The INBOUND Report 2020 Outlook
INBOUND’s annual outlook is here. “It could have worse.” This seems to be the message one receives on reading INBOUND’s annual outlook for inbound tourism from the USA’s Top 15 Overseas Source Markets, plus Canada and Mexico. You’ll be able to get a capsule commentary of each market and will learn what to look for—and what not to look for—in the coming year ahead. For the complete outlook, click here.
To access the pdf version of the report click on the following:
The INBOUND Report 2020 Market Outlook
From PANROTAS—What to Expect from Brazil Tourism In 2020
The Brazilian trade publication’s monthly overview recently released its own “Top 10” list of what to expect in the tour and travel industry in the USA’s fifth-largest overseas source market (about to reclaim its rank as fourth-largest), which follows.
If 2019 was a year to breathe a sigh of relief, but still tense, especially because of Avianca Brazil bankruptcy, soaring airfares (particularly domestic flights and flights to the United States) and the dollar hike, 2020 promises to be a bit better.
1. More flights. In the second week of December, Air Canada began a seasonal winter flight between Montreal and São Paulo, which is to be set on the company’s schedule in 2020/2021. The company will also increase capacity on the Toronto-São Paulo route, with the 777 replacing the current 787-900 from March. Other airlines, such as American Airlines, which will have a seasonal Rio-New York flight from this month, Delta Air Lines, Gol (expecting to return to 737 MAX operation) and LATAM (due to Delta partnership) have already signaled that will increase capacity in 2020. It all depends on the economy to correspond to the expectations. For us to have an idea, American has operated 118 weekly flights between Brazil and the United States, and today there are only 49.
2. More budget-oriented travels. Brazilians are increasingly aware of any spending on international travel due to the high price of dollar, which should remain in 2020. They will continue traveling, but are aware of the budget, cost-effectiveness and quality of what is being offered.
3. More Florida. Yes, Brazil will continue to be in Top 3 sales for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Miami and other Florida destinations and attractions. Brazilians like the way they are received in the State, feel familiarity with it and have no language barrier problems. Florida will continue to be a favorite destination.
4. More destinations. However, you can expect people to look for new destinations (often in conjunction with familiar ones) and experiences. On the rise: Asia (with stops midway, which may be in Europe, the United States, Africa or the Middle East); cruises to different destinations (including river trips); West Coast of the United States; secondary cities in Europe and extreme destinations, like Antarctica.
5. Luxury, luxury, luxury. Luxury travel will always have a demand in Brazil, but pay attention. The luxury super tourist is diverse and there are regional differences: from the new rich to the intellectual rich. There are those who are looking for six star palaces and hotels and those who want the most local and conscious experience.
6. Accommodation is in hotels. Brazilian first-time travelers may even opt for alternative accommodation, but the Brazilian prefer to stay in hotels or serviced houses, such as in Kissimmee, Florida. But hotels need to offer benefits and value for money invested. Internet, shuttle service to attractions, breakfast, early check-in and late check-out and discounts on purchases, for example. The amount of hotel brands, however, confuses the Brazilian. They trust hotel chains and need to better understand what each brand offers and what type of guest it is intended for.
7. Family travel. It is and will continue to be the priority for Brazilians. The number of days off during summer and even winter holidays requires parents to take their children on a trip. Northeastern and southern Brazil, besides Rio de Janeiro, are the favorite destinations. Abroad, Europe is being more chosen for family travels and tries to topple Florida and New York. California is also keeping an eye on this segment.
8. Niches. Content trips, exchange programs, women traveling alone, trips for sport practicing, sports watching trips (remember we’ll have Tokyo 2020), trips to theme fairs, pop culture, and shows and concerts are on the rise, as well as wellness.
9. Domestic travel In Brazil, corporate travel dominates air travels, with about 60 percent of aircraft utilization. Domestic travel is a powerhouse, but it is often made by car and bus (something that has been growing strongly, since Brazil has not invested in railroads but rather in highways). Internationally, leisure dominates, but there are routes to the United States and Europe, in which corporate travels are very significant.
10. South America Asleep in 2019 due to conflicts and political crises, South America promises to come back in full force in 2020, whether in winter, mainly Chile and Argentina, or in summer. We will invest in events, exclusive content and publications that may help the tourism professionals to differentiate themselves and grow with quality.
To see the complete publication, click here.
