#Trending This Week - Dark Sky Tourism, Family Travel With A Twist, 2024 Meeting Trends, Sports Travel, And Destination Dupes
Issue 179 • February 27, 2024
I was pitching a client to a journalist doing a travel story for a leading daily newspaper, and when I sent her information on a new offering from my client, she asked if I could give her some insights as to how this fit with a macro tourism trend. As the editor of this newsletter — which is all about trends — I was able to quote her at least three travel trends this package fit into without blinking an eye. This is how journalists source story subjects now. Just something to keep in mind….
This week’s #Trending topics include the huge interest in Dark Sky Tourism or Astro Tourism for 2024. People want to be in the absolute best spots to catch a solar eclipse, meteor showers, etc. Meetings may be back, but they’re certainly not the same as pre-COVID. Why? Because the latest generation of meeting participants has a different outlook which requires a whole new set of tools to keep them involved. Family vacations are taking on a different form lately — one parent traveling with one child at a time. Sports Tourism is also having a moment. Just as people are traveling for concerts, they also want to be in the same city as big sporting events — even if they don’t have a ticket to the game. And “Destination Dupes” is a new term in the travel space — but you’ll have to scroll down to find out what it means. Check it all out in our two-minute read below.
Dark Sky Tourism Will Be Out Of This World
Call it “Dark Sky Tourism” or “Astro Tourism,” but no matter how you label it, everyone is planning to go places where it’s dark and quiet and they can look up and see the sky. A variety of celestial events are happening this year from a total solar eclipse to the Northern Lights (which are predicted to be particularly striking in 2024 and 2025), as well as a solar maximum and meteor showers. One airline is even offering a special flight to chase the path of the total solar eclipse in April and is designed to maximize the length of the celestial sensation. Read more in Forbes here, The Points Guy here, and Conde Nast Traveler here.
The Shifting Meeting Landscape To Target Gen Z
Meetings may be back, but it’s not the same-old style of conference anymore. According to a recent trend report, 2024 meetings require a whole new style including non-traditional event spaces, a renewed focus on networking, shorter sessions, gamification to appeal to Gen Z, local connections, and meeting venues which offer family-friendly amenities for extended leisure stays pre- and post-meeting. Read more in Skift here.
Family Vacations — One Parent And One Child At A Time
Many parents are exploring a different type of family vacation — one where one parent travels with one child at at time. They’re saying it provides an opportunity for uninterrupted one-on-one time in a way that simply isn’t achievable at home. There are no arguments between siblings and no distractions, and parents report feeling “more patient, more playful and more in the moment.” Read more at CNBC here.
Sports Travel Is Growing
If the recent Super Bowl in Las Vegas was any indication, fans traveling for big sports events is more popular than ever. And we’re not even talking people who actually have tickets to the big game. Destinations are reporting seeing more and more consumers traveling there just to be in on the vibe from the game. Also being in the same town for things like Spring Training is growing in popularity. Learn more by watching this Fox 5 report here.
Destination Dupes Are Gaining Wider Appeal
We’ve been seeing the term “Destination Dupe” around a lot lately and had to check it out. A Destination Dupe is when someone can visit a spot with a similar vibe, yet it’s not as expensive or busy as the very popular original. Travelers who want to get away, but can’t afford their dream destination are being told “Destination Dupes” are much more wallet friendly for them. Read more in CheapAir.com here or in Forbes here.
If you are working in the travel and hospitality industry, you have to keep on top of consumer buying trends in order to make sure your hotel, resort, restaurant, tour, or destination is meeting the needs of what today’s travelers seek. It’s no longer just enough to operate a hotel with modern, clean rooms and a good restaurant. Today’s consumers expect MUCH more. Savvy marketers need to create and promote amenities which are ahead of the curve for what people seek. It is our aim at JC Communications to help you learn the latest trends in travel behaviors so you can adapt them, adopt them, promote them, and, most importantly of all, DRIVE REVENUE. For assistance on promoting your business to the media leveraging what is trending in pop culture, learn more here.