Women Leading Travel & Hospitality is pleased to announce the release of its latest research report, An Experience to Remember: Experiential Marketing’s Growing Role in Cultivating Loyal Travel Customers. The comprehensive report addresses many facets of experiential marketing and its growing role in the travel and hospitality sector, including how consumer habits have changed, the influence of technology on travelers, tips for formulating an experiential marketing plan, and much more.

As the travel and hospitality industry navigates significant shifts in consumer behavior, the path to growth lies in adapting to new demands. Today’s travelers seek more than just destinations — they crave experiences that resonate on a personal level, experiences they will cherish, remember and share. This trend is reflected in growing consumer spending on travel experiences, which reached a five-year high in early 2024 and accounts for 12 percent of total global tourism sales, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.

Simultaneously, the rise of new technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence and machine learning, is empowering consumers to navigate the crowded travel marketplace with greater precision. Tools like ChatGPT enable travelers to sift through vast amounts of information and find personalized recommendations that align with their unique preferences. This technological evolution is a game-changer for marketers, offering new avenues to engage with customers at every touchpoint.

In this dynamic environment, the potential for crafting unforgettable experiences through personalization is immense. Marketers who leverage AI to personalize and enhance these experiences are well-positioned to build loyalty among today’s discerning travelers. Furthermore, brands are now required to go beyond traditional marketing tactics, focusing instead on creating immersive, personalized experiences that align with consumers’ values and desires. This approach not only enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty but also drives word-of-mouth marketing, as travelers are more likely to share their positive experiences with others.

“By leveraging the latest technologies to personalize every interaction throughout the customer journey, brands can not only meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers but also cultivate deep, lasting loyalty,” says Melissa Mango, president and founder of Alliance Connection, an innovative integrated marketing and communications agency helping travel brands connect with customers (and the sponsor of this report). “The future of travel belongs to those who can blend the power of technology with the art of experience, crafting journeys that resonate long after the trip is over.”

To learn more about the influence of experiential marketing within the travel and hospitality industry, including case studies featuring Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts as well as actionable tips for readers to take, download the full report.