Survey Shows That Travel Media Are Ready To Lead the Way On Post-COVID Consumer Travel

BOSTON—A travel media survey conducted in April by CM Communications, a leading PR agency specializing in travel and hospitality, discovered that travel journalists and social influencers are ready to travel for the purpose of writing stories and sharing their experiences with consumers, as soon as stay-at-home orders allow. The survey, which included responses from over 400 editors, freelance journalists, bloggers, and Instagrammers from major markets nationwide, shows that 25% are willing to travel immediately and 36% will be ready to visit hotels and resorts within 1-2 months of when restrictions are lifted.

“We are very encouraged by the enthusiastic response to our travel media survey,” said Lori Moretti, Principal of CM Communications. “As we’re working closely with our hotel and restaurant clients on their re-opening PR strategies, we will incorporate insight gained from our colleagues in the media to help guide us on story development and in planning press trips and itineraries.”

According to Moretti, the survey proves that it’s not too soon for travel destinations, hotels, resorts and restaurants to plan how they will leverage the power of earned media to kick-start business and capture market share in what could prove to be a highly competitive environment for consumer travel.

Other highlights of the travel media survey include:
73% of respondents say they look forward to taking a beach or lakeside getaway
53% are interested in enjoying a road trip through scenic countryside

When asked about expectations for safety precautions at hotels:
90% say they expect hand sanitizers throughout the property
89% expect more rigorous cleaning techniques
59% want guest service staff to wear masks and gloves