The United States is filled with so many “must-see” places that most Top 10 lists today now vary immensely from author to author. Whether it’s a major metropolitan city like New York City or a small city like Deadwood tucked away in western South Dakota, each travel list today is populated with so many variables used by the author. These lists are often ‘paid journalism’ designed to prop up destinations competing for our vacations dollars. In many cases, the particular list you may be reading about has based its ‘travel-worthiness’ on weather conditions, outdoor activities like hiking and biking or their honky-tonk bars and restaurants serving great food and drinks! Historical spots featuring structures like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty or maybe you favor the Pacific Coast with its large expanse of Redwood trees—all appeal to the millions of travelers traversing our country every year!
As I have been reviewing travel destinations in the U.S. lately, it’s clear that traditional #1 locations like Hawaii are no longer dominating these lists.
Why is that?
First off, you must consider that more and more destinations have become better marketers of what their location/city/state has to offer a vacationer. Then there’s the factor of writers, bloggers and podcasters serving their personal income needs. The appeal to feature specific locations is based upon what I call “the metric of needs.” The author is serving their personal needs of income, and the needs of the destination looks to grow their inbound travelers.
The capitalism of money talks and thousands of U.S. destinations have all entered the competitive game of tourism.
Sorry Hawaii!
Bob Wills
CEO | The PM Group
About The PM Group: Since 1988, The PM Group has been one of top advertising agencies in Texas with annual revenues over $55,000,000. Founded by CEO | Media Director, Bob Wills, the San Antonio-based agency has represented clients across numerous verticals and industries including financial, casual dining and delivery, cultural institutions, home services, sports marketing, entertainment, automotive, legal services, nonprofit organizations, and more. Over the past five years, The PM Group has continued to grow organically through the addition of new clients and by expanding current clients’ marketing efforts. Additionally, the agency continues its renown legacy of charitable giving with each consecutive year outpacing the prior in terms of actual dollars raised and the number of charitable recipients. The PM Group now raises over $2M annually, with the agency’s 10-year total surpassing $17 million dollars. In addition to the primary San Antonio, Texas office, the agency has remote offices in Arizona, Oklahoma, Massachusetts and Virginia.
