Technology

Sojern Unveils its 2025 State of Destination Marketing Report

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 4, 2025 /CNW/ — Sojern, the leading digital marketing platform built for travel, is excited to announce the launch of the “State of Destination Marketing 2025” report for destination marketing organizations (DMOs). This report, produced through a partnership between Sojern and Benchmark Research Partners—and supported by Brand USA, Destination Canada, the European Travel Commission, and the Caribbean Tourism Organization—builds off the 2024 report and highlights current destination marketing trends.

“A striking 85% of DMOs are maintaining or increasing digital advertising budgets compared to last year,” said Noreen Henry, Chief Revenue Officer at Sojern. “As DMOs invest more into their budgets and adopt more sophisticated strategies, they must continue to demonstrate return on that investment, which requires them to leverage advanced tools and data to engage travelers throughout the marketing funnel.”

With insights from nearly 200 global DMOs, government departments, and affiliated tourism entities, the report uncovers just how resilient digital advertising is.

Complex Campaigns, Rising Challenges

DMOs face challenges such as managing limited resources while showing clear results, rising expectations, and technological change. The pressure is high to deliver results, and the resulting multichannel campaigns are more technical and complex. While 60% use clicks as their top metric, 54% struggle to demonstrate clear ROI and 37% identify tracking and attribution as key challenges when managing full-funnel campaigns.

Currently, 83% of respondents focus on programmatic advertising. Programmatic’s trackability, precision, and cost effectiveness enables DMOs to make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Display ads (97%), social media advertising (90%), and search engine marketing (80%) remain the dominant channels in DMOs’ paid media strategy.

AI Adoption: A Growing Opportunity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping destination marketing, with 63% of DMOs using it for content creation. Only 28% use AI for data analysis, highlighting a massive opportunity to use AI for deeper insights and more effective decision-making. Addressing resource limitations and training gaps will be critical to unlocking AI’s full potential.

Always-On Campaigns vs. Traditional Seasonal Campaigns

While DMOs have traditionally preferred to run seasonal campaigns, the report revealed that 52% are now favoring always-on campaigns over seasonal ones (40%). Always-on campaigns drive results, with 42% reporting improved brand awareness as the most significant impact an always-on marketing strategy has on overall campaign performance.

DMOs are getting better at crafting campaigns for specific audiences–for example, 66% are extensively focusing on outdoor enthusiasts–but only 15% are using advanced personalization techniques that adjust offerings in real time across channels. This leaves a huge opportunity to create more tailored experiences for travelers at every stage of their journey.

Brand-building is Emerging as a Top Priority

For the past four years since the COVID-19 pandemic, DMOs needed to drive bookings and deliver short-term results to enable business to bounce back. Now that the industry has stabilized, DMOs are rebalancing, with campaigns taking a long-term strategic approach. As a result, brand awareness has become more important, and this shift is clear in how campaigns are being run—now split 50/50 between stage-specific and full-funnel strategies, a big change from 2024 when full-funnel dominated at 70%.

The Promise and Challenges of Data

Data is one of the most powerful tools DMOs have, but figuring out how to use it effectively is no easy task. More than half (51%) of DMOs say data analysis is a major challenge, and 45% struggle to turn that data into actionable strategies. Still, these hurdles present an opportunity for DMOs to stand out by using data to create campaigns that hit the mark. The report shows that most DMOs are already leveraging data—84% for digital marketing insights, 75% for tracking visitor stats, and 69% for market research.

Co-op Marketing: Collaboration Gains Traction

Co-op marketing continues to grow, particularly in Europe, where the report revealed that participation increased by 16% year-over-year. By partnering with hotels, attractions, and airlines, DMOs can pool resources, extend campaign reach, and better scale efforts.

Social Media Dominates, but Video Adoption is Growing

Social media remains central, with 91% of DMOs using it for marketing and 99% ranking Facebook and Instagram among their top five channels. However, connected TV (CTV) and short-form video are gaining traction as emerging formats, offering significant potential for DMOs to create immersive, visually rich campaigns that resonate deeply with travelers.

To see the full survey methodology, download the “State of Destination Marketing 2025” report here.

About Sojern

Sojern is a leading travel marketing platform designed to boost growth and profitability for the travel industry. The Sojern Travel Marketing Platform is a set of easy-to-use software and services that delivers unrivaled traveler insight, intelligent audiences, multichannel activation and optimization, and a connected guest experience—all in one place. More than 10,000 travel marketers rely on our platform annually to find, attract, convert and engage travelers. Founded in 2007, Sojern is headquartered in San Francisco, California with teams in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific.

About Benchmark Research Partners

Benchmark Research Partners conducts studies to help industry participants understand market changes and opportunities through peer benchmarking data.

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Technology

TrailIntel Acquires GPS Trailmasters Software Platform to Advance Next-Generation Outdoor Navigation

Published

52 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

This advancement significantly expands the capabilities available to riders, introducing a more powerful, connected, and scalable navigation experience across Garmin, Mobile and Web.

