How to Grow Your Traveling Community of Fans
According to a recent report from global travel marketing agency MMGY, the world’s leading integrated marketing company specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, “Fandoms,” a niche community of fans who attend pop-culture events, are a growing and important audience for travelers. Of people who travel from out of the area to events that attract large groups of fans, such as concerts and conventions, 62%, mostly Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997-2012), have extended their stays to experience authentic and local experiences.
How to Attract Fandoms:
- Feed the Fandom: Find what niche fandoms exist in your community (e.g. anime, Marvel, comics, book lovers, gamers, etc.) and find how to nurture them. These communities “can become incredible destination advocates if they feel seen and accepted.”
- Plan Events Around the Events: Leverage fandom events occurring in our near your destination and plan complementary visits.
- Lean into Your Own Loves: Millennials and GenZ appreciate authentic fandom. Consider going all-in on your own fandom that sets you apart from your competitors. A good local example of this is Next Level Pinball, which was born out of the love of collecting pinball machines and retro action figures, toys, games and more.
Upcoming Local Fandom Events in Tualatin Valley
- World Cube Association (April 26-27), Wingspan Event & Conference Center
- Geekcraft Expo (June 7-8), Wingspan Event & Conference Center
- Pop Cats (Sept. 6-7), Wingspan Event & Conference Center
- CK Scrapbook Convention (Oct. 16-18), Wingspan Event & Conference Center
Read more about this and more travel insights for 2025.
PDX Airport Arrivals: Origin Cities
Last year, more than eight million passengers deplaned at Portland International Airport, with the lion’s share of passengers flying domestically. According to Dean Runyan Associates’ Travelstats.com, the following are the top origin cities based on a 10% sample of ticket itineraries of domestic passengers:
- Los Angeles Metro
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Phoenix
- Denver
- San Diego
- Chicago
- New York
- Dallas
- Sacramento
- Seattle
Americans Are Approaching Travel with Caution
According to a recent study from Future Partners, less than 30% feel they are better off financially than they were a year ago, with 32.5% believing that now it a good time to travel. Leisure travel budgets also decreased 15.7% from December 2024 to $4,973. These metrics indicate a growing sense of caution among American travelers.
Source: Future Partners, “The State of the American Traveler Survey,” January 2025
Washington County Hotel Performance
January 2025
According to the latest STR report, the year began with a softer performance compared to 2024. In January, Washington County’s hotels saw a occupancy rate of 53.1%, an 18.1% decrease from the year prior. Although the average daily rate (ADR) decreased 3% to $119.43, revenue per available room (RevPAR) decreased 20.6% to $63.38.
Celebrate Tourism and Meet Local Makers
who are “Making an Impact,” May 8, 4- 6:30 p.m.
This year, join us at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse as we showcase the creative spirit and entrepreneurial energy of Tualatin Valley’s makers, from artisan crafts and sustainable products to innovative designs. This event, held during National Travel & Tourism Week, will highlight the region’s diverse talent and celebrate Tualatin Valley’s partners, stakeholders and supporters.