Print advertising and printed materials like brochures, maps and travel guides are still very valuable for travelers, according to a recent survey.
After searching the web, printed brochures are the next most popular source of information for trip planners with a usage rate of 52%, according to the survey conducted by Bentley University’s Center for Marketing Technology (CMT) and commissioned by Visitor International, the International Association of Visitor Information Providers, finds out that
“The decline of print advertising predicted by marketers was over hyped,” says CMT Director Ian Cross.” Even in this digital age, people still value tangible “in-the-moment” printed materials like brochures, maps and travel guides. They are still very relevant to tourists and visitors.”
The survey, conducted by graduate students and faculty advisors at Bentley University's CMT, included 2,020 respondents from 17 cities in North America and Western Europe.
Here are some highlights:
- On average, 79% of visitors picked up a brochure (up from 67% in 2016)
- 85% of visitors became aware of an attraction or business as a result of picking up a brochure
- 61% of visitors planned to purchase tickets or merchandise they learned about from a brochure
- 73% of visitors would consider altering their plans because of a brochure
Cross is quick to point out the connection between print and digital options, particularly based on survey findings that the Internet is still the most popular resource used to help plan a visit and that the mobile web and apps are often used to book activities.
“This suggests that trip planners are influenced by omni-channel marketing approaches combining print, web and mobile content, more than traditional media,” Cross says. “It also suggests that brochures drive awareness and action is taken because of integration with the mobile web and apps.”
The takeaway, Cross adds: “Attractions should strongly consider an integrated print, app and digital (web, social and search) marketing strategy to drive awareness and customer interaction, particularly with the under 35 audience.”
The full Hospitality Visitor Information Survey 2018 is available here.
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