promoting tourist spot

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How To Promote A Tourist Destination

Published: November 19, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Mathilda Edens

• Sustainability
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the world of tourism marketing, where the possibilities are as vast as the destinations themselves! Promoting a tourist destination requires strategic thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the target audience. In today’s digital age, it is essential to leverage various marketing channels and techniques to capture the attention of potential travelers and make your destination stand out from the crowd.

This article will guide you through the process of promoting a tourist destination effectively. From understanding the unique aspects of your destination to crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy and implementing search engine optimization techniques, we will cover all the crucial steps to ensure your destination receives the attention it deserves.

Whether you are promoting a popular hot spot or an off-the-beaten-path gem, the principles remain the same. By targeting the right audience, creating compelling content, engaging with influencers, and leveraging the power of social media, you can elevate your destination’s visibility and attract more tourists.

Are you ready to embark on this journey with us? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of promoting a tourist destination and learn how to make your destination an irresistible choice for travelers.

Understanding the Tourist Destination

Before you can effectively promote a tourist destination, it is crucial to gain a deep understanding of what makes it unique and appealing to travelers. Take the time to research and uncover the key attractions, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and activities that set your destination apart from others. This knowledge will serve as the foundation for your marketing efforts.

Start by identifying the main attractions and landmarks in your destination. What historical sites, natural wonders, or iconic landmarks make it a must-visit location? Understanding these key features will help you create compelling content and highlight the unique experiences available to tourists.

Furthermore, consider the demographic of the travelers who are likely to be interested in your destination. Are they young adventure seekers, families with children, or older retirees looking for relaxation? Understanding your target audience will allow you to tailor your marketing strategy and messages to resonate with their interests and desires.

Additionally, delve into the local culture and traditions of your destination. This will not only help you create authentic and engaging content but also enable you to provide travelers with helpful insights and recommendations for immersing themselves in the local experience.

By understanding the essence of your destination and what makes it appealing to travelers, you can lay the groundwork for an effective marketing campaign that will showcase its unique offerings and attract your target audience.

Identifying the Target Audience

In order to successfully promote a tourist destination, it is crucial to identify and understand your target audience. By defining your ideal traveler, you can tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with their needs, preferences, and motivations.

Start by conducting market research to gather information about your target audience. Consider factors such as age, gender, income level, and travel preferences. For example, if your destination is known for adventure tourism, you may want to target a younger audience who are seeking thrilling experiences.

Furthermore, analyze the psychographics of your target audience. What are their values, interests, and aspirations? Are they eco-conscious and looking for sustainable travel options? Are they culture enthusiasts or food lovers? Understanding these deeper motivations will allow you to create targeted and personalized marketing messages.

Additionally, consider the geographic location of your target audience. Are they domestic or international travelers? Different regions and countries may have varying interests and travel behaviors. By understanding their geographic background, you can tailor your marketing campaigns to appeal to their specific needs.

Once you have identified your target audience, it is important to create detailed buyer personas. These personas represent your ideal customers and include demographic information, interests, behaviors, and pain points. They serve as a guide to help you craft your marketing messages and determine which channels to utilize.

Remember, reaching your target audience with the right message at the right time is crucial. By identifying your target audience and creating buyer personas, you can tailor your marketing efforts to connect with them on a deeper level, ultimately driving more interest and bookings for your tourist destination.

Crafting an Effective Marketing Strategy

In order to successfully promote a tourist destination, it is essential to have a well-crafted marketing strategy in place. A solid strategy will help you define your goals, target the right audience, and effectively communicate the unique value of your destination. Here are some key steps to consider when crafting your marketing strategy:

• Set Clear Goals: Start by defining what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts. Do you want to increase visitor numbers, promote a specific event, or boost off-season bookings? Having clear goals will guide your strategy and help you measure success.
• Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine what sets your destination apart from others. Is it the pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, or adventurous activities? Your USP will be the foundation of your messaging and will help differentiate your destination in a crowded market.
• Choose the Right Marketing Channels: Identify the channels that will best reach your target audience. This may include social media platforms, travel websites, online advertising, or print media. Tailor your messaging and content to each channel to maximize your impact.
• Create Engaging Content: Develop high-quality and informative content that showcases the unique experiences and attractions of your destination. This can include blog articles, videos, photos, and interactive guides. Engaging content will capture the attention of potential travelers and inspire them to choose your destination.
• Establish Partnerships: Collaborate with travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and local businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Offer special discounts or packages to entice visitors and leverage the reach of your partners to expand your audience.
• Monitor and Measure: Regularly track the performance of your marketing efforts and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use analytics tools to understand visitor behavior, conversion rates, and engagement levels. This data will provide valuable insights for future marketing campaigns.

Remember, crafting an effective marketing strategy requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. Stay up to date with industry trends, listen to feedback from visitors, and be open to trying new approaches. By carefully planning and executing your marketing strategy, you can effectively promote your tourist destination and achieve your desired outcomes.

Utilizing Digital Marketing Channels

In today’s digital age, utilizing digital marketing channels is essential for promoting a tourist destination effectively. These channels provide an opportunity to reach a wide audience, engage with potential travelers, and showcase the unique experiences and attractions your destination has to offer. Here are some key digital marketing channels to consider:

• Social Media: Leverage the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to showcase stunning visuals, share engaging content, and interact with potential visitors. Utilize targeted ads and influencer collaborations to expand your reach and attract more followers.
• Website Optimization: Your website serves as a crucial touchpoint for potential visitors. Ensure it is visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines. Incorporate captivating visuals, informative content, and clear calls-to-action to encourage visitors to learn more and book their trip.
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Use pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on search engines like Google to appear prominently in search results when potential travelers are actively searching for destinations like yours. Target relevant keywords and create compelling ad copy to drive traffic to your website.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list of interested travelers and utