MMGY Global

Every year we look forward to sharing and learning at the U.S. Travel Association’s ESTO conference – and this year we’re especially excited to be sponsoring this major industry event. For those attending, you can catch up with MMGY leaders – including Katie Briscoe, Cassandra McAuley, Derek Klaus, Kim Lenox, Carrie Gill, Casey Shepperd and Megan Lagrone – who are ready to bring their insights and take away innovative ideas. Reach out if you’d like to meet up in Columbus!

People are increasingly turning to AI tools like Chat GPT when searching the web for information – including to answer the age-old question of what’s for dinner. When it comes to planning meals on vacation, there’s a surprising and exciting new opportunity DMOs can implement to help travelers discover their next dish. https://bit.ly/3YyZYnz

While the U.S. wine market is down, interest in wine experiences among Millennials and Gen Zers is up. Although many speculate that the cause of the industry decline sits squarely on the shoulders of these younger generations, their interest – and wineries’ responses – may produce the perfect terroir. https://bit.ly/4fz2HDS

For those in the culinary universe who plate with passion, place words with aplomb and position leaders in the industry – there are the James Beard Awards. And as the PR agency for The James Beard Foundation, Wagstaff put it all on the table to raise awareness for the award weekend. Find out how at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gkjJVjsF

We hope you’re hungry! July marks the kickoff of a groundbreaking partnership between Travel Texas and the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. From legendary BBQ joints to innovative fine dining, Texas is a treasure trove of diverse flavors and gastronomic experiences. Through this collaboration, we strive not only to introduce Texas' vibrant culinary scene to the world, but to bring the world to Texas – with its appetite in tow! https://bit.ly/4c2aXch #TravelTexas #MICHELINGuide #CulinaryTourism The MICHELIN Guide Photo Credit: Christopher Zebo

Sorry for crashing your party Richard W. Scharf, but Denver is a top tourism market for Visit Corpus Christi and we had to tell our story. The Visit Corpus Christi PR team hosted 15 media influencers, bloggers and writers from the Denver area for an evening of Gulf Coast Capital cocktails and bites while we highlighted what makes Corpus Christi a unique Texas getaway. VCC Director of Communications America Segura and Rainey Stoll and Megan Lagrone from our PR partner MMGY PR did a fabulous job entertaining our new friends and displaying our South Texas vibe. We brought CC’s unique culinary and cocktails for all to share and could not have done it without Richard Lomax and his WaterStreet, LTD. team. Thank you for your partnership. What city shall we takeover next?!?

MMGY Global's Julie Freeman explains why travel and hospitality brands must make inclusivity an integral part of their PR and marketing communications programs in O'Dwyer's July '24 Travel & Tourism PR Magazine.

Summer temps and international travel intent are both on the rise, according to our thermometers and the latest MMGY Travel Intelligence report, Portrait of American Travelers® “Summer Edition.” Eighty percent of travelers surveyed shared that they’re looking to travel abroad in the next two years, hinting at a return to the pre-pandemic international travel market. Whether U.S. travelers are looking for new-to-them adventures or wanting to escape from the stress of America’s political and financial climate, MMGY Travel Intelligence’s Executive Vice President Chris Davidson remains “quite optimistic about the overall travel forecast based on what consumers are telling us.” Those who aren’t escaping overseas are choosing to hop in their cars and hit the road – at least three-quarters of U.S. travelers are planning road trips in the next year. For more strategic insights on the latest trends, interests and perceptions of U.S. travelers, click the link below. https://bit.ly/3LiqgTt

We’ve been waiting all year, and it’s finally here – Destinations International Annual Convention! While it’s still a week away, we’ve got our bags packed and our agendas sorted. For those of you headed to Tampa too – when you spot one of our attendees, be sure to say hello! Craig Compagnone, President, Americas  Justin Farmer, EVP, Growth Julie Freeman, EVP, PR, Americas Chris Davidson, EVP, Travel Intelligence Jessica Schultz, EVP, Media & Analytics, Americas  Cassandra McAuley, Managing Director, NextFactor  Greg Oates, SVP, Innovation, NextFactor Whit B., VP, Growth & Marketing  Kim Lenox, SVP, Group Director Tourism Strategy Sara Gorgon, VP, PR  Loren Teachey, Supervisor, Data & Performance Analytics

As promised, here are the remaining five things that are driving inspiration and innovation at MMGY as shared by CEO Katie Briscoe at the 2024 Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Summit. (Not sure what’s going on? Check out our previous post for the first half of the list!) https://bit.ly/3zDzuHh 6. Transformation in Progress AI continues to drive change at an incredible pace. And according to Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba, we should expect more change in the next five years than the last 50. At MMGY, we are embedding this technology into our foundation to transform the work we do for our clients. 7. Proof of Humanity With media trust at an all-time low and the impressive results of AI deepfakes, consumers are looking for the humans behind it all. Brands that share genuinely from a uniquely human perspective will create authentic, trusted connections. 8. Responsible Travel Our research shows that 6 in 10 travelers will pay more to patronize travel providers who show environmental responsibility, and even more will change their personal travel habits. We still see value as paramount – but as younger generations take the lion’s share of trips in the next decade, sustainable travel will be mainstream. 9. Inclusivity in Marketing Is Good for Business Inclusivity has always been good for business. Representing these travelers in our marketing strategies is simply being realistic about who our consumers really are and addressing those blind spots. Plus these underrepresented segments aren’t small players in the traveler space. MMGY’s Inclusivity in Travel Research Series found that annually Hispanic travelers, Black travelers and travelers with disabilities spend an impactful $114 billion, $109 billion and $58 billion, respectively – figures that will only continue to grow. 10. The Power of Travel At MMGY, we believe that travel has the power to transform. It broadens perspectives, enables personal growth and enriches our understanding of the world and its people. That’s why we do what we do. What’s inspiring you this year?