Top Issues and the Latest Trends in 2011 in the Tourism Industry

Tourism professionals are frequently asked at the beginning of a new year what we predict will be the "hot travel trends" for the coming year.

This year, that's a tough question, particularly during the current global economic downturn, and with such countries as Greece, Ireland and Germany experiencing fiscal crises as never before.  Travelers to several international destinations during the past year experienced labor strikes and other shut-downs of essential services and infrastructure -- causing them to be "stuck" at their destinations.

There does, however, seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel in some travel sectors such as heritage and cultural touring, spas and resorts, and luxury travel, all of which continue to remain popular -- giving rise to a certain degree of optimism about where travel is "headed" in 2011.

The following article appeared in the UK's issue of Hotel & Resort Insider, on February 9, 2011:

"For the last few years, the tourism industry is witnessing some emerging trends and issues among bulk of tourists which is resulting in some new developments in the industry itself.  It is expected that these upcoming trends will influence the strategy development, business, marketing policies and the tourism planning in the year ahead.

"Here we provide you with the key issues and the forthcoming trends in the tourism industry:

Memories and experiences

"It has been observed that contemporary travelers being bored by the sedentary lifestyle and mounting work pressure are yearning for leisurely activities, and they are more eager in having new and unique experiences. Travelers are willing to utilize their vacations to the utmost to rejuvenate. Traditional travel sectors which include adventure travel, nature tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, and vacationing with family are still popular with the tourists. In addition to this, tourists are also admiring several non-traditional activities such as bird watching, mountain biking, cruise travel,  festivals and special occasions, the thrilling experiences of which will offer them splendid memories to treasure.

Technology

"The internet has modernized the face of travel industry, with its massive impact among the tourists. Travelers are seeking information about different destinations via internet, which is influencing their decision-making and is the fundamental force behind personalization and customization. Travelers also prefer online bookings and reservations nowadays. These immense changes brought about by technology in the travel and tourism industry also highlight other modifications, such as airlines, travel agencies and other travel professionals which are merging with each other with the objective that bigger is better.

"The smaller establishments are mostly affected by this development and in order to compete, they should tailor their strategies according to the needs of the specific target audience.

Changing face of tourists

"A large number of financially potent elderly people across the globe with enough time are looking forward to enjoy their dream vacations and are planning to travel. Moreover, minority groups including African-Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanics will constitute an increasing percentage of all travelers. 
The growing competition among the airlines has resulted in opening up of new routes, and most of the new routes to the US are more focused to the West (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, San Diego and Salt Lake City.)

"Therefore, all these upcoming trends and issues will surely cause a sea of change in the tourism industry." 

Do you agree or disagree?  Snobby Tours^®, Inc. is interested in your feedback, so please comment and share your opinion on this topic.

Victor Bravo, Flamenco Artist in Spain - Interview by Meg Pier

Snobby Tours®' friend and professional travel writer, Meg Pier, has published a series of articles and interviews from Spain -- one of our upcoming International heritage and cultural tour destinations. 


We were particularly engaged by her interview with Victor Bravo, Dance Director of the Museum of Flamenco Dance in Seville, Spain.  


Flamenco's roots come from the Andalucian region of Spain, where Gypsies, Jews and other non-Catholics fled during the Spanish Inquisition to live in hiding and in fear of death. As an outlet for their feelings and emotions, they created the music of lamentation and the dances of passion from which Flamenco is derived. 


Meg quotes the esteemed Spanish writer, Lorca, in describing Flamenco:

"Let not the intellectuals tire themselves out searching for it in the old trunks of erudition,
because flamenco is something alive with its feet buried in the hot mud of the street
and its head in the cool fleece of the driven clouds.”

Federico García Lorca, 1898 – 1936

Bravo shares his thoughts and observations with Meg about the part which Flamenco has played in Andalucian history and culture, and about his own personal journey expressed through his lifetime of Flamenco study and dance.


To read Meg's complete article and interview which is published in "View from the Pier", link on the following: Victor Bravo/Flamenco Artist

HERITAGE TOUR DESTINATION: MONTEREY, CARMEL and SALINAS, CALIFORNIA - Review: 5 stars©

Monterey, Carmel and Salinas, California -- generally referred to collectively as the "Monterey Bay area" -- are favourite Central California destinations for Snobby Tours®' heritage and cultural tours. Each has a different history and ambiance.   Our Review: 5-stars!


Monterey at one time was the original Spanish capital of  "Old California".  Long before Salinas-born Pulitzer Prize winning author John Steinbeck immortalized Monterey's Cannery Row, beautiful Monterey Bay was claimed for Spain by a Portuguese navigator in 1542.  It was colonized by missionaries, soldiers and mercenaries, as well as Russians, Mexicans and Americans at different points in time.

Sea creatures in Monterey Bay Aquarium
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Over the years, some of the most historic Old California buildings were constructed, including Mission San Carlos, the Presidio and California's first theatre.  Monterey has also provided inspiration for writers such as Steinbeck and Robert Louis Stevenson.  


Today, visitors flock to Monterey to experience its heritage and culture, shopping and fine dining -- and especially to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.


Carmel, less than four miles south of Monterey, is known as an "artists' haven". Situated along some of California's most picturesque coastline, the word which most describes Carmel is "quaint".  It is filled with unique shops and art galleries featuring the work of many local artists, cobblestone courtyards, great restaurants for California cuisine, and cute B&Bs. The scent of wood-burning fireplaces waifs thru the air all year round because the fog generally rolls in and temperatures drop as the sun sets each day.  Even Summers are relatively cool, requiring layered clothing.

Carmel Winter Sunset
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Practically everything is within walking distance in Carmel -- or within a short drive if one wants to to visit nearby wineries or Mission Carmel.  The internationally famous Pebble Beach golf course along the scenic "17-mile Drive" attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the world for informal games and competitive  tournaments.


And, on any given day, both locals and visitors flock to the rocky  beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue to photograph the famous Carmel sunset -- spectacular all year round.


Carmel is very "pet-friendly".  The movie icon Doris Day has lived in Carmel for years, and thru her efforts, lodging, retail shops, and even some restaurants have become receptive to pets -- especially dogs -- accompanying their owners. 


Salinas -- about 30-minutes drive east from Carmel -- is part of the Salinas Valley - famous for its production of fruit and vegetables.  It was immortalized in John Steinbeck's "East of Eden".  Steinbeck's childhood home, a restored Queen Anne-style Victorian which can be toured, is near Downtown Salinas.  

"Doc's Lab" in Steinbeck Institute
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In recent years, with the opening of the Steinbeck Institute, new life has been infused into Salinas. The Steinbeck Institute is a "must see" when visiting Salinas.  It is a living history museum of Steinbeck's books where visitors can stroll from room to room hearing excerpts from books, viewing archival films, and getting close to the Trask 1920's motorcar ("East of Eden"), the Joad house ("Grapes of Wrath"), Doc's Lab ("Cannery Row"), and even the Gypsy wagon which Steinbeck took on a trip along with his poodle ("Travels with Charley").


Any time of the year is the right time to visit Monterey, Carmel and Salinas because seasonal and annual heritage and cultural events are abundant -- from evening art walks thru the galleries sampling local wines to antique car shows. Just remember to bring a jacket, even in July.

_© 2011 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.