New Norm for the Next Decade: Let’s Start with Passport-Free Travel
According to new survey research by Singapore-based Agoda, the 2020s are expected to produce three developments that will be the norm for travelers:
In a report that scatters its information at the reader, the Agoda report on its survey—it was conducted online in mid-December by YouGov Singapore PTE Limited. Total sample size was 16,383 adults, with figures weighted and are representative of adults (aged 18+) in the respective countries mentioned—one gets the sense that the UK and USA welcome and expect the new norm less than do people in Asian nations.
China Notes: Based on survey results, Agoda was able to provided us with some interesting information bytes about our largest overseas source market for inbound tourism, China, as it relates to the new decade:
—48 percent of Chinese travelers see using a mobile phone app to check into their hotel room as the norm.
—China is top five for seeing Passport-free travel as a reality.
—25 percent of Chinese tourists would like to make more eco-friendlier choices in the next ten years.
—Kyoto tops the travel wish list for Chinese travelers in the 2020s. This is followed by Shanghai (#2) and then Bangkok (#3).
—43 percent of Chinese travelers want to explore more of their own country in the coming decade, while 38 percent want to travel more internationally.
Other Info Bytes:
—Universally, people want to increase the amount of travel they undertake in the 2020s. Exploring more of their own country is cited by 40 percent of respondents globally, while international travel more often is anticipated at 35 percent.
—More than a quarter of those surveyed want to make more eco-friendly travel choices in the next decade. Travelers from Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are most keen to make eco-friendlier choices perhaps more aware than others with the recent closure of Maya Bay in Thailand, and the Boracay rehabilitation program in Philippines, and thus travelers want to do their bit even when on holiday.
—Travelers in the 35-44 and 55-plus age groups are most likely to want to explore their own countries and territories more (40 percent and 42 percent respectively), with those from China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Vietnam choosing domestic destinations within their top three wish list destinations for the coming decade.
Drink Less, Holiday More—Silly Surveys of Brits
Drink Less, Holiday More: A study carried out for
foreign exchange company Caxton found that the amount of cash saved by
not drinking alcohol could be spent on luxury holidays. According to their
calculations:
—Even people who gave up for just one month, for Dry January, could
afford a short break.
—After just five weeks without a drink, a couple could use the saved cash to go
on a two-night stay in Amsterdam, a study for
—Ten weeks of alcohol-free living could save the equivalent of five nights in
the Algarve.
—Giving up booze for a whole year could save enough money for a week-long
all-inclusive stay in Montego Bay, Jamaica, over the winter break.
How They Calculated It: Researchers from moneycomms.co.uk, on behalf of
Caxton’s, worked out the savings, based on the average couple drinking eight
pints of beer and one bottle of wine per week at a pub or bar. They worked out
that by giving up alcohol a couple would save up to £44 ($58) a week on
average. The research involved searching various travel websites earlier in
December to see how far a couple’s weekly savings could take them. More
equations follow:
A couple, giving up alcohol for:
—Five weeks could bag a two-night stay in Amsterdam including flights, costing £218 ($285)
—Seven weeks could result in a three-night stay in Prague at £305 ($399)
—10 weeks could pay for a five-night stay in the Algarve (Praia da Rocha) at £435 ($569)
—17 weeks could fund a £740 trip to Naples for seven nights ($966)
—23 weeks could save enough for a £1,001 ($1,309) all-inclusive seven-night holiday at Egypt’s Red Sea
—33 weeks would be enough for a seven-night room-only stay in Barbados at £1,436 ($1,878)
—A full year (52 weeks) could buy a seven-night all-inclusive stay in Jamaica’s Montego Bay at £2,263 ($2,959)- flying out in January 2021
Note: Pound-to-dollar figures calculated by INBOUND, using xe.com.
Brits Would Give up Comp Items for Cheaper Airline Seats
UK holidaymakers who travel by air say that they would give up in-flight items such as food and drink, magazines and in-flight entertainment in return for cheaper flights. This is the essence of the responses received during a survey of more than 1,000 travelers conducted by Kenwood Travel. Here are some findings from the survey.
—More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed said that they would be pleased if airlines did away with in-flight magazine if it meant less costly flights.
—In the same spirit, 12 percent said that it would be all right with them if
on-board complimentary treats, like free food and drinks available on most
mid-to long-haul flights were eliminated, provided that this meant cheaper
flights.
