The Chattanooga Tourism Discussions are held the 2nd Thursday of each month. Register Now.
Travel Research Update
- Some expected and unexpected findings in the research this month. Expected: Travel hesitancy is declining to new lows during the pandemic and travel excitement is at a new high since the start of the pandemic. Travelers have 1.9 trips planned for the next three months, also a new high, with Summer being the top travel months. Outdoor rec, byways, road trips top the changes to travel experiences versus pre-pandemic times. Potential travelers in the South (76%) are the most open to travel inspiration messaging in the nation.
- Unexpected and welcome news: 57% of US travelers report that they are fully vaccinated versus 34% of the general population.
Sam Moulton, Outside Magazine
- National Travel Trends (Sourced from Outside Mag & VRBO): Uptick in travel to small + mid-size towns; family, work remote; great outdoors=more nature, fewer crowds; 65% plan on traveling more; 33% spending more; 54% going on bucket list trips; 44% vacation redo (missed trips); Top activities: Biking (up 20% across all categories, camping, hiking, fishing, RVs, glamping and cabins/chalets.
- Outside Editorial Plans & Outside Audience Data: Big theme: Breaking Down Barriers – new participants in the outdoors; helping people unplug; meet people where they are (any platform); plans to get more local (Outside is diversifying their travel coverage); accommodations change: Up 22% people planning to stay in hotel summer/fall; 19% planning to visit South Central U.S. this summer.
Dennis Tumlin, TN Department of Tourist Development
- State just approved largest budget ever for tourism to help with recovery, including highlights such as: $2.5 million for general marketing and $2.2 million for office of rural tourism.
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