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.
DMO Technology Roadmap 2016
Category: Destination & Activities Marketing Published: November 2015 Analysts: Cathy WalshThe pace of technological change over the past few years has been relentless. For destination marketers, surveying the latest trends and technologies and assessing their specific relevance for engaging...
Threat or Not Yet? The Sharing Economy and its Impact on Traditional Travel Services
Category: Consumer Trends Published: September 2015 Analysts: Cathy WalshLove it or hate it, the sharing economy cannot be ignored – and its impact on travel is growing. From spare bedrooms and private homes to rides, meals and local tours, anyone can now act as a DIY taxi...
Brazil Consumer Travel Report
Category: Consumer Trends Published: September 2015 Analysts: Marcello Gasdia, Cathy Walsh, Douglas Quinby US $995Get a detailed picture of how Brazilians are planning leisure travel, from destination selection and shopping, to booking, traveling and sharing.
How (and Why) Mobile Messaging Will Transform Traveler Engagement
Category: Mobile Published: August 2015 Analysts: Cathy WalshOn one level, mobile messaging apps simply provide an alternative to SMS text messaging that may not seem all that groundbreaking. Yet over the past several years, hundreds of millions of users have...
(Dis)Loyalty and the European Leisure Traveler
Category: Consumer Trends Published: August 2015 Analysts: Cathy Walsh, Marcello Gasdia US $695Designed as a way to differentiate travel brands and build traveler allegiance, loyalty programs have become the norm for airlines and major hotel chains. However, changes in technology and consumer...