Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Are You Profiling?

A recent study out of Montana indicates that the majority of residents believe that tourism is good for the economy...but, at the same time, think the State is being overrun by tourists, challenging their Quality of Life. Over the past two COVID-powered years, public opinion has shifted dramatically to a majority of residents believing tourists are responsible for overcrowding.

But, let's take a step back here. Is it really tourists? Or could it be new residents or second homers that are escaping metros across the West? Or, it is residents that are much more present than they may traditionally have been in the past because they just want to get out of the house? How do residents know that it's "tourists?" Profiling, anyone?

I recently saw a presentation by Zartico that showed that a sensationally clogged community one weekend was actually mostly residential in nature (all the visitors were at the beach). Same thing here...you may feel tourists have overrun your town. But, is that just an easy target for your ire?

Yeah...I don't doubt there are more people in your midst and it may be a pain in the ass. But, are you sure they aren't residents?

Just sayin'

Escape

Back in the '80s, Wisconsin Tourism's brand was Escape to Wisconsin. All the research underpinned the fact that Illinois residents (the primary target market) felt a freeing experience as they crossed the State line, escaping from their traditional lives in Lincoln Land. As I child, I distinctly remember the cheer that rose from our car as my Dad entered Cheeseland...decades before I saw the affirming research.

Of course, when a new agency took over the account, they ditched the adored slogan (and the ubiquitous bumpersticker that adorned tens of thousands of cars all over the Midwest), saying that their research showed that consumers didn't want to escape, they wanted to engage. Which, of course, was a load of crap. As Southwest Airlines espoused for decades, people wanted to get away...to escape.

Escape is one of 5 primary trends powering Spring Travel, according to PhocusWire: "To take the escape route, brands should create video and audio that fully immerses viewers, whether through a nostalgic song, the sound of crashing waves, or dynamic visuals that feature a stunning destination."

True dat...and you can see all 5 trends here.

And, as Rupert Holmes cheesily once sang, "Come with me and escape."

 

Tourism Diversity Matters Today

Earlier this month, we were honored to speak with Tourism Diversity Matters CEO Greg DeShields on the DMOU podcast...and that episode dropped earlier this week. Greg shares the organization's genesis story, the past year's successes (including his stellar work with the Greater Lansing MI CVB and Julie Pingston, a past DMOU guest) and where TDM is headed this year.

Check it out...and then, if it's right for your destination, give 'em a call.

Here's To Us

OK...we start this Music Friday by cautioning that this is so NSFW.

And we also must tip a hat and offer prayers for those we have lost over the past two years.

But, as it appears we are emerging from the worst of the plague, is it time to raise a glass?

Indeed, it was two years ago this month that this shit became real (though I did note it a month earlier).

But, here we stand and "Here's To Us."

Raise a glass...because the past two years have kicked our ass. But, here's to us.

Standing tall.

The Last Good Day

I have no earthly idea how this story made it into my feed...but it gave me pause.

Last summer, Sarah Fullard had apparently spent an afternoon assembling some lawn furniture in her back yard. She celebrated her accomplishment with some drinks and dinner...but then fell and died of asphyxiation.

At first glance, the story hints at a Darwin Award...but the more I thought about it, I decided that this was far more.

Sarah nailed her last day on this globe by doing something she was proud of and celebrated with a few glasses of wine. 

I can't think of a better last day on earth. N'est-ce pas?

Come Away Melinda

Soldiers sign up for being targets. Innocents don't.

As the war crimes being committed in Ukraine become more and more documented, songs like last week's Music Friday post continue to play in my head.

I shared this song a couple years ago in a listing of songs that often bring a tear to my eye...but it wasn't the featured tune. That changes today.

On this Music Friday, we offer Uriah Heep's version of "Come Away, Melinda," a heartbreaking lyrical conversation between a father and his young daughter in the aftermath of war. The late David Byron pulls off the anguish in this song by singing the daughter's part high and then dropping an octave for the father's response.

And, like Melinda, we all are asking, "Why can't things be the way they were before the war began?"

End this War.

Good Day, Tater

If you enjoy the work of Ron White, you know the phrase. If not, just remove the "Tater."

This week, President Biden signed the omnibus spending package that includes the Restoring Brand USA Act, which provides $250 million in relief funding to the nation’s Destination Marketing Organization. It also allows the Department of Homeland Security to exempt returning H-2B workers from the statuary cap on H-2B visas and requires the State Department to create an action plan to address visa application wait times. All are desperately needed to bring our economy back.

It's been far too long since Congress and a President worked together on behalf of the industry that helps power the American economy.

It's a very Good Day. And one for which we all need to thank those in Congress that supported this effort.

Do the Russians Love Their Children Too?

It was the mid '80s when Sting originally penned the ominous song that asked the existential question. It was a moment in time when we actually had to question whether we were facing a mutually assured fate.

And here we are again, when the same nuclear power again rattles its sabres.

As Sting said, he typically hasn't performed the song anymore because it hasn't been relevant.

But, on this Music Friday, it is.

And we ask the question...Do the Russians Love Their Children Too?

Isolation

The companies that have withdrawn from Russian engagement continues to grow. McDonalds (which will result in a $50 million loss in revenue per month) is one of the most notable to say nyet.

But, it isn't just shutting off commerce in an effort to encourage Russian leadership to stop this wanton act of aggression and disregard for human life. It's shutting off services...which Destinations International has just done by termination of the membership of the St. Petersburg Convention Bureau.

Along with the announcement, DI also offered a link to a non-profit organization led by D.C. chef, José Andrés, that
has been on the ground in Ukraine feeding displaced people since the outbreak of violence.

Please join DMOproz in supporting this vital lifeline for so many.

Vietnam is Opening

As most cities, states and countries throw caution to the wind and open up after two years of pandemic precautions, Vietnam is being a bit more wary. The Health Ministry is proposing a negative test upon arrival and three additional days of quarantine for admission into the country. Understandably, travelers who were booked to visit Vietnam aren't pleased...but, then again, with Omicron cases spiking there (click image), who'd want to go right now?

Well, Russians, for one, as Vietnam is one of only a handful of countries that has not sanctioned them for its invasion of Ukraine. In fact the Federal Agency for Tourism of Russia is recommending citizens vacation there.

Which, of course, makes no sense. Encourage your citizens to visit a place where COVID is spiking so they can bring more of the virus back home?

Did anybody actually think this through?