STRONG, Maine, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — TrailIntel, the industry’s leading vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, today announced the acquisition and integration of GPS Trailmasters’ Garmin and mobile software products. This milestone builds on the longstanding relationship between the two companies and marks a significant step forward in delivering a more connected, intuitive, and scalable navigation experience for outdoor enthusiasts across North America.

“This is a major leap forward for outdoor recreation,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving trusted mapping while delivering a more connected, simplified navigation experience on and off the trail.”

For over 18 years, GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted leader in electronic trail mapping, known for delivering highly accurate and reliable data to riders throughout the Northeastern United States. By integrating this proven dataset into TrailIntel’s modern platform, the combined solution introduces enhanced functionality, real-time capabilities, and a streamlined user experience across both Garmin and mobile devices.

TrailIntel’s mission is to deliver a complete, easy-to-use platform that connects planning, navigation, real-time trail conditions, and community engagement—enhancing safety, simplifying operations, and improving the outdoor experience.

“The evolution of GPS Trailmasters into TrailIntel represents a major leap forward for the outdoor recreation industry,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving the trusted mapping foundation riders rely on, while introducing a more powerful, connected experience that simplifies navigation and expands what’s possible both on and off the trail.”

As part of the transition, Eric Murphy, owner of GPS Trailmasters, joins TrailIntel as Chief Geospatial Officer, where he will lead mapping strategy, expansion, and ongoing data development across all supported regions. “I’ve always believed in building high-quality maps and strong relationships within the riding community,” said Murphy. “With TrailIntel, we’re able to take everything GPS Trailmasters has built and scale it nationally, while continuing to deliver the same level of quality, service, and trust our customers expect.”

What This Means for Riders. The integration delivers a seamless upgrade for existing GPS Trailmasters customers, while introducing new capabilities across the TrailIntel platform: for Garmin users: simplified installation and map updates, expanded device compatibility, automatic route syncing from TrailIntel, streamlined experience with no third-party software required.

For Mobile Users: Real-time trail updates and conditions, offline navigation and breadcrumb tracking, turn-by-turn routing, community-driven insights and shared content advancing the outdoor experience.

The combination of GPS Trailmasters’ trusted mapping data with TrailIntel’s modern technology platform creates a comprehensive solution designed to serve the entire outdoor ecosystem: riders gain better planning tools, safer navigation, and more confidence on the trail. Clubs benefit from improved tools to manage, maintain, and grow their trail systems. Businesses and communities gain increased visibility and new opportunities driven by outdoor tourism

A key initiative of TrailIntel is continuing to support the organizations that sustain outdoor recreation, including opportunities to drive engagement and funding back to local clubs and trail systems.

Expanded Role for GPS Trailmasters. GPS Trailmasters will continue to operate under its brand, taking on an expanded role focused on nationwide hardware distribution and support, including: garmin device sales, ride Ready tablets, mounting systems and accessories.

This evolution allows GPS Trailmasters to extend its reach beyond the Northeast while supporting the growing demand for integrated hardware and software solutions.

A Pivotal Moment for Outdoor Recreation. The integration represents a long-term investment in the future of outdoor navigation, one that prioritizes accuracy, usability, and real-time connectivity. By combining legacy expertise with modern technology, TrailIntel is redefining how riders discover, plan, and experience the outdoors.

About TrailIntel:

TrailIntel is the industry’s first vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, designed to connect riders, clubs, businesses, and first responders through mapping, navigation, and real-time data. The platform delivers a seamless experience across mobile, web, and Garmin devices, helping users plan smarter and explore with confidence. For more information about TrailIntel, visit www.trailintel.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @TrailIntel.

About GPS Trailmasters:

GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted provider of trail mapping technology for over 18 years, delivering high-quality GPS-based navigation solutions for snowmobile and ATV riders. The company will continue operations as a leading hardware provider supporting the TrailIntel ecosystem. For more information about GPS Trailmasters, visit www.gpstrailmasters.com and follow along on Facebook.

Media Contact

Brian Gavin, Trailintel, 1 207-241-4745, brian@trailintel.com, trailintel.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/trailintel-acquires-gps-trailmasters-software-platform-to-advance-next-generation-outdoor-navigation-302750997.html

SOURCE Trailintel

Technology

Z3 Technology Enables Rapid Project Development with the EXOSENS MicroCube XP Thermal Cores

Published

52 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

LINCOLN, Neb., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Z3 Technology, LLC, a leader in embedded camera encoding systems, today announces the release of our CIB-EX22 Camera Interface Board, which enables direct control and power to the EXOSENS MicroCube 640 XP shutterless thermal camera from Z3 OEM Video Encoder solutions through an LVDS digital video output connector, via 30-pin KEL cable. Jumpstart your camera system development with Z3’s cutting-edge hardware encoding technology for real-time video streaming.

Designed for efficiency and performance, our video encoders combine top-tier video compression and ultra-low bandwidth usage into a solution consuming <5W of power. Full camera and encoder control is available through serial or remote APIs, while multiple UART and GPIO interfaces enable seamless integration with external devices such as pan/tilt mounts, heater and wiper triggers, GPS, and range finders. User custom development is supported through our comprehensive SDK and OEM Starter Kits, allowing for rapid adaptation of evolving mission requirements. Hardware Specification documents, 3D model files, and interface schematics are available upon request to accelerate development progress. Z3 Technology solutions support simultaneous video streaming and recording across a wide range of camera models, delivering flexible, reliable video performance at the tactical edge.

