Be optimistic!
People will continue to travel.
Nancy says:
- 2009 will drive more local area travel.
- People will still be travelling, but will be more careful about their travel choices.
- Getting value for money, enjoying people, experiences and locations.
- Create the invitation by being very clear about the experiences you are offering.
- Don’t look for massive growth opportunities, try to strengthen what you have and develop one or two new experiences.
- Partnerships and Collaboration are critical.
- Develop really good customer profiles and match experiences to specific guest types.
Celes:
- We will continue to see fragmentation of niche markets.
- Be nimble: Quickly adapting to shift experiences to meet ideal guest needs.
- Experiences need to be layered with multiple types of offerings within a package, not just a singular interest. Cultural activities should also be a part of that mix.
- Sustainability will become a significant element: local foods, energy conservation, etc.
Todd:
- Higher rates of return can be matched to niche markets with focused products & packages.
- Drop away the more general marketing strategies.
- Try not to overreach and expand the types of clients you are trying to reach.
- Target packages to very narrow, well understood client base vs. a general approach.
- Know your ideal guest needs: Pick up the phone and ask your current best guests what they are looking for.
- Take messages to the markets you wish to serve directly, vs. using more general marketing tactics.
- Use great photos and text that narrowly target the niche markets you serve.
