Product Hub April 21, 2023
Target the Staycation Market
New surveys show that North Americans are choosing to stay closer to home for summer fun due to the high cost of inflation. That’s an opportunity to sell branded merchandise to local companies.
Stubborn inflation continues to impact spending habits. And now, it’s coming for summer getaways.
Expensive flights and hotel rooms have people across North America rethinking their travel plans in the coming months, which may mean more staycations and day trips to local tourist spots. That’s poised to be a boon for promo product distributors.
A new survey by personal finance company NerdWallet found that of over 2,000 American adults surveyed, just 42% say they’ll be taking a trip that requires a flight and/or hotel stay this summer.
Among those not flying or staying in a hotel, or not traveling at all, top reasons for the decision were inflation making travel too expensive and less-robust personal savings due to long-term inflation. While it’s come down gradually in the U.S. since last summer, it remains about 5% above where it stood a year ago.
Of those who are planning to stay in a hotel or travel a long distance, 92% say they’re looking to save money by choosing accommodations based on price rather than amenities and driving rather than flying, for example.
In Canada, the data is similar: Persistent inflation (it now stands at 4.3%, according to Statistics Canada) and an uncertain economy has about 60% of Canadians deciding to travel less this summer. That’s according to a recent poll from Ipsos, where analysts say that since people will still want to unwind, local destinations are likely to see more tourist traffic.
“They’re going to need to find something to do. And those things … are readily available in our backyard,” Sean Simpson, senior vice president of Ipsos Global Affairs, told Global News this week. “I think we’ll see some of the local spots being quite, quite popular this year.”
Here are six ideas for targeting the staycation market this summer with branded products for local tourist spots.
1. Road Trippers
Professional service companies, like banks, real estate agents, attorneys and vehicle rentals, can brand road trip essentials for those traveling by car or RV this summer. Consider mini trash cans, mobile-device holders, coolers, safety kits and coloring books.
Family travel auto safety kit (97-104) from Justin Case (asi/63698)
2. Local Hotel Guests
After a tough few years for hospitality during COVID, vacationers staying closer to home could be an opportunity for nearby hotels to fill more rooms. Suggest that they refresh their branding with new brochures, staff uniforms, signage and floor mats.
Custom 5’ x 10’ mat (LM0510) from Creative Mat (asi/47213)
3. Beach & Lake Visitors
Vacationers are likely to take more one-day or long-weekend trips to the beach and lake. Sundry stores near the water can offer umbrellas, towels and sunglasses imprinted with the destination name and/or their company name and contact.
Woodtone mirrored sunglasses (6215) from Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125; Canada, 61126)
4. Community & State Park Guests
Parks and recreation departments can promote enjoyment of the great outdoors with branded drinkware, hats, backpacks and coolers sold at visitor centers. Also encourage them to co-brand with local brick-and-mortar retailers and eateries that can also sell the logoed products.
Picnic cooler (B499) from St Regis Group (asi/84592; Canada, asi/84595)
5. Campers & Hikers
North America has thousands of campgrounds to choose from, located in the midst of beautiful landscapes. Any of the independently owned businesses can sell logoed grill tools and camp chairs for guests to use at their tent or camper.
Folding chair (B6649) from HPG (asi/61966; Canada, asi/48886)
6. Thrill-Seekers
People love to bring home souvenirs from long, hot days at amusement parks. Think apparel, tote bags, drinkware, sunscreen/lip balm sets, food gifts and plushies sold at on-site retail stores and restaurants to commemorate the fun.
Flowing racerback tank (8800) from S&S Canada (asi/90703)
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