Travel & Tourism Week – Do the stories Matter?

This is National Travel and Tourism Week. Most of us love to go places, attend events, dine out, and enjoy a get away, but how does this resonate? Is it important to write the reviews, share your stories, or have writers tell what they see and do? Do tourists pay attention? Can destinations benefit by bringing writers to their area? Is it worth the expense? According to my sources, the answer is yes.

Personally, I rely on notes, read guidebooks, talk to friends, and look at blogs and reviews of places to go, and see what others say when making my plans.

The stats

Nothing tells the truth like the facts, the numbers. According to the US Travel Association “Travel is one of America’s most powerful economic engines—supporting 15 million jobs, generating $2.9 trillion in economic output and funding essential public services. It strengthens every sector of the economy, from restaurants and retail to tech, manufacturing and agriculture.”

Diana Lambdin Meyer of the Midwest Travel Journalists Association shares, “…This week, we are celebrating travel’s essential role in powering economies, supporting communities and strengthening connections across every corner of the country.”

For stores, restaurants, museums etc. the basic fact is if no one comes, the doors won’t stay open. Bringing tourists to town the old ‘heads in beds’ analogy makes an economic difference.

The value of authenticity

My friend Annie Jansen is planning a 50th anniversary event. Her family getaway includes kids and grandkids. While researching where to go, Annie said, “I read a lot of information online, then compare sites to make sure everyone says the same thing.”

This is where a destination can benefit from varied views sharing what to do, and where to go for a destination. Ensuring the information is true and accurate and authentic is key. Sara Broers, co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network shared, “With AI in our lives today, authenticity matters more than ever. Partnerships between content creators and destinations help place new eyes on destinations that are often overlooked.”

Annie is looking for something rural, out of the way for her large group to enjoy. Sara’s words resonate for travelers like her. Word of mouth, varied stories from writers that have been to a destination and experienced the wonders and beauty count.

Results of travel and tourism stories told

Julie Roller, Director of Abilene Convention and Visitor’s Bureau shared her results of writers sharing stories about her vibrant town. “Tourism is vital to Abilene—it fuels our local economy, celebrates our unique story, and brings new energy to our community. Writers and bloggers play a key role in sharing what makes Abilene special. Their stories help people discover the charm of our town and inspire them to visit, explore, and fall in love with it too.”

I loved visiting this fun town with so much history. Before traveling there, I read other stories and had a wide variety of thing to share after my visit.

Angie McNeal Pierce, Vice President of Visit Alabama said, “Tourism fuels our local economy, supports small businesses, and shines a spotlight on the culture and hidden gems that make our region unique. Through engaging content, writers and influencers help visitors see beyond the brochure — they showcase the soul of our community and inspire meaningful and memorable travel.”

Angie hits the nail on the head when she says, “help visitors see beyond the brochure” sharing the authentic through a visitor’s eyes experience.

Taking Action

For me, one action I took about four years ago was to start writing more extensively about local stops. Writing for the Virden Chamber of Commerce, and Village of Pawnee, I want people to know what jewels are in our own backyard. Springfield, Illinois is filled with Route 66, Lincoln history, mansions, architecture and dining delights. But, if no one shares, how will others know?

I want to start writing book reviews more often after learning what a difference they make. Share fun stops on Facebook and tell my friends about a good meal. When I read so many stories of places that are closing their doors because not enough business comes their way, this is prompting me to share.

How about you? With National Travel and Tourism Week upon us, what will you do? During Travel and Tourism week, will you share the best chicken dish in town? Will you share the best museum you visited, or best customer service you receive? Any of it, all of it helps drive our national, state, and local economy. The sharing brings new businesses and life to our hometowns and keeps doors open. So, to answer my question earlier, do the stories matter? Yes, yes, they do.