2015 Cape May County Tourism Conference What's Trending in Tourism? Meeting the Needs and Uncorking the Opportunities Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders Gerald M. Thornton, Director Leonard C. Desiderio, Vice Director E. Marie Hayes Diane Wieland, Director Kristine Gabor Cape May County Department of Tourism Will Morey 5/13/2015
[email protected] 2015 Cape May County Tourism Conference What's Trending in Tourism? The Department of Tourism is undergoing some changes in the way we conduct the business of marketing Cape May County as a destination. There has been no greater impact on the leisure tourism industry than the Internet and more specifically, social media. Every trip begins with research and technology is changing how that's done. Travelers can gather information, make reservations and open the hotel room doors from a hand held devise. Wearable technology is here and visitors expect to be connected at all times. Mobile-friendly marketing is the future with desktop travel booking declining in 2014. Free and seamless Wi-Fi is a must and no longer an amenity; not offering it to your customer can be a deal breaker. Social Media is powerful and far-reaching; every business can and is reviewed and rated in real time. Managing your online reputation is important; good or bad, it can go viral in minutes. As always, inconsistencies in what you promise and what you deliver will impact you today via mobile technology and well into the future since once it's out there in cyber space it stays out there.