—However, when it involves seating and carry-on or hand luggage, the majority
of British holidaymakers would not give these up, even if it meant cheaper
flights. Being able to carry hand luggage free of charge is most important to
travelers, with only 2 percent saying they would happily pay extra for this
service, even if it meant the flight was cheaper.
—Just 8 percent said they would be happy to trade reclining seats for cheap
seats, and only 5 percent would forgo the free seat choice option, in return
for cheaper flights.
—Being able to carry hand luggage free of charge is most important to
travelers, with only 2 percent saying they would happily pay extra for this
service, even if it meant the flight was cheaper.
Package Tours Still Thrive in Key Euromarkets
Midst the usual welter of end-of-year travel trade press news items and analyses were accounts that suggest that the travelers in the USA’s top two European source markets—Germany and the UK—still sometimes rely on, prefer, and like package tours.
In the UK, British retail and shopper marketing agency Savvy released the results of a survey of more than 1,000 holidaymakers for BBC Radio’s “You & Yours” program which indicated that nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said that they were still comfortable with booking a package holiday—this despite the collapse last September of Thomas Cook, the UK’s oldest tour operator.
And according to the latest data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) the package holiday market has experience five consecutive years of growth.
In Germany, meanwhile, FVW reported that a survey for the German Travel Association (DRV) showed that slightly less than half (44 percent) of the 1,005 respondents—they had been on a holiday at least once in the past three years—had booked a package holiday, with 94 percent of them indicating that they were satisfied
Also from the survey, which was conducted by the Berlin-based Forsa Institute: the three most important factors for package holiday customers were good value for money (97 percent); reliable help and crisis management from the tour operator (96 percent); and financial protection for unforeseen incidents or cancellations (94 percent).
In addition—in a finding sure to have pleased travel agents—results showed that more than half (57 percent) of the respondents were convinced that advice in a travel agency went beyond what they could research and book for themselves on the internet. While this view is strongest amongst customers aged over 45 but even 50 percent of young people (18 – 29) shared the opinion.
DRV’s president, Norbert Fiebig, took note of the findings at the association’s annual conference as he addressed the impact of the Thomas Cook shutdown, commenting that, “The insolvency of the founder of package holidays is a hard blow and leaves the industry facing serious challenges … Thomas Cook may be bankrupt but package holidays are not.”
Delta Most On-Time Airline in North America
USA Has Most of On-Time Airports Worldwide: Delta Air Lines has been named as the most on-time airline in North America in the annual On-Time Performance (OTP) Review released by travel data and analytics firm Cirium.
Both Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines rank at second and third place in the North America category, with Spirit Airlines, who did not feature in the top ten in 2018, achieving fourth place in 2019.
According to the long-running analysis by Cirium, which provides the definitive ranking of the top ten most on-time airlines and airports globally, by size and region, 86.7 per cent of Aeroflot’s flights operated on-time in 2019. (Last year’s winner, Delta Air Lines, took third place in the global category with 85.7 per cent of flights arriving on-time.)
Meanwhile, Latin American airline LATAM clinches top ranking of the global network airline category with 86.7 per cent of the flights in its network arriving on time.
NOTE: Cirium’s OTP Review also identifies the world’s most punctual airports, with Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International (SVO) operating the most on-schedule departing flights, with 95 per cent being on time. North America’s global airports dominate the top 20 with eight airports making the list – Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) being the only one to rank in the top ten.
Cirium On-Time Performance Review 2019
Airlines, North America
(On Time Percentage in Parentheses)
Mainline
1. Delta Air Lines (85.69%)
2. Alaska Airlines (82.01%)
3. Southwest Airlines (81.44%)
4. Spirit Airlines (81.19%)
5. American Airlines (79.89%)
6. Allegiant Air (79.48%)
7. United Airlines (79.30%)
8. WestJet (76.48%)
9. JetBlue Airways (74.80%)
10. Frontier Airlines (74.44%)
Network
1. Delta Air Lines (84.63%)
2. Alaska Airlines (83.12%)
3. Southwest Airlines (81.44%)
4. Spirit Airlines (81.19%)
5. American Airlines (80.50%)
6. WestJet (80.31%)
7. Allegiant Air (79.48%)
8. United Airlines (78.11%)
9. JetBlue Airways (74.80%)
10. Frontier Airlines (74.44%)
Cirium On-Time Performance Review 2019
Airlines, Global, Mainline
(On Time Percentage in Parentheses)
1. Areoflot (86.68%)
2. ANA (86.26)
3. Delta Air Lines (85.69%)
Cirium On-Time Performance Review 2019
Airlines, Global, Network
(On Time Percentage in Parentheses)
1. LATAM Airlines (86.67%)
2. ANA (86.49)
3. Delta Air Lines (84.63%)
Visit Sarasota—Connect Travel’s TourOperatorLand.com Partner of the Week
Sarasota County is a picturesque destination. Its autumn sunsets rival the most alluring colors of autumn leaves. Walk barefoot on its beaches to thoroughly enjoy one of its sunsets. Then decide tomorrow’s adventure as you enjoy your evening culinary delight. This is Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast — where any season can be your favorite time to visit!
