
We collected 1,225 surveys. Of those who responded, 90.49 percent visited and want to return. This is an amazing response and falls in line with what we hear during our Cal U Intercept Study conducted each year. Of the remaining responses, 8.28 percent had not yet visited but are interested in visiting, only 0.98 percent visited and didn't want to return. Only one quarter of a percent had no interest in visiting.
A quick snapshot of the 1,225 respondents shows that of the 165 who gave their age, 111 were over 56 years old. 49 of the respondents were 36-55 and only five were under 35. Knowing the list, and the longevity of many newsletter readers, this is our devoted history traveler. Similar to our Cal U study, of the 1,209 who gave their gender, 51.2 percent were male and 47.56 percent were female.
These visitors shared that they primarily (51.48 percent) travel as couples, followed by 19.36 percent who travel with immediate family (younger kids). Additional visitors shared that 9.64 percent travel with friends, 8.65 percent travel alone, 6.51 percent travel with extended family and 4.37 percent travel as a couple with other couple(s).
We inquired as to things visitors enjoyed, as well as areas in which we could improve. The areas noted as things they love included our history, the town and surrounding towns, as well as our countryside. They also commented many, many times about enjoying our wine.
In regards to areas that these respondents believed we had room to improve included:
- The need for a wider variety of retail offerings ranging from low cost to high end.
- Visitors would like our shops to stay open later.
- Visitors requested an increase in restaurants and menu offerings
- The need for additional kid-friendly and family friendly non-history activities.
- Many also noted the impact on the experience due to crowded sidewalks in the evenings
- Many shared their concern with the price of our accommodations, noting that they have gone up over the years.
- We need to improve parking.
- Traffic also came up as an issue many times.
- We noted references that the town/battlefield is too busy.
- Historical landmarks
- Scenery
- New dining experiences
- Festivals
- Shopping
- Outdoor recreation
- Entertainment
- Nightlife
Any questions about the survey or the findings can be directed to Stacey Fox, Vice President, at stacey@destinationgettysburg.com.