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.

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.

Sammy, the Tourism Ambassador

Often, destinations engage spokesmodels that may have a fan base, but their resonance with the destination is tenuous (Arnold for Madrid, Richard Gere for Indonesia and, most recently, Rebel Wilson for Fiji).

Then there are the ones that do make sense (Paul Hogan for Australia and Josh Duhamel for North Dakota).

But, with all due respect to Croc and Josh, this week's announcement of Sammy Hagar as the Tourism Ambassador for Los Cabos is simply brilliant (though, what took y'all so long?).

Sammy opened the now iconic Cabo Wabo Cantina in the Spring of 2000 and that investment absolutely transformed a community that didn't have paved roads 22 years ago. He built several multi-million dollar tasting businesses there and he plays his club several times a year, driving an insane influx of visitors hoping to catch his impromptu appearances.

Dude put Cabo on the map. Truth.

On this Music Friday, Cabo's new spokesman shows his bonafides from the club he's owned since the turn of the century. It's Mas Tequilla, babies!

A NYE Like No Other

Followers of this blog know that Terri and I love our New Year's Eves to be hot and sweaty on a rolling dance floor. But for another New Year's Eve...we'll be passing on our passion because of the plague.

But this year, there's something to actually look forward to for us that are electing to stay in. As we shared with you previously, the 50th edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve will have its first countdown at 11E/8P live from San Juan, Puerto Rico...not too shabby a way to celebrate the city's 500th birthday. And, quite a coup for the team at Discover Puerto Rico.

Which is why I had to laugh when CNN announced earlier this month that they, too, would be counting down from Old San Juan tomorrow night.

Hey, you gotta love a two-fer, eh?

Should be fun...and we can't wait to see Puerto Rico on the world stage with these two international broadcasts.

Discover the Originals

For some strange reason, Hyundai seems to name a lot of their vehicles after American destinations. But, who knew (except Swedes) that IKEA names hundreds of their products after small Swedish towns and lakes?

Visit Sweden has recently dropped a sensational video encouraging us all to "Discover the Originals."

Brilliant.

 

Sounds Like Puerto Rico

Last week on the DMOU Podcast, Discover Puerto Rico's CEO Brad Dean humbly predicted his DMO would win one of the 5 Emmys for which they had been nominated for the series, Sounds Like Puerto Rico.

Last night, they took home 3.

Congratulations to the in-house team that made Puerto Rico sing. We couldn't be happier for your success in making Puerto Rico one of the most visible travel brands in the world. And, New Year's Rockin' Eve from San Juan is just around the corner.

Check out Brad's episode to hear how they did it.

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.

A Serious Level of Recognition

Count me among those that believed the importance of the travel and hospitality industry would finally be recognized as the plague ripped this sector of our economy apart. Thus, count me among those that were scratching their head in disbelief when the hardest hit sectors of our industry (independent businesses) struggle so to find assistance.

But, there are lights appearing on the horizon...highlighted last week by the Governor of New York announcing $450 million in a “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” recovery package to reinvigorate domestic and international tourism as borders reopened. $100 million of the package will go to hospitality workers. $100 million will be dedicated to incentivize employers to bring back staff. There is also money for State and local marketing.

Here in Wisconsin, the Governor just released $15 million for local DMOs saying, “Wisconsin’s tourism industry was one of the first and hardest hit industries of the COVID-19 pandemic, but our local folks at DMOs have been innovative, dedicated and resilient…and it’s because of them that this industry is bouncing back and better.” 

Thanks, Tony. Your recognition and respect for the job that DMOs do everyday is refreshing.

Back on the Circuit

To say it feels great to be back on the speaking circuit would be a supreme understatement.

Thanks to Destinations International for inviting me to moderate a panel last week with the amazing Nan Marchand Beauvoir (US Travel), Beth Potter (Travel Industry Association of Canada via Zoom)) and Bari Golin-Blaugrund from the Cruise Lines International Association at the Advocacy Summit in Houston. Great insights and great content.

And thanks this week to Amanda Davis (Miami OK CVB) and Debra Bailey (Oklahoma Travel Industry Association) for asking me to riff on the post-Plague future of our industry...and open for an amazing presentation from Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. Dude connects the dots better than any elected official I've seen in years.

Yeah...so great to be back.