Dan Peltier

Tourism boards have taken on more functions in recent decades but promoting economic development has been a consistent theme for the sector since its beginnings. Convincing lawmakers that locals benefit from tourism marketing has become increasingly important for ensuring tourism boards' survival.

While a change in tune on borders and immigration from the White House could help some non-U.S. travelers reconsider ditching U.S. travel plans, it seems in many cases the damage has already been done.

The increased spending in areas outside of retail and other traditional expenses is a good indicator of how international travelers in the U.S. are prioritizing their spending as we get deeper into 2017.

U.S. airlines made executive changes and product upgrades last year to improve performance. But this data will only encourage the Big Three legacy carriers to redouble efforts with the Trump administration to curb foreign airline expansion and reopen Open Skies agreements.

While some European destinations suffered last year from travelers' fear of terrorism, Iceland and other countries in Northern and Eastern Europe benefited from the short-term, decreased interest in Western Europe — and more favorable exchange rates.

As more brands design properties and programs with the health-conscious traveler in mind, they should remember that many guests want wellness to be only one aspect of their stay rather than the main attraction.

From growing public-private partnerships and shifting strategy when foreign currencies decline, Seccombe's insights are relevant for tourism boards the world over.

November was the third consecutive month that U.S. arrivals to South America decreased or were flat from the previous year and the fourth -- albeit non-consecutive -- month of declines in U.S. arrivals to the Caribbean in 2016. Travel brands are monitoring demand for Latin America following zika virus outbreaks across the region during the past year.

Facebook will be cracking down on how many ads it includes in newsfeeds, which could impact some brands' ad performance. Instagram, however, is a promising bet to make if brands are thinking longer term about ads, who they'll reach and how they'll be seen.

As economies around the world continue to fluctuate from boom to bust times, the bus market will remain relevant to capitalize on what consumers can afford and what amenities they're willing to give up -- or gain -- from choosing the road over the skies.