“The Art of the Family Vacation” Unravels One of the Most Complicated Family Mysteries
The family vacation, “the most creative act that most families will ever undertake together,” has been demystified in PGAV Destinations’ most recent research endeavor, “The Art of the Family Vacation.” As destinations look to design and manage their attractions with the family of the 21st century in mind, “The Art of the Family Vacation” by PGAV is a must-have guide.
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PGAV commissioned H2R Market Research to conduct a nationwide research project to investigate the inner workings of the family mind-set as they plan, enjoy, and process their vacations and staycations around the country and world. More than 700 families from around the U.S.A. participated in the online panel; and while some findings firmly cemented long-held understandings of family vacationing, many shattered established mantras and look to redefine how destinations prepare for family plans.
“The Art of the Family Vacation” shines light onto what are the most important considerations about a destination that families weigh as they decide where and when to go. The results also show the diversity and motivations behind how much of vacation planning is a democratic versus an autocratic process, and how those complex family cultures are navigated. For example, more than a third of all families negotiate future trade-offs with their children to convince them to attend an educational institution.
Once at their destination, family members all have different priorities and interests based on a host of reasons – but all agree on the three most essential ingredients to a successful family outing (they simply have different definitions of those three elements). Some traditional industry knowledge is re-affirmed with the latest study results, such as boys being more interested in destination technology than girls. At the same time, traditional insights regarding destination design and management in regards to developmental age periods and gender are expounded upon while providing new insights into the minds of the youngest destination-goers.
The study provides invaluable insights for destinations from zoos, to museums, to aquariums and theme parks. “This research validates lessons that we’ve learned through our many years of destination planning and design,” says Mike Konzen, principal at PGAV Destinations. “But it’s important that we freely share this knowledge with destinations around the world, to create better experiences for the family demographic which makes up half of all visitors who attend attractions.”
The presentation of the research is exhibited in PGAV’s classic style of colorful vibrancy, personal and warm conversational tone, and images and write-ups that are easily digestible. For a complete copy of the study, contact Marie Shellenberg at Marie.Shellenberg@PGAV.com.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, The National Aviary, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Kennedy Space Center, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
About H2R Market Research
H2R Market Research is an award-winning research consulting firm that specializes in the travel & tourism industry. Each client is serviced by experienced research professionals who have been working in the travel & tourism research industry for many years and are able to provide a broad array of research advice and counsel.
The company is comprised of more than 20 staff, analysts and surveyors from a broad array of marketing and research backgrounds. H2R conducts studies in a wide variety of additional industries including healthcare, retail, transportation, restaurants, and specializes in conducting research for businesses and organizations in the travel & tourism industry. http://h2rmarketresearch.com