Summary: Locals’ confidence to shop and dine in their own community is important because these activities are also important to visitors in their travel plans over the summer. A wide range of outdoor activities are next on the “bucket list” of Americans’ plans for summer travel, emphasizing the importance of highlighting outdoor, natural areas and wide-open spaces in your destination. Of particular interest are beach and water experiences.
Bottom Line: Recovery in dining, shopping and other key parts of the visitor industry needs local and visitor support. Destinations must encourage their local community to get out, feel comfortable and support these businesses, ensuring initiatives such as social distancing, mask wearing and cleaning/hygiene standards are supported by their community as well as visitors.