In my years as a DMO pro, I've represented both urban and rural destinations. And, my heart breaks for my partners in urban.
As we emerge from the carnage of the pandemic, urban destinations aren't. A new study by the American Hotel & Lodging Association shows that only 29% of Americans feel comfortable traveling to an urban destination...and 71% say they won't. So pervasive is the fear that the Plague is waiting for you in the City.
According to Longwoods International, 50% of American travelers say that destinations with safety protocols in place will positively impact their destination choice this summer!
As much as we all want to drop masks...rural destinations must resist the urge. It's clear what the majority of travel consumers want from you.
Urban destinations? It's going to be about ignoring political grandstanding about dropping masks...and projecting a safe-is-the-new-black mantra.
Sigh...because it makes absolutely no rational sense. But, it is what it is.
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