
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