Marketing to SpecialSegmentsWHILE BUSINESS AND LEISURE TRAVEL is still the backbone of the hospitality industry, many properties are targeting specialized market segments to ensure consistent occupancy. Reunion groups, juries , out-of-town wedding or funeral guests, truckers, sports teams, and movie crews are just a few examples of the small or special market segments that many properties are now targeting.Your property's ability to appeal to these segments will vary depending on its products, services, and location. In this chapter, we will take a look at some special market segments that can prove financially lucrative if you are willing to spend the time and money to research them and modify your property's products and services to meet their needs.International Travelers One of the fastest growing and most profitable special segments is the international traveler market (see Exhibit 1). International travelers are travelers originating from points outside the United States and are usually divided into three categories: North American travelers, European travelers, and other international travelers (Asian, Australian, African, etc.). Travel and tourism is now the United States' top export, ranking ahead of agricultural goods, chemicals, and motor vehicles. For the first time in history the United States is expected to register a travel surplus; foreign visitors to America will spend more money traveling in the United States than U.S. citizens will spend traveling abroad. lIt is difficult to give a general profile of the international traveler. Visitors from different countries are interested in different attractions and have varying needs. But it is possible to define several patterns in this market: 1. Point oforigin. While more than half of the international travelers currently visiting the United States come from Canada or Mexico, the number of North American travelers is on the decline. The market may soon be dominated by Asian, South American, and European travelers, with the most significant increases coming from Japan, Brazil, Argentina, and Korea.22. Reasons for travel to the United States. International travelers cite the quality of nightlife, shopping, and accommodations as reasons for visiting the United States- The devalued dollar played a part in bringing European and Asian travelers (mostly Japanese) to the United States, although the United States is 667
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