An eight-year Phocuswright veteran, Ms. Walsh contributes to a range of research efforts as author and editor, with recent publications including In-Destination Events, Attractions & Activities: Europe, U.S. Mobile Travel Report: Market Sizing and Consumer Trends, and U.S. Online Travel Traffic Report. Cathy joined Phocuswright in 2005 to launch The Phocuswright Research Subscription: Technology Edition (now The Innovation Edition). Formerly director, communications, Cathy continues to create marketing content to promote Phocuswright research and events. Cathy gained travel industry expertise as editor of the trade newsletter Travel Distribution Report, where she produced news and analysis on travel distribution and technology. She is a cum laude graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received a M.A. in English from North Carolina State University, where her research focused on technology and culture.
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Areas of Research
Cathy's areas of expertise include online consumer technology, social networks, marketing and distribution strategy, and Internet trends, with a particular focus on emerging technologies.
Upscale Hotel Guests and High Income Travelers: Who Are They?
Category: Consumer Trends Published: August 2017 Analysts: Mark Blutstein, Cathy Walsh US $495With more disposable income than the general traveler population and a greater willingness to spend on high-end services, affluent travelers represent a critical segment for the travel industry. In...
Travel Product Consumption
Category: Consumer Trends Published: August 2017 Analysts: Mark Blutstein, Cathy Walsh US $495While 2015 was a banner year for U.S. leisure travel, in 2016 the purchase incidence dropped for some travel categories. With travelers taking fewer (and shorter) trips overall, most major travel...
U.S. Leisure Travel: Shopping and Booking
Category: Consumer Trends Published: August 2017 Analysts: Mark Blutstein, Cathy Walsh US $495U.S. leisure travelers have lots of options to choose from when planning their trips: multiple devices, numerous websites and many sources of advice on which travel products to buy. Here’s what leisure...
U.S. Leisure Traveler: Loyalty
Category: Consumer Trends Published: July 2017 Analysts: Mark Blutstein, Cathy Walsh US $495The competitive travel marketplace and high costs of traveler acquisition are strong motivation for travel companies to keep existing customers coming back for more. Loyalty programs seek to do just...
U.S. Leisure Travel: Inspiration and Destinations
Category: Consumer Trends Published: July 2017 Analysts: Cathy Walsh, Mark Blutstein US $495While travelers frequently fantasize about idyllic destinations, leisure travel encompasses many types of trips beyond the dream getaway. In 2016, U.S. travelers often ventured out with financial...
