Marketing Strategies for Fall Travelers: Must-Know Tips, Tricks, and Trends

Summer is flying by in a flash, and now it's time for marketers to shift their focus to fall jet-setters. As we move past the peak season, travelers who avoided the summer crowds are ready to explore more budget-friendly, temperate options.

Deloitte’s recent survey reveals that the 2024 travel season is extending beyond Labor Day, with 17% of Americans planning trips in September, up from 12% in 2022. This presents a golden opportunity to capture the attention of travelers who are ready to pack their bags just as pumpkin spice lattes start flying off the barista stand.

With the trends and successes we've seen from top travel brands in the first half of the year, these strategies are poised to continue delivering results. Keep reading to discover insider tips that will have your customers ready to book their next adventure in no time.

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Sync Mobile and Email for Increased Engagement

As we enter the fall season, omni-channel marketing remains crucial for brands aiming to engage customers effectively, while also ensuring they secure the best deals every step of the way.

JetBlue spiced up their Fall Merch Sale campaign by tailoring the email to feature two enticing price points based on customers' origin, destination, and travel dates. The first option showcased real-time, one-way fares, while the second bundled flights and hotels for added savings. This approach not only put the most relevant deals right at customers' fingertips but also made life easier for JetBlue’s marketing team by pulling prices directly from their website.

To top it off, a matching push notification with the same messaging was sent, increasing direct app opens by 11%.

Zero-Party Data Remains a Must

Navigating the fragmented travel industry’s data ecosystem can be challenging when relying solely on first- and third-party sources. That’s where zero-party data comes to the rescue, offering a clear-cut way to boost data quality and therefore relevance. And the best way to use this data? A strong loyalty program.

With 74% of consumers willing to share personal information with brands when prompted in exchange for loyalty perks, Virgin Voyages stands out as a prime example of how to use zero-party data effectively. 

Their emails are a masterclass in personalization, featuring a custom banner with the recipient’s first name, booking details, cruise date, and tier status. It’s a one-stop shop for Sailor information that kicks off the experience before the cruise even starts.

Once the ship docks, Virgin Voyages keeps the excitement alive with follow-up loyalty communications, ensuring Sailors stay informed (and on top of discounts) as they plan their next trip. This approach led to a 15% increase in click-through rates, proving the personalized touch really makes a difference.

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Remember to Have Fun with Your Campaigns

One of the most exciting parts of being a marketer is using customer data to craft unique experiences your audience hasn't seen before.

Hawaiian Airlines has recently made waves with their new dynamic map feature, designed to boost inter-island travel and reinforce their status as the go-to carrier for island-hopping. This clever tool adapts to each traveler’s destination, offering a tailored visual guide that shows the simplest routes between islands.

By rolling out this personalized map, Hawaiian Airlines has made travel planning more intuitive and enjoyable, blending innovation with practicality. The module has also increased their click-through rates by 9%.

Feeling Inspired?

This blog post just scratches the surface of what you can achieve with the right mix of customer data, a powerful personalization tool, and a dash of creativity. Explore our related resources below to discover the full potential of your campaigns.

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