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Why the hospitality industry shouldn’t ditch printed brochures

Going paperless could be bad for tourism.

Planning a trip? You’ll likely start by going online to explore destinations. But once you get there, chances are you’ll reach for a printed brochure in the hotel lobby or visitor’s center according to the findings from a survey conducted by Bentley University’s Center for Marketing Technology (CMT) and commissioned by Visitor International, the International Association of Visitor Information Providers.

“The decline of print advertising predicted by marketers was over hyped,” says CMT Director Ian Cross. ”Even in this digital age, people still value tangible “in-the-moment” printed materials like brochures, maps and travel guides. They are still very relevant to tourists and visitors.”

The survey, conducted by graduate students and faculty advisors at Bentley University's CMT, included 2,020 respondents from 17 cities in North America and Western Europe.

  • On average, 79% of visitors picked up a brochure (up from 67% in 2016)
  • After searching the web, printed brochures are the next most popular source of information for trip planners with a usage rate of 52%
  • 85% of visitors became aware of an attraction or business as a result of picking up a brochure
  • 61% of visitors planned to purchase tickets or merchandise they learned about from a brochure
  • 73% of visitors would consider altering their plans because of a brochure

Cross is quick to point out the connection between print and digital options, particularly based on survey findings that the Internet is still the most popular resource used to help plan a visit and that the mobile web and apps are often used to book activities.

“This suggests that trip planners are influenced by omni-channel marketing approaches combining print, web and mobile content, more than traditional media,” Cross says. “It also suggests that brochures drive awareness and action is taken because of integration with the mobile web and apps.”

The takeaway, Cross adds: “Attractions should strongly consider an integrated print, app and digital (web, social and search) marketing strategy to drive awareness and customer interaction, particularly with the under 35 audience.”

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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