If travel and tourism is facing a difficult market, it might be a good idea for destinations to differentiate themselves. One way to increase business is to tap into the family reunion market. Here are a few statistics on the average reunion:

• Planning starts 1 year in advance for 2/3’s of these events
• Over 1/3 of the events report attendance levels between 50-100 individuals while 20% have 200+ attendees
• Nearly half of the reunions last three days
• Over ¼ of event organizers use convention and visitors bureaus to plan the reunion

By one estimate, at least 200,000 family reunions take place every year. Remind your clients in the travel and tourism industry to promote the family-reunion-friendly aspects of their services.

[Sources: “Family reunions become big travel business in South Florida,” South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 7.14.2008. Reunions Magazine 2007 Reader Survey]