Most people would agree that the inability to travel and visit with friends and family has been one of the more difficult parts of the pandemic. So, it’s no surprise that with millions of Americans now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, people are itching to getaway. Especially now that the CDC has officially announced that people who are fully vaccinated can travel safely within the U.S. while still following the recommended safety guidelines.
In fact, a new survey from booking.com showed that 71% of adults in the U.S. feel more optimistic about travel opportunities in 2021 because of the vaccine rollout. Another big positive for the travel and hospitality sector is that 60% of those surveyed have reevaluated the importance of travel in their lives.
After realizing the part it plays in their emotional well-being, people now deem travel more critical than they did before the pandemic. (1)
This reinvigorated interest in travel means things are picking up for promotional product sales to hotels, resorts, airlines, travel professionals, casinos and more. While distributors may not yet see the same sales levels to the travel and hospitality sector as pre-COVID, more opportunities are starting to emerge. Now is a great time to proactively reconnect with existing clients and explore new ways to engage with prospects to capitalize on the post-pandemic travel boom. (2)
Travel and Promo
If you’re interested in growing promo sales to the travel and hospitality market, here are few things to keep in mind: (3)
Know and understand how the travel and hospitality industry is unique
For example: they are open 24 hours a day, they may employ union workers, and seasonality means they may be overbooked one month and struggle to reach minimum occupancy the next. These unique characteristics may mean planning more time to close a sale, or going above and beyond to set your clients apart from the competition.
Keep company size in mind
The travel and hospitality sector includes different types and sizes of businesses. As a distributor, you can tailor your services to think outside the box for those smaller boutique clients while also being the go-to for promos with mass appeal like writing instruments. Be sure to consider the size of your client’s business, their needs and overall goals when helping to build their promotional product campaigns.
Referrals Matter
Even though ~16 million people work in hospitality in the United States, it can feel like a relatively small sector. Employees often transfer to new properties or airlines and expand their network to build more and more connections. You never know how far a relationship with one travel and hospitality client can take you, so be sure to cultivate those relationships with care. This could unlock an unlimited chain of referrals that turn into repeat promotional product orders for years to come!
Use Social Media to Sell Strategically
Leaders in the travel and hospitality market know how powerful social media can be because their industry trends change quickly and they are faced with a lot of competition. Following industry publications online and being active on sites like LinkedIn keeps these decision-makers keyed in to what their customers want. Look for ways to engage with these prospects on their favorite social sites and provide insight into their business to make a memorable impression.
Travel and hospitality promos can greatly extend the reach of your client’s brand, literally showcasing it to audiences from around the world! Visit kooziegroup.com to shop thousands of promotional products and spark inspiration for helping your travel and hospitality clients who are ready for a comeback.
ENJOYING OUR CONTENT? THINK YOUR CUSTOMERS WOULD ENJOY IT AS WELL? FEEL FREE TO TAKE THIS ARTICLE AND POST IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUR BLOG OR WHEREVER ELSE YOU MARKET YOUR BUSINESS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE . . . STEAL OUR STUFF!
©2021 Koozie Group, Clearwater, FL.
