National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition in the US travel community. It is a week in which travel and tourism professionals unite to celebrate the value of travel. To learn about the history of this occasion and the benefits that travel and tourism bring to our communities, we conducted a Q&A with our Director of Travel and Tourism, Vivian Mur.
Continue reading to learn more.
What is the history of National Travel and Tourism Week?
NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the US. The 39th annual NTTW theme is the “Future of Travel.” Industry leaders and stakeholders are looking ahead at the future growth and success of the industry following the challenges of the past two years.
Why did you decide to build a career in the travel and tourism industry?
I grew up in a resort destination and have lived in tourism-centric places all of my life. This includes Hawaii, California and Florida. My background, coupled with a personal passion for travel and exploration, built a foundation of curiosity and interest. I have personally witnessed the value and importance of tourism to both residents and visitors and am so grateful to work in a space that fosters new experiences.
What excites you most about the industry?
The people. The travel industry breeds a certain kind of individual. An individual with a passion for hospitality. If I do my job well, I am directly supporting our partner’s marketing objectives and driving real results. Being a good steward of those investments makes a difference and is what truly motivates me. Building lasting relationships with really wonderful people is the most gratifying part.
What are your top tips for travel and tourism advertisers?
Communication, education and accountability. It’s vital to ensure that all partners are aligned with your media strategy and stay apprised of the tools available to reach your objectives. Holding everyone accountable for their role while constantly measuring and monitoring performance is paramount for success.
Why is personalization so important in travel and tourism advertising?
Travel and tourism companies no longer solely rely on traditional marketing methods. Advertisers that personalize their communication, messaging, and offers to each individual are the ones that capture consumer attention. I believe that time is our greatest currency as human beings. Consumers respond much more favorably to messages that are relevant to them. We now have the technology to refine that even further, by matching the moment with the message. There was a time when capturing both precision and scale was challenging and expensive. Personalization eliminates waste, drives efficiencies and increases effectiveness.
Finally, where is your next trip to?
This is a tough one. For work (or bleisure!) it’s Puerto Rico. For pure vacation, it’s Grenada and Hawaii – I clearly lean towards islands!
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