Guest Blog: Connecticut Office of Tourism, Tourism Business Partners
We know that our tourism industry partners have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. In light of these difficult times, we’ve launched the Tourism Insights: Tips for Recovery program, a research-based program that will generate Northeast-specific data aimed at supporting the Connecticut tourism industry.
We will be publishing a monthly insights report and will email you tips like these, along with a link to view the full report. Here are 10 tips from this month’s report.
1) Make safety priority #1. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s also what will get people visiting again. Research clearly shows: intent to travel or visit hotels, attractions and restaurants increases as COVID-19 cases decrease.
2) Tell them you require masks. It’s good for business. 75% of Northeastern residents are more or just as likely to visit an attraction that requires masks.
3) Tout your cleaning protocols. Travelers in the Northeast say one thing they want most in hotels today is information regarding stepped-up cleaning efforts. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but sharing this information could bring business.
4) Let them bring Fido. Due to a surge in demand for rescue dogs and Google seeing a huge upward trend in searches for “dog friendly hotels,” Forbes predicts that 2021 will be the year of dog travel.
5) Promote your readiness for workcations. Like the staycation, workcations are gaining traction. Since much work and school is now conducted online, workers and children can do what they need to from virtually any location.
6) Try a subscription model. Many restaurants are finding success offering a monthly subscription service that saves loyal customers money on entrees or drinks.
7) Don’t try adding COVID fees. 89% of Northeasterners are deterred by additional COVID fees like the ones tried in NYC and Chicago.
8) Figure out a way to let them take it home. Food-at-home is increasing in popularity as consumers spend more on groceries than dining out. Consider offering “assemble-at-home” meal kits, special meals to go, or delivery.
9) Create an in-car experience. New data reveals a surge in drive-in events as consumers feel safer in their cars than in crowds. This trend is working for comedy shows, concerts, fitness classes, movies, and beyond.
10) Add a food truck or two! As consumers have shown more willingness to eat outdoors during the pandemic, attractions are seeing that food truck partnerships can create an attractive new experience for visitors.