Fly-to or Drive-to….Be In-Tune with the Vacation Homes Rental Traveler

A trend that I have seen in recent weeks is that travelers are picking locations that are closer to home.  For example, although Big Bear ski area is not seeing as many out-of-state skiers at this time, they are seeing an increased number of skiers from the local southern California market.

I suggest that you pay closer attention than ever before to where your website visitors and your guests are coming from.  There may be a shift occuring in the markets where your guests are coming from.  Which translates into a shift into your marketign efforts, resources, and funding.  Missing this shift can cost you.

Now, if you are a fly-to destination, do not think you are (1) immune to this trend, or (2) just taking it in the shorts.  You also have options.  This trend will affect you, the fly-in guests will choose drive-to destinations.  So think about new target markets, new promotions, or new types of guests.  In the gas price crisis of the summer, drive-to destinations were offering 'gas credits'.  Maybe you can offer help with the travel expense to fly-in customers?  One of our LiveRez vacation managers in Mexico has record bookings so far this season.

The point is  no matter which one you are, fly-to or drive-to, you must be in tune with your market more than ever.

All the best.

Ralf
www.LiveRez.com