Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Our Continuing Travel Schizophrenia

Maybe it was that taste of travel freedom we experienced last summer before the Delta variant pulled the rug out from under us. Or, maybe it's just pandemic fatigue. But our collective attitude toward travel is more schizophrenic than ever, according to the latest research from our friends at Destination Analysts.

67% of Americans are now concerned about personally contracting the virus, yet 80% of us have a trip planned in the next six months. 72% say that someone from our personal circle has contracted COVID in the past month...but only 30% have changed our travel plans in the last month. You know that sound Lewis Black makes when he shakes his jowls. Yeah.

What we need is a plague-version of Groundhog Day to tell us how many more weeks of this shitshow we'll have to endure.

The One

We all have our favorites; the steak, pizza, bakery or other culinary wonder that is, hands down, numero uno.

For many Chicagoans (and for over 50 years), the pan pizza that holds that distinction came from Gullivers...which closed its doors for the last time yesterday.

How good was Gullivers? Last week, one of the faithful told a Chicago Tribune writer, “I may never eat pizza again.”

That's the mark we all should attempt to achieve in everything we do, n'est-ce pas?

Farewell Gullivers. During my years in Illinois, you were always a fave.

New on DMOU: Michael Novakovich

This one was a hoot.

Last month, Michael Novakovich (Visit Tri-Cities) joined me on the DMOU podcast microphone to share how outlandish video (by DMO standards) has become such a positive tool for destination brand awareness...and organizational brand awareness. But, the real fun starts when we start riffing in the Bonus Round.

We dropped the latest episode last night. Check it out.

Preparing the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals

In our work with Destination Marketing Organizations across the nation since that first glimmer of comeback hope over a year ago, there has been one word on virtually everybody's lips: Workforce.

Or, more accurately, the severe, debilitating lack of it. And, a hundred different ways we've pondered how to emerge on the other side full-staffed. But, the problem is so monumental and pervasive...where to start?

Alabama announced a bold plan last week at their annual Conference on Tourism: $1 million to prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals. The program will allow students to train online through the State's 24-campus two-year college system, making the program accessible to virtually all citizens 16 and older, according to State Tourism Director Lee Sentell.

Bravo 'Bama. Looking forward to your lead!

 

Just Not Now

The latest wave of COVID research from Longwoods International dropped this morning, appearing to show that Americans are fairly confident that the plague will diminish in the next six months, as almost 9 in 10 have plans to travel by July.

But...just not now. Roughly a third of Americans last week said they are postponing travel as a result of the surge in cases. 58% are changing plans. And, while anecdotal, it certainly bears caution...even among the vaccinated. Terri and I might have known two or three people that came down with COVID each month of the first 20 or so. Since the first of this month, that number has ballooned to over 20 friends, acquaintances and clients, likely due to holiday get togethers.

Here's hoping the top line number isn't just wishful thinking talking. And, if you must, travel and gather safely, y'all.

How Hard is This to Understand?

Lemme Get This Straight

You know that commercial where a band of young adults are being targeted by a stereotypical killer...and they ultimately hide in a shed filled with chain saws? And the killer subtly shakes his head in disbelief?

Yeah, that's how I felt during the first days of Omicron...when officials said that closing borders was a bad idea because it would hurt South Africa's economy. 22 days later, Omicron has been detected in every State in the nation.

And now, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced that the City will require patrons of indoor dining, fitness and entertainment to provide proof of vaccination for entrance. Starting January 3rd.

Huh?

If there's a need to require such a measure...why wait two weeks? Because it will harm business and piss off voters if you impede their holiday celebrations? If so, this isn't about public health, is it? Because, if it was, you wouldn't wait two weeks.

I've arrived at a point where I simply don't give a shit anymore. In the beginning, I believed lockdowns were important because of the misinformation that was coming out of Washington. Hey, some people are easily swayed and local government needed to protect the mentally vulnerable.

But coming up on two years, everyone knows what's up and we've all made our choice. Those who have avoided the vaccine (outside of medical reasons) have their reasons and can be counted as people who care about themselves and their politics more than their fellow citizens. Those on the other side know to take precautions when they are warranted.

So...enough of the lockdowns. We're all adults and have made our decisions accordingly, however reckless some among us may be.

And with that...Happy Holidays to you all. And here's hoping we all make it to 2023.

Just Be Honest

"Thank you for your patience. We are experiencing higher than normal call volume."

If you were an airline in the midst of a major weather event, I might believe you. 

If you were a theatre on the first day of ticket availability for a super hot show, I might believe you.

But you're a medical clinic that provides procedures of which so many procrastinate because, while necessary, are really not fun at all.

Just be honest. There's not been a run on your services because nobody likes your services. You just don't have sufficient staff to answer the regular call volume.

Instead, how about: "Thank you for your patience. We are exceptionally understaffed, so this may take as long as 45 minutes...but, you know this is important to your health. So, while you're on hold, please consider joining our team. Flexible hours, great compensation and a friendly caring work environment..."

Just a thought.

Changing Strategies

In a discussion with a resort GM the other day, an amazing (new) reality was revealed. They said that 2021 was their best year in the history of the property...and it happened with no international travel (which, pre-VID, made up over 10% of their business). In fact, it happened with very little domestic air travel. The vast majority of their profit came from the drive market.

Which begs the question...how important will investing in the international market be going forward if all the hotel inventory is being consumed by domestic drive consumers. I totally understand that the domestic drive market may soften if we ever emerge from the plague (and that we shouldn't forfeit the visibility many of us have developed in our international markets).

But, let's be honest. International marketing ain't cheap. Domestic drive can often be much less costly...and if destinations can thrive on the drive, it's time to reassess our marketing priorities.

N'est-ce pas?

New on DMOU: Brad Dean

If you're not following the DMOU Podcast, you're not getting instantly notified when new episodes are uploaded. Oh sure, you'll hear about them later in the month through our Z-Newsletter...but, like the new Ghostbusters movie, don'tcha wanna see it now?

We just posted a great conversation with Discover Puerto Rico's Brad Dean in which he riffs on a host of topics...but more importantly, reveals that he is the "Underwear King" of Champaign-Urbana IL.

Yeah...it's so worth your listen.