For more information, go to Visit Sarasota’s TourOperatorLand.com site:
https://www.touroperatorland.com/index.php/destinations/visit_sarasota_county
IN MEMORIAM
Tourism Professional Donna Cordle-Gray Passes Away Unexpectedly: “Missouri’s tourism family is dealing with the loss of a long-time leader and friend, Donna Cordle-Gray, who passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day,” said Beth Mead, president of the Missouri Travel Alliance’s board of directors, noting that “Missouri’s travel industry has lost one of its true champions and the Missouri Travel Alliance has lost one of its dearest friends. On behalf of all of our board, our members and staff, we extend our deepest condolences to Donna’s family and numerous friends.”
Over her 30 years in Missouri’s tourism industry Donna not only played an integral role in developing Missouri as a domestic and international group travel destination, but she also served as a mentor to travel professionals throughout the state and was widely recognized as an expert in group travel marketing. Her efforts were recognized in 2017 when she was inducted into the Missouri Tourism Hall of Fame.
“Donna was a true professional, and she was highly respected in the industry for both her knowledge and commitment to Missouri tourism,” said long-time friend Renee Eichelberger, director of leisure travel sales for the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. “Anyone working in the group travel industry has benefited from the knowledge which she shared freely, and she helped Missouri mold its reputation as a top travel destination. She impacted the lives of so many. It was a pleasure to know and work with her, and she will truly be missed. We have lost one of the best.”
Donna began her career in the late 1980s as director of sales for the Park Place Hotel, later moving to Station Casino (now Ameristar) where she was instrumental in developing the casino’s marketing plan. In 1997, she was contracted by the Missouri Division of Tourism to coordinate the state’s group travel marketing efforts, a program she continued to manage. She also crafted an international identity for Missouri that is still recognized today.
In addition to building Missouri’s group travel identity, Donna created the Missouri Bank Travel Exchange (MBTE) on behalf of Missouri Travel Council in 2007, offering Missouri destinations, attractions and lodging suppliers with a cost-effective opportunity to market directly to travel club directors from Missouri and neighboring states.
“She taught all of us so much,” said another long-time friend, Glenda Kerr, who took over MBTE management when Donna stepped back following the event’s 10th anniversary in 2016. “She was there for me professionally and personally anytime I needed her, and I know there are countless others who can say the same thing. We will miss her.”
Donna was elected president of the Missouri Travel Council in 1998 and chaired and served on numerous state and regional travel industry committees. She was instrumental in creating Grand Central USA, a four-state marketing organization that focused on attracting niche markets to the partner states of Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas.
HODGE PODGE: Shifts, Shakeups and Occasional Shaftings in the Tour & Travel Industry
Visit Tri-Valley, California has named Tracy Farhad, as its new president and CEO. She had been executive director at the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau for the past 14 years. Farhad succeeds Barbara Steinfeld who leaves the post after nearly seven years. Steinfeld has announced her retirement last autumn.
Ohio’s Destination Toledo has named Lance Woodworth its new president and general manager. Throughout 2019, Woodworth was Destination Toledo’s vice president of sales and relationship management. Previously, Woodworth worked 14 years as general manager of the Jet Express ferry service in Port Clinton, which is about 45 miles east of Toledo. He also served as board chairman of the Lake Erie Shores & Islands and the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Stephanie Lord has been named head of marketing for Global Travel Group, returning to the UK after four years as head of marketing communications for dnata’s portfolio of travel brands based in the UAE, including dnata Travel, Emirates Holidays, Arabian Adventures and Yalago. Lord was senior marketing manager at Gold Medal Travel Group prior to her tenure in Dubai. She will be responsible for leading Global Travel Group’s marketing team and functions.
