Is it Just Me, or Are We Finally Getting Noticed?

I spent last weekend in New York City at the Book Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. I think this is the 6th one I’ve attended but this year was the first time that I had a book in hand and could talk to people as a published author. In addition to “walking the floor”, I attended a number of workshops and had numerous conversations with folks in the biz.

There were two resounding trends that I came across.

Digital is IN and…

Women’s travel is BIG.

I stopped by the Frommer’s booth to have a book signed by Arthur and his daughter, Pauline Frommer. Arthur, as you may know, is the man behind the Europe on $5 a Day series that began in the 50’s. He has seen lots of change in the industry and has built a huge business through the Frommer’s guide book series.

I dropped off my business card and mentioned my book and website. Both Arthur and Pauline perked up. Ah, yes, women’s travel is big right now. Indeed. (But we already knew that, didn’t we?)

I’ve also heard from folks in the travel publishing industry that while their book sales in general are flat, women’s travel is the one area the continues to see an increase in sales.

Yeah, gals!

Anyone who’s aware of the early (OK, early as in the early 1990’s) pioneers of women’s travel knows that we’ve been HOT for a long time. Thalia Zepatos got us started with A Journey of One’s Own and Mary Beth Bond has been doing some great things over the years in promoting women in travel as well. But, now we’re getting noticed and driving the market. How trendy!

Happy Travels!

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