How Travel Marketing Needs to Change Post-Pandemic

Travel was altered significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic and, even with far-away locales opening their doors to travelers once again, the industry is going to have to adapt to cater to a new brand of consumer.

But how?

Marilee Kostadimas, CMP, DMCP, Founder & Creative Director of Spotlight Sojourns, shared some front-line insights about how travel marketing needs to change post-pandemic and the role of storytelling in the future of travel marketing.

“Well, through these unprecedented times, we’ve come to know what matters and what doesn’t. And, now, we want meaningful travel, because we’ve changed.

And so has travel. Travel marketing needs to change from less transactional mass messaging to get maximum heads in beds to emotional, personal engagement to build relationships.

What is the role of storytelling in the future of travel marketing? Well, studies show that consumers and, therefore, travelers buy on emotion, and storytelling stirs emotion.

It sparks inspiration, motivates action, and creates connection. So, storytelling holds profound power for the future of travel marketing in engaging the audience who can connect personally to the story and picture themselves in your destination, on your property, [interacting with] your brand.

Ultimately, storytelling enhances your messaging, and stories enrich the meaning.”

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