The Time is Right for Travel

Pent-up demand will boost tourism’s summer rebound

BY LIZ KELLER | PHOTO COURTESY VISITDELAWARE.COM

ABOUT READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS? I’m happy to report that summer is here! Throughout the nation and across the state, Americans are more eager than ever to stretch their legs, hit the road, and begin to leave the past two years behind them.

In a way, we’re all at a hopeful inflection point: Our pent-up readiness to explore is coinciding nicely with relaxed pandemic restrictions and the imminent arrival of prime travel season.

At last, the time is right to plan that trip, and clearly, everyone’s ready. The latest research reveals that 81 percent of American travelers are feeling strong excitement for their travel this year, and 86.2 percent are in a ready-to-travel state of mind.

There’s also a fresh sense of adventure and confidence among travelers: The research group Destination Analysts reports that Americans will be seeking out new experiences—55.7 percent say they prefer places they have not been to before, 8 points higher than in February. Only 19 percent of travelers say that COVID-19 will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months, the lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic more than two years ago, according to Longwoods International.

Yes, some challenges linger. Gas prices are unpredictable, and workforce shortages in the hospitality sector are still a concern. But as our prime travel season begins, there are hopeful moments ahead. As travelers begin to venture out, the many local businesses that rely on travel spending are about to receive a welcome boost—one that will benefit so many working Delawareans, along with the financial health of the state itself.

That travel revenue is a more crucial factor than some might realize. In Delaware, tourism contributed $3.2 billion to the state’s GDP in 2020, and $497 million in state and local taxes. Tourism stands as the 4th largest private sector employer in the state, providing jobs for more than 44,000 of our neighbors and fellow Delawareans. In 2020, Delaware hosted more than 7.7 million overnight visitors.

Along with their beach blankets and suitcases, they bring an essential source of business revenue, one that was painfully disrupted by the pandemic. For many months now, the burden faced by those businesses has been eased by doses of federal and state support, and by the tireless advocacy of such groups as the Delaware Restaurant Association, the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

As we have over the past two years, the Delaware Tourism Office will continue to share the importance of supporting local. And in a way, the future of the hospitality sector is something that can be helped by all of us. By packing up and exploring locally, we all have the chance to support and sustain the shops, restaurants, and hotels that help make Delaware such a great place to visit, and to live.

You don’t even have to go far. Delaware is beloved for its beaches and beautiful coastline, but it holds so much more, and satisfies the nation’s travelers for more reasons than people realize: Young athletes come here from around the country by the thousands to compete at venues such as DE Turf, Kirkwood Sports, and the Chase Fieldhouse.

For those travelers living closer to home, a quick Delaware “stay-cation” can do wonders for the soul, and so many great destinations lie within easy reach:

• Delawareans would be amazed by the spectacle of the towering bald cypress trees that rise from waters of Trap Pond State Park, a perfect spot for a kayak adventure.

• The hottest museum tickets of the season are at the Delaware Art Museum—home to a new Tiffany art glass exhibit—and Winterthur, which opened a show highlighting Jacqueline Kennedy’s White House design collaboration with H.F. DuPont, Winterthur’s owner.

• The Delaware Museum of Natural History reopened as the Museum of Nature & Science, with immersive, interactive, family-friendly new exhibits.

• The high-profile PGA BMW Championship is coming to Wilmington Country Club on Aug. 16-21.

• The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington’s historic “off-Broadway” theatre, has just received a big renovation, and is once again staging big shows.

The Delaware Tourism Office has also put together a lineup of easy-tofollow “trails” that draw many new fans:

• The DE on Tap app guides craft beverage fans to the state’s top breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

• The newly refreshed Delaware History Trail focuses on experiences that bring history to life.

• The Delaware Discoveries Trail lets travelers explore the state by visiting “Insta-worthy” interactive street artwork sprinkled around the state.

The time’s never been better to take that trip. The state’s incredible hotels, restaurants, art galleries, state parks, and more are excited to welcome you!

Liz Keller is director of the Delaware Tourism Office.