The Obama Factor!

November 2008

Travel is all about experience. What does the traveler want to experience during its travels? What does the traveler want to discover. These are all aspects to keep in mind while creating your customer experience strategy. While times are changing, destinations have to rethink the concept of attracting people. Experts predict that the election of Barack Obama as president of the US last Tuesday will usher in a ‘new dawn’ of travel to the country. The boss of US ranch holidays operator Ranch Rider believes president Obama will encourage more and different people to travel to en experience the US.

Managing director Tony Daly told Travel Mole: “A president who has won not just an election, but also hearts and minds will certainly add a feel good element to the destination, and we’re hoping, generate a greater enthusiasm amongst travelers to see America. We're calling it the Obama Factor.”

The recession has so far left America relatively unscathed, as latest figures from the US Department of Commerce show increases in sales across the board. Estimates suggest that bookings are up by between four per cent and nine per cent in the second quarter compared to 2007; with further growth expected in the third and fourth quarters.