Certain trending colors used in inspirational travel photos across social media are having an impact on travel trends and there is one beach town in Southern California where this is coming to life.
The “2018 Colors of Travel Study,” which was developed by Visit Carlsbad in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute and HireInfluence, analyzed a mix of outdoor adventure and lifestyle travel photos with high engagement from 23 of the top travel influencers (with more than 17 million followers in total) in the U.S. The study found that inspirational travel photos on social media platforms such as Instagram play a huge role in how consumers are selecting their next destination, according to Stephanie Stabulis, Senior Strategy Director for HireInfluence who oversaw the study.
“Through this study, we can analyze the colors that are the most appealing, trendy, and engaging to the millennial traveler, who are constantly in search of the best and most vibrant travel destinations for their social media feeds,” says Stabulis.
The study partnered with the Pantone Color Institute and determined that this year’s trending Colors of Travel are Island Paradise, a cleansing aqua(PANTONE 14-4620); Salmon, a coral infused pink (PANTONE 14-1323); Eden, a lush and verdant forest green shade (PANTONE 19-6050); and Brandied Melon, an earthy, russet hue (PANTONE 16-1340).
“Consumers have so much more access to information, they are much empowered to use color, much more comfortable using color and they are looking for color,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice-President of the Pantone Color Institute. “This gives them one more way to engage and gives them a sense of place.”
With the colors in hand, Pantone and Visit Carlsbad together developed a “Colors of Carlsbad” palette that showcases how these individual trending colors come to life to form a cohesive palette in Carlsbad, the quaint beach town that is located 25 minutes north of San Diego. The Colors of Carlsbad can be experienced at its sandy beaches, ocean views, and colorful attractions, as well as its floral fields, green hills, creative culinary and wellness experiences.
“From the ocean and lagoon waters to the rolling green hills and beautiful sunsets colors highlighted in the 2018 Colors of Travel Study illustrate the coastal beauty, casual elegance, laid back glamour with family-friendly outdoor fun that Carlsbad is known for,” adds Pressman.
Visit Carlsbad is celebrating the launch of the Colors of Carlsbad palette with citywide activities that include a variety of experiences and offerings such as colorful cocktail specials at Park 101 and Campfire, culinary offerings at Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana, spa treatments at Cape Rey Carlsbad’s Ocean Crest Spa, art installations at the Carlsbad Art Wall and Park 101, as well as outdoor adventure experiences such as a colorful picnic and electric bike ride at Pedego Carlsbad.
“All the other destinations that we compete against are doing the same thing over and over,” says Sam Ross, Executive Director, Visit Carlsbad. “This is a unique way of positioning Carlsbad.”
“Now more than ever, our visitors are interested in not only partaking in these unique experiences but sharing them with their followers near and far,” adds Ross. “We are thrilled to partner with Pantone and HireInfluence to pioneer the 2018 Colors of Travel study and shine a light on our vibrant destination through the Colors of Carlsbad.”
Carlsbad’s culture is rooted in creative expression. “Beyond our natural features, Carlsbad is home to a bustling local art scene, ground-breaking restaurants and breweries, a heritage of adventure and action sports, and a Southern Californian approach to wellness,” says Ross.
Carlsbad is known for its dramatic beauty along seven miles of coastline, three lagoons, beautiful flower fields, a range of accommodations, world-class shopping experiences, local breweries, golf, and unique destinations, such as Legoland California and Sea Life Aquarium. With a perfectly mild climate year-round, this Southern California treasure provides guests with an ideal environment to explore the outdoors by day and relax each evening at one of the many beautiful resorts and hotels in Carlsbad.
Planning a visit
Guests visiting Carlsbad to experience the Colors of Carlsbad can browse the destination’s comprehensive listing of events and activities at VisitCarlsbad.com, as well as view a comprehensive list of accommodations including luxury resorts, vacation rentals and more.
There are four major resorts in Carlsbad, including the Omni La Costa Resort, The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Club & Spa, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Cape Rey Carlsbad, A Hilton Resort. A new Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is due to open this summer.
The Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel is offering a 15% discount on rooms booked by June 30, 2018. Reservations can be made at this link.
The newly renovated Carlsbad Seapointe Resort is offering a 15% discount for rooms that include full kitchens, a large living space, and separate bedroom. Reservations can be made at this link.
The Cap Rey Carlsbad, A Hilton Resort is offering the “Colors of Carlsbad Package” (Code = P7). Starting at $639, the package includes overnight accommodations, two 80 minute Red Algae Body Wrap treatments at Ocean Crest Spa and a $100 food credit toward dinner for two at Chandler’s Restaurant. To book this package call (760) 683-5422.
Visit the official website visitcarlsbad.com for complete destination information. The website for the Colors of Carlsbad can be seen here.
