Unlocking the Future of Travel and Tourism: Insights from the 53rd Annual TTRA International Conference

Are you ready to explore the future of travel and tourism? Join us at the?53rd Annual Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference ?in?St. Louis, Missouri, United States, from June 13-15, 2023.?

This year's conference theme is "Gateway to the Future: How research, data & technology are changing the way strategic decisions are being made by destination & tourism organizations." Be a part of this exciting event, where we'll be delving into the latest trends and developments in travel and tourism research, data, and technology.

The TTRA International Conference brings together professionals from the travel and tourism industry, including researchers, marketers, policymakers, and industry practitioners, to share insights, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. With a diverse range of sessions and speakers, the conference promises to provide valuable knowledge and actionable strategies for professionals looking to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.

SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE:

INSIGHTS FROM THE TOTAL ECONOMY - Is VFR The Silent Majority Of Your Overnight Stays

One of the sessions at the conference that promises to provide valuable insights is "Insights From The Total Economy - Is VFR The Silent Majority Of Your Overnight Stays." This general session, led by?Cree Lawson , Founder & CEO of?Arrivalist , will shed light on the often-overlooked segment of travelers who visit friends and relatives (VFR). Lawson will share case studies from Corpus Christi and other marketers who are embracing the total overnight economy, and discuss how VFR travelers compare to hotels and vacation rental visitors. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how measuring this easy-to-miss audience can create both threats and opportunities, and how to incorporate this data into their research stack and ROI calculations. This session promises to provide valuable insights into a segment of travelers that has long been a question mark for destination and tourism organizations.

REAL TALK: Embracing Differences & Fostering Unity Across Travel & Tourism

In today's world, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have gained significant traction across various industries, and the travel and tourism industry is no exception. In the session "Real Talk: Embracing Differences & Fostering Unity Across Travel & Tourism,"?Dr. Stefanie Benjamin , Co-Director of?Tourism Reset , will address the issue of DEI in the industry using feminist ethics of care. Benjamin will discuss whether the industry is genuinely committed to this work or merely performing to conform to the status quo. With increasing legal restrictions on critical race theory and related concepts in many US states, the struggle for inclusion and belonging is now more critical than ever before. This interactive workshop promises to be engaging, informative, and challenging, and attendees will leave with a personalized CODE for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their respective roles as industry professionals, educators, and researchers. This session will encourage attendees to step outside their comfort zone and embrace differences to foster unity across the travel and tourism industry.

ANALYTICS FOR ADVOCACY

Advocacy is a continuous effort that requires steady engagement, and in the session "Analytics for Advocacy,"?Zeek Coleman , Vice President, Americas, of?Tourism Economics , will explore how DMOs can effectively leverage analytics to support the cause of destination marketing. Coleman will focus on real-world examples of how DMOs are successfully harnessing multiple key performance indicators (KPIs) and market insights to position their organization as an essential community service. With increasing competition and evolving consumer preferences, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) need to make data-driven decisions to stay relevant and effective. This session will provide practical ideas on how DMOs can leverage analytics to advocate for their destinations and stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of the travel and tourism industry.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE?

Apart from the informative sessions, the TTRA International Conference also provides ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and establish meaningful connections. The conference will also feature an exhibitor showcase, where attendees can explore the latest products, services, and technologies in the travel and tourism industry.

The?53rd Annual TTRA International Conference?promises to be an exciting and informative event, bringing together professionals from the travel and tourism industry to explore the future of the industry. With a diverse range of sessions, expert speakers, and networking opportunities, attendees can gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and establish meaningful connections. Whether you're a researcher, marketer, policymaker, or industry practitioner, this conference is a must-attend event to stay updated on the latest trends, developments, and strategies in the travel and tourism industry.?

Join us at the TTRA International Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, from June 13-15, 2023, and unlock the future of travel and tourism.?

Register now to secure your spot!