PGAV Destinations releases groundbreaking insights on The New Destination Visitor
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St. Louis-based planning and design firm PGAV Destinations has published its latest landmark study, “The New Destination Visitor: Travel Motivations in the Post-Recession Era.” The study unravels the latest trends and insights in what has changed in US travelers and tourists after weathering the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
Conducted in partnership with H2R Market Research, “The New Destination Visitor” begins by investigating what the new emotional drivers are for families looking to travel, including ‘reconnect with my loved ones, ’ ‘please the people I care about, ’ and ‘have fun together.’ These drivers are then translated into how these guests actually behave prior to and during their destination visits.
The study then delves into the evolved trend of Splurging, a phenomenon uncovered in a 2008 survey by PGAV Destinations. Splurging, or the act of ‘trading-up’ for premium experiences at attractions, has returned to its pre-recession rates, but for very different motivational reasons. These insights can help destination managers design and promote optimal, revenue-generating premium experiences.
Lastly, “The New Destination Visitor” reveals where US tourists want to go most in America, both by type of attraction and specific geographic location. The findings go on to reveal the most common activities guests spend their precious time on while at these destinations, and their greatest pain-points they encounter during their vacations.
““The New Destination Visitor” is the first published study that really takes a deep look at how people’s tourism perception and planning has changed since the beginning of the 2007 economic windfall, ” says Ben Cober, director of research at PGAV Destinations. “These new insights will influence PGAV’s future master plans and designs, and we hope that destination directors find them to be helpful lessons during their next strategic undertaking.”
“The New Destination Visitor” is just the latest study in an ongoing series of published research by PGAV Destinations. By visiting the company’s website, you can find additional studies regarding The Art of the Family Vacation, Millenials, Authenticity, Green Design, and many more. Visit the company’s Publications page to subscribe to their quarterly newsletter, Destinology, to automatically receive the latest research insights.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
