The team at evok advertising has compiled data from across the travel and tourism industry to provide a high-level view of where the industry is headed and what travelers are looking for as they venture out after the pandemic. Keep reading to learn more about the latest trends and how to use them to the greatest advantage.

With COVID-19 no longer acting as a barrier to most people’s desire to travel, Gen Z and millennials have reportedly planned about four to five trips in the next year.”— Larry Meador

Travel Marketing Trends 2022
WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO TRAVEL?                                                                                                                                Short answer: everyone. However, there may be a difference in the types of trips different demographics are taking. “With COVID-19 no longer acting as a barrier to most people’s desire to travel, Gen Z and millennials have reportedly planned about four to five trips in the next year,” said Larry Meador, Founder and CEO. “While younger generations plan on taking more frequent trips, boomers and Gen Xers are expected to spend the most on their trips, with travel expenses averaging over $1,000.” No matter which age group a destination appeals to, there is a market for travelers from all walks of life who are looking to make up for lost time.

POST-PANDEMIC TRAVEL SET TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS
People are ready for a change of scenery. Looking to expand their horizons and finally take the trips they always said they’d go on if they had the chance, we’re seeing an influx of travelers who are willing to spend as much or more on travel in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic averages.

In addition, research shows that 40% of U.S. travelers are more willing to treat themselves this year as they go on what is now referred to as a “splurge-cation.” While there was a time when it looked like the travel and tourism industry would take years to recover, this quick shift back into normal travel patterns is giving destinations the opportunity to recover any losses and bounce back for a more profitable future.

How to become one of these locations? It’s all about branding a location as a dream destination. Over half of surveyed millennials said they would be willing to travel solo if it means going somewhere they’ve always wanted to go. Domestic destinations can capture the attention of their target audience by tailoring their message to promote themselves as not only a place with great features, but also as a one-of-a-kind experience. Keep reading to learn more about the rising interest in stateside vacations.

TRAVELERS SEEK HIDDEN GEMS
It may be assumed people only dream about crossing an ocean to get to their top vacation spots, but one unexpected result of the pandemic was an emerging desire to go to domestic destinations. When asked, over half of travelers said they have a renewed appreciation for travel destinations a little closer to home.

With this shift, smaller scale vacation spots are becoming hubs for tourism as travelers look for an escape from the mundane. A destination has the chance to connect with this audience by advertising the aspects of the area that make it so unique. Potential visitors need to know that when they book, they’re getting an experience they won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s a local brewery or breathtaking scenic views, elevate the hidden gems that make a destination shine so it can stand apart from the pack.

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TRAVELERS WANT FULLY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
No one wants to feel like an outsider looking in — travelers want to fully immerse themselves in the local culture of wherever they visit, whether that’s a small county in Florida or a coastal community in Hawaii. When asked, 81% of people said they crave authentic experiences that come from meeting and learning from locals. Tourists want to experiment with local foods and check out the live entertainment options so they can feel like they are getting to know the real character of a destination.

TRIPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Now more than ever, people are looking to connect. When trip planning, travelers are looking for cribs, connecting rooms, childcare options and more to accommodate their extended family. As people travel more with relatives, they need a wider range of options so their trip itinerary can have something for everyone to enjoy. When surveyed, 84% of people agree they like to visit destinations that have access to more than one scene like the beach, city and countryside. While crafting the marketing strategy, highlight the different scenes that come together to create a one-of-a-kind destination so potential visitors can see all it has to offer before they book.

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