News
Why You Should Dial Back “On Hold” Advertising
When is the last time that you called your company’s 800 number? Many larger companies utilize an automated voice response system to answer their inbound calls, often times asking the caller to answer a handful of questions or sit through advertising messages. While a caller’s wait may be a smart time to insert a short…
Read MoreSTR, Tourism Economics Updates U.S. Hotel Forecast
STR and Tourism Economics recently updated their latest 2021 U.S. hotel forecast due to better-than-expected demand in the first quarter. However, full demand recovery is still is projected for 2023, while revenue per available room is expected to be close to a full recovery in 2024. “An effective vaccine rollout and generous fiscal stimulus will…
Read MoreVisit Myrtle Beach Unveils New Brand
As COVID-19 restrictions loosen nationwide, Visit Myrtle Beach is launching a new brand and marketing campaign this month. The refreshed brand, The Beach, and corresponding marketing campaign, “You Belong At The Beach,” are designed to both drive safe and responsible travel with new and repeat visitors as well as to instill a greater sense of…
Read MoreAAA Predicting Massive Travel Spike for Memorial Day Holiday
Data from AAA Travel estimates that nearly 37 million travelers will hit the road for vacations at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend (+60% from 2020, but -13% from 2019), with more than 90% of those travelers opting to drive to their destinations. “As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine…
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Those Ready to Travel Are Booking Longer Trips
Newly released data from Skyscanner is confirming what is becoming a well-known fact—everyone is ready to travel and for the economy to open again. The company’s Horizon Report survey of more than 5,000 people worldwide reveals that travel confidence is slowly rebounding to pre-pandemic numbers, and that May and June will see heavy travel. The…
Read MoreHow Looser Restrictions Might Affect Theme Parks
Many theme parks across the country have begun rolling back their COVID-19 protections as more and more individuals become vaccinated. Most recently, it was Walt Disney World reducing is distancing rules. However, how far is too far? Despite the protection brought about by the vaccine, Theme Park Insider editor Robert Niles urges attractions to not…
Read MoreResearch 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…
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