Overtourism lessons, TikTok travel trends, and the new era of reputation management
?? TikTok reigns as the UK’s top travel planning resource?
Phocuswright’s Consumer Travel Report 2024 reveals TikTok’s growing influence on travel planning in the UK. Over a quarter of users across age groups now use TikTok for travel inspiration. Remarkably, 42% of UK TikTok users have booked trips or made travel purchases influenced by content on the app, with short videos achieving a conversion rate of 76%.??
???? Can the Faroe Islands handle the tourist boom sustainably??
The Faroe Islands are navigating the challenge of balancing growing tourism with sustainability. Visitor numbers are rising, providing an economic boost, but concerns about overcrowding and environmental impact are growing. In response, the islands have introduced initiatives like the "Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism" programme, where visitors help maintain attractions in exchange for free accommodation. This reflects the islands’ commitment to responsible tourism. A tourism tax, set to be introduced in 2025, will fund environmental protection efforts. The key challenge remains managing tourism growth while preserving the islands' unique environment and culture.?
???? China expands visa exemption programme to boost tourism?
China is ramping up its international tourism efforts by expanding its visa exemption programme to more European countries. In the first half of 2024, the country welcomed over 17 million tourists, a 130% increase from 2023, though still far from pre-pandemic levels. The new visa-free policy applies to 27 countries, including 24 European nations, aiming to attract high-spending visitors for longer stays. South Korea's inclusion in the visa exemption scheme is surprising, given the cultural tensions, such as the 'soft ban' on Korean media. However, it aligns with China’s tourism strategy. Meanwhile, China, Japan, and South Korea aim to boost travel by 10 million by 2030.?
????? Bruges: How smart, resident-first policies are keeping overtourism in check?
Bruges has found the perfect balance between attracting tourists and protecting local life. With 7 million visitors annually and only 120,000 residents, the city has implemented restrictions like limiting hotel expansion, regulating cruise ships, and car-free zones in the city centre. These thoughtful policies have fostered positive relations between residents and visitors, with 75-90% of locals supporting tourism. Bruges’ 2019-2024 tourism strategy focuses on creating a city that is balanced, connected, and entrepreneurial, prioritising quality tourism over overcrowding.?
?? From review responses to customer insights: How D / AI Coach is changing reputation management with AI?
Data Appeal has introduced a new tool, D/AI Coach, to help hotels and restaurants manage their online presence and reputation with advanced generative AI. Building on its predecessor, Travel Appeal, the platform allows businesses to monitor and respond to reviews in real time, track performance, and compare themselves to competitors. Its key features include the AI Review Responder, which generates personalised replies to reviews, and Smart Insights, which analyses customer feedback for actionable insights. The goal of D/AI Coach is to support operators in managing their reputation more efficiently without replacing the human touch.?