“Z3 Technology is excited to announce our support of EXOSENS MicroCube XP series of shutterless thermal camera cores. Our new CIB-EX22 will enable seamless integration and control via our series of Z3 OEM Video Encoders for numerous markets including unmanned vehicles, security, surveillance, and remote sensing,” said Aaron Caldwell CEO of Z3 Technology, LLC.

Our miniature Q603 product line is the perfect platform to compliment efforts that the EXOSENS team has shown, considering the minimal footprint design of the MicroCube 640 XP. Development teams contemplating the addition of a 2nd thermal sensor or a visible zoom block camera should look no further than our FV2K and FV4K models, which have an additional video input for dual camera streaming up to 4Kp30. Proven product applications include camera systems in industries like Security & Surveillance, Unmanned Systems, and Military Video Solutions.

“In a win-win approach, this first bundle CIB-EX22 / MicroCube 640 XP values the true SWaP approach of EXOSENS LWIR thermal cores, required for highly integrated electro-optic systems,” said Mr. Guillaume Bunoz, Executive General Manager of EXOSENS Advanced Imaging Business Unit. “Microcube XP features many USPs (e.g. 1pt-NUC shutterless, tunable functions, OSD, low latency) that make it successful, especially in UAS market segment. This bundle with Z3 enables users to easily implement the DV CMOS 16 bits variant, beside the existing popular MIPI and UVC product versions of the MicroCube 640 XP.”

Explore What’s Possible with Z3 Technology
All Z3 video solutions are Made in the USA and fully compliant with NDAA, TAA, REACH, and RoHS requirements. Product design and manufacturing are performed by Z3 Technology, LLC, an ISO 9001–certified manufacturer.

Z3’s flexible embedded video encoder solutions can help power your next innovation. Learn more about our hardware encoding solutions and contact us to discuss your integration needs.

For more information on Z3 Technology’s SD to 4K Embedded Encoders and Camera Solutions, contact us today. Email sales@z3technology.com or visit our website at https://z3technology.com/products/oem/ to explore available options.

All product and company names mentioned within are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Z3 Technology

Technology

CareScout Joins Ensight™ Intelligent Quote LTC & Life Marketplace

Published

52 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform.

SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform. This partnership marks a significant milestone for CareScout, signaling its rapid growth and commitment to a more integrated model for planning, finding, and funding care.

“By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

CareScout Care Assurance is a simple, personalized LTC insurance solution designed to help protect clients and their families from future care costs. When choosing CareScout, policyholders gain access to a unified ecosystem that brings together financial protection, expert guidance, and connections to trusted care providers – supporting families across every stage of the aging journey.

“CareScout represents an important and unique value-added addition to the growing range of solutions available in the long-term care market,” said Bill Unrue, CEO of Ensight. “We are thrilled to add the CareScout Care Assurance solution to the Ensight Intelligent Quote marketplace, providing distributors and financial professionals access to a holistic insurance product that expands the value of financial protection with additional integrated services.”

A modern LTC solution built for families, not just policyholders:

Care Assurance connects policyholders and their families to CareScout’s platform, helping them navigate care decisions, identify quality providers, and access trusted resources. This integrated approach reflects CareScout’s belief that insurance alone is incomplete without services, and that families benefit most when coverage, navigation, and support are unified.

“Families don’t experience aging or caregiving in silos,” said Samir Shah, CEO of CareScout. “By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

Supporting advisors in a changing long-term care landscape:

Ensight’s Intelligent Quote Platform enables financial professionals to efficiently illustrate and compare life, LTC, and annuity products while supporting more informed client conversations. With the addition of CareScout Care Assurance, Ensight’s growing distributor community gains access to an innovative solution built for today’s realities: rising longevity, increasing caregiving responsibilities, and families seeking clarity across planning, care, and funding.

About Ensight™

Ensight™ is the leading cloud-based insurance sales acceleration platform for more than 500 life, long-term care (LTC) and annuity distributors, thousands of financial professionals, as well as many of the largest North American insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Ensight helps drive sales growth and productivity, while addressing the entire sales lifecycle experience – from prospect to policyholder, new business to inforce.

To learn more about Ensight, visit https://www.ensightcloud.com/

About CareScout

CareScout helps older adults and their families navigate the aging journey, find, and fund quality care. Inspired by a mission to simplify and dignify the aging experience, we’re building an integrated ecosystem of care and funding solutions. To learn more about CareScout, visit www.CareScout.com. CareScout is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW). CareScout is the marketing name for CareScout Holdings, Inc., its affiliates and entities. Affiliates and entities are solely and separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Media Contact
Matt Essick, Ensight, 1 (619) 430-0587, messick@ensightcloud.com, https://ensightcloud.com
Evans Mandes, CareScout, 1 804-629-6582, evans.mandes@carescout.com, https://www.carescout.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/carescout-joins-ensight-intelligent-quote-ltc–life-marketplace-302750986.html

SOURCE Ensight