Welcome to our latest newsletter. In this edition, we explore decline in theme park attendance, consumers’ growing love of the outdoors, and international travel. We also offer insights on how to boost retail store sales through merchandising.
In This Issue:
- American Skipped Theme Parks in 2024
- 175.8 Million American Headed Outside This Year; Impact on Travel and Tourism
- 7 Ways AI is Changing Business Travel
- From Villains to Indiana Jones: Inside Disney’s Parks Expansion
- 5 Ways to Use Merchandising to Increase Shop Sales
Building Customer Experience
“Building a good customer experience does not happen by accident. It happens by design.” – Kerry Bodine
Americans Are Skipping Theme Parks This Summer
Theme parks have experienced a decline in attendance due to the impact of inflation, which has stretched family budgets and increased the costs associated with visits. As a result, consumers are opting for alternative travel options such as international trips and cruises, which have become more appealing due to a strong U.S. dollar. Additionally, higher ticket prices and fewer new attractions have also contributed to the drop in visitor numbers at major parks like Disney, Universal, and Six Flags.
175.8 Million Americans Opted for Outdoor Travel & Activities this Summer
The 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report reveals a record 175.8 million Americans participated in outdoor activities, marking a 4.1% increase. The report highlights significant growth among women, seniors, and people of color, though the average number of outings per person declined. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the data emphasizes the need for the outdoor industry to focus on inclusion and diversity to maintain participation levels.
7 Ways AI Is Changing Business Travel
AI is transforming business travel by providing more personalized and efficient experiences for consumers. It enables the automation of tasks like booking, itinerary management, and expense reporting, making travel planning faster and more convenient. From personalized travel planning to predictive analysis, Skift explores seven ways AI is transforming the travel industry.
From Villains to Indiana Jones: Inside Disney’s Parks Expansion
Days after reporting weaker-than-expected results for its theme park business, Disney has revealed its largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, according to the company, including a villain-themed land. It’s also doubling the size of the Avengers Campus at Disneyland and adding four cruise ships to its fleet. The plans are part of a previously announced $60 billion investment, as those reliably profitable parts of the company show signs of distress. The new attractions are designed to reinvigorate attendance.
5 Ways to Diver Retail Store Sales
As the retail marketing manager tourism shop, here are five strategies to increase revenue through retail products and merchandise both in-store and online:
Diversify and Enhance Merchandise Offerings: To attract a wide range of customers, it’s important to offer a diverse range of merchandise that caters to different age groups, interests, and budgets. This could include items such as plush toys, clothing, home décor, stationery, and souvenirs.
Create Captivating Store Displays: The visual appeal of your retail store can greatly impact sales. Create attractive store displays that are visually appealing and highlight your merchandise effectively. Use signage, props, and lighting to create a visually appealing environment that encourages customers to browse and make purchases.
Offer Promotions and Incentives: Encourage purchases by offering promotions and incentives. This could include buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers, bundle deals, limited-time discounts, or loyalty programs for repeat customers. Additionally, consider offering special promotions during peak seasons, holidays, or events to drive sales and create a sense of urgency among customers.
Enhance Customer Experience: Providing excellent customer service is key to retaining customers and generating repeat business. Train your retail staff to be knowledgeable about your merchandise, engage with customers, and provide personalized recommendations. Offer convenient payment options, such as contactless payments or online order pick-up, to streamline the shopping process and enhance customer satisfaction.
Collaborate with Local Artists and Organizations: Partner with local artists and organizations to create unique and meaningful merchandise that aligns with your mission and values. This could include limited-edition artwork, handcrafted items, or products made from sustainable materials. Collaborations can help generate buzz, create goodwill among customers, and support local communities and conservation efforts.
