Travel Projections: Promo’s Role in What’s Ahead

Although we aren’t completely out of the woods yet, the numbers can’t lie when it comes to the travel industry beginning to bounce back to life after 16 long months in the pandemic. Life will certainly not return to exactly what it once was pre-pandemic, but it could be said that a version of what we had before is real and within reach. This momentum is and will likely spark a burst of unprecedented activity in the travel market.

So where does promo come in? I hope my answer is obvious when I say that promotional products can and will play an important and lucrative role in what’s ahead.

Key Markets to Target:

·        Technology

·        Sales and Marketing

·        Hospitality & Resorts

·        Entertainment

·        Bar & Restaurant

·        Financial

·        Retail

·        Automotive

Hot Product Categories:

·        Bags and Backpacks – anything convertible, packable and/or with a laptop sleeve is versatile and useful.

·        Drinkware – focus on leak-proof, durable pieces that easily tuck into a car’s cupholder, tote or backpack side-pocket

·        Tech Items - headphones, power banks, speakers, tech organizers, accessories are all on-the-go necessities.

·        Apparel – comfort still reigns supreme, but a surge in conference apparel, event tees and uniforming is likely.

·        Caps and Beanies – worn most commonly outside the home, this category allows for high function, messaging and ROI.

·        Umbrellas – another item used when out and about and an easy go-to for outdoor events, employee gifts and point-of-sale.

·        Hand Sanitizer – although tempting, we can’t leave this product in 2020. It’s important to stay safe and healthy as we bounce back.

While targeting markets and product categories, it’s vital to keep an eye on the overarching travel trends happening:

Affinity for the Outdoors

According to Airbnb, “rural stays near national and state parks, the Great Lakes and white sand beaches are all trending this summer compared to summer 2019.” Pitch more rugged pieces like waterproof backpacks (Spector & Co’s Call of the Wild Collection and Stormtech’s waterproof line), tough tumblers (Otterbox, Sweda’s Basecamp Collection) and waterproof technology (like Origaudio’s Hydrobump™ Waterproof Speaker).

Road Tripping Still Trending

A common fallback for 2020 travel was certainly road tripping – and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down (especially for families!). An article from The New York Times suggests that nearly 80% of Americans feel safer traveling by car this summer than by plane and that rental cars are proving to be increasingly sparse. Products like emergency kits, seat organizers, custom air fresheners, car coasters, power cords, mobile device holders and other useful accessories are positioned for additional exposure.

New Employees in the Mix

As companies continue to hire more new employees, travel basics such as laptop backpacks, padfolios, branded apparel, name badges and more are necessary for jumpstarting success and brand representation. A Reuter’s report indicated that as of June 2021, 8.1 million jobs are still unfilled, positioning the market for a wave of new employees – especially once unemployment benefits evolve in coming months.

If we can outlast (and dare I say…thrive) in the biggest global pandemic of our lifetime, we can certainly dominate in the environment as we bounce back out of it. Grab your flapper dress and cocktails…ladies and gentlemen, I have to believe that the Roaring ‘20s are just ahead!