Visiting a Favorite Topic — Travel and Tourism

For this August issue, we’re featuring a favorite topic of mine: travel and tourism.

Growing up in Ohio, August was typically the month we’d go on a family trip. We’d often visit our cousins who lived along the shores of Lake Erie and explore venues like the Cedar Point amusement park. 

We’d pack up the station wagon and head north. (Think Chevy Chase in “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” though without all the mishaps.) My dad was big on stopping at various roadside attractions along the way. How could we drive by the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio, without a look? Sadly, we never made it to the legendary (and now closed to tourists) Blue Hole in Castalia, touted on billboards and postcards as one of Ohio’s “Natural Wonders.” I’ll never know!

I haven’t been to that part of Ohio in years, though my sister stays there every summer. I’m past due for a visit.

Tracking holiday trends

For this issue, members of PRSA’s Travel & Tourism Professional Interest Section, fresh from their June conference in Greenville, S.C., in early June, shared some insights with us on that sector. We also have a feature on Chef Tyler Florence, who was one of the event’s keynote speakers. (Florence and Managing Editor Amy Jacques both grew up in Greenville!)

As you’ve likely read and experienced, travel — both leisure and business — has returned to pre-pandemic levels. For instance, The Harris Poll’s recently released “Travel and Hospitality Snapshot” (PDF here) reveals that 28% of Americans who travel for work report that their companies are increasing the frequency of trips after a COVID-induced slowdown. 

In addition, 51% anticipate traveling more for work this year compared to last year. Despite this rise, 18% of respondents still travel less for work than before the pandemic, indicating potential for further growth in the sector.

Honoring this year’s class of Fellows

PRSA recently announced that 11 new members were elected to the College of Fellows. 

Established in 1989, the College of Fellows includes more than 750 professionals and educators who demonstrate superior professional performance in the practice/teaching of public relations, advance the profession, contribute to the profession or the community through service and leadership, and serve as a role model.

In my 30 years at PRSA, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many members and volunteer leaders, including those in the College of Fellows and several of the 2024 inductees: 

• Jill Spiekerman Bonham, APR, Fellow PRSA, teaching assistant professor, University of Minnesota 
• Missy Burchart, APR, Fellow PRSA, chief operating officer, Wilbron 
• Vivian T. Dávila, APR, Fellow PRSA, public affairs and communications manager, Ford Motor Company 
• Karen Garnik, APR, Fellow PRSA, president and CEO, Global Vision Marketing & Communications Corp. 
• Michael S. Gross, APR, Fellow PRSA, president, AKCG Public Relations Counselors 
• Kevin P. Kane, APR, Fellow PRSA, corporate communications special project manager, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield 
• Eva Keiser, APR, Fellow PRSA, principal, The Plural I 
• Michelle Olson, APR, Fellow PRSA, managing partner, Lambert by LLYC 
• Susan van Barneveld, APR, Fellow PRSA, president, Copernio 
• Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder, MVW Communications 
• Candee Wolf, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder and principal, Wolf Olson Communications 

PRSA will induct the College of Fellows Class of 2024 during a celebration on Oct. 14, before ICON 2024 in Anaheim, Calif. I look forward to congratulating them.