The Rise of Travel Tuesday: A New Shopping Phenomenon
In the wake of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a new shopping trend is emerging: Travel Tuesday. This phenomenon, which takes place on the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving, is specifically designed for travelers looking for discounts on trips.
Search Interest Skyrockets
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, search interest for “Travel Tuesday” has increased by over 500% from 2021 to 2023. The majority of searches come from American and Canadian consumers, but interest is also growing in Australia, the UK, Netherlands, and Spain.
A Global Phenomenon
While Travel Tuesday hasn’t yet taken off in Asia, companies in the region are still jumping on the bandwagon to reach global customers. Kristen Jennings Graff, director of sales and marketing at Bawah Reserve, an eco-resort in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, launched her company’s first Travel Tuesday promotion in 2023, which generated good sales.
Travel Bookings Surge
McKinsey’s report shows that hotel, airline, and cruise bookings among American travelers spiked on Travel Tuesday last year, with airline bookings increasing by over 60% and cruises by over 50%. Hotel bookings also saw a significant jump of 28%.
A Win-Win for Travelers and Companies
For travelers, finding a good deal is a top priority, especially in the face of rising travel costs and inflationary pressures. Travel Tuesday offers discounts on airfares, cruises, and tour packages, with many hotels offering 20-30% off best available rates. For companies, it’s an opportunity to bolster revenue during a period when bookings are typically slow.
Experience Over Material Gifts
More than half of Americans prefer to spend their money on travel instead of shopping, according to a WalletHub survey. A global survey by Amex Trendex shows that around one in three respondents plan to give an “experience” to a significant other or to their children, with travel being one of the top experiences.
The Future of Travel Tuesday
As Travel Tuesday continues to grow, it’s likely to become a major shopping event for travelers. With its focus on experience over material gifts, it’s an opportunity for companies to tap into the growing demand for travel and for travelers to snag amazing deals.
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