Maria Grasso has been promoted to the post of vice president, citywide sales and convention services, at the Philadelphia CVB. A 20-year veteran of the bureau—she joined it in August 1999—Grasso previously served as senior director of national accounts
Jean-Michel Rey has just joined Selectour, a network of more than 1,200 travel agencies in France, as sales manager. The company is headquartered in Toulouse, France. He previously served as the commercial director of April International Voyage and held the same position for five years at Lagrange. He was also director of the Havas Voyages franchise network.
Jim Wood has left his post as president and CEO of Meet AC to take over as CEO of the Evansville (Indiana) CVB. Wood had announced his departure from the Atlantic City position last October. He had been CEO of Meet AC since 2014. Before that, he was president and CEO for 11 years of the organization now known as Louisville Tourism.
Travel Leaders Group announced that it has tapped Elizabeth Gaerlan to join the company as vice president, public relations and communications. Gaerlan has more than 20 years of experience in the combined areas of marketing, public relations, corporate communications and event management. Most recently, Gaerlan had her own PR firm. She also previously served as corporate communications director at Toys “R” Us.
In Germany, Bret Freter is leaving Alltours, effective at the end of January. He had served as head of sales for the tour operator since September 2014. Published reports in the European travel trade media indicated that he has a new job, but no details were available.
Joyce Cordeiro has been named account manager for New York City & Company for the Interamerican Network, a large public relations agency specializing in the Latin America market. She will be responsible for promoting and promoting New York City to the Latin America tourism market. Cordeiro is a veteran public relations professional, with more than 15 years in the sector, including a tour as account manager for Visit Tampa Bay
Greg Thurston has been appointed as the very first trade sales manager role at tour operator Audley Travel as the tailor-made specialist moves to target increased sales through agents. Thurston comes to his new position from Cox and Kings, where he served for more than 9 years, most recently as head of agency sales.
Donna Marchese was recently named regional director of global sales-Northeast, for Hard Rock International. She joined the company from Sonesta Hotels, where she was director, global sales organization. A veteran of more than 20 years in the travel and tourism industry, Marchese has also held senior-level positions in sales and marketing for such brands as KSl Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Association Luxury Hotels International and Interstate Hotels & Resorts.
Posted Industry Jobs
From SearchWide Global:
—Visit Pittsburgh is searching for a new president and CEO. For more information, click here.
—Discover Lancaster is searching for a new president and CEO. Click here for more details.
—In Little Rock, Arkansas, the DMO there is searching for a senior sales director. For more information, visit here.
—The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking for a new president and CEO. More details here.
—Visit Pensacola is looking for a new president and CEO. For more information, visit here.
—Visit Salt Lake is searching for its next president and CEO. For more details, click here.
—Travel Marquette is searching for a group marketing sales manager. Click here for more information.
—Visit San Antonio is looking for a director of market strategy. For more details, click here.
—There is an opening for a director of sales and catering at Great Wolf Resorts. Click here for specifics.
—Visit Orlando has an opening for a director of visitor services. For more information, visit here.
—The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (Explore St. Louis) has an opening for a vice president of sales. Click here for more information
—The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau is searching for a senior vice president of convention sales. For more information, visit here.
—The San Diego Tourism Authority is searching for a president and CEO. For more information, visit here.
—The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau is looking for a president and CEO. For more information, visit here.
—The Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau is searching for its next chief executive officer. For more details, click here.
—Brent Robinson Vacation Rentals on the Alabama Gulf Coast has an opening for a director of marketing. For additional details, click here.
—PRA Business Events has an opening for a reginal sales manager in Las Vegas. Click here for additional details.
—The El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau has an opening for a director of convention development. Click here for more details.
—An international hotels & resorts company has an opening for a regional director of sales and marketing; the position is based in Vancouver, B.C. Visit here for details
—A hotel management company is searching for a remote director of revenue management for the Embassy Suites brand who will oversee two recently renovated hotels. For more information, click here.
—The Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is searching for a new executive director. Click here for more information.
—The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau has an opening for a vice president of people strategies. Click here for more information.
From HARP wallen Global Executive Recruitment and Search:
—In the UK, a tourism/retail destination in Central London is searched for a tourism coordinator. For additional details, visit here.
—An international premier airline is looking for a key account manager for its leisure sales team. Should be able to work independently as well as part of a greater team. The role will be field/home based with occasional days in the office. Click here for more information.
—A retail tourist attraction based in Central London is looking for a tourism manager. Click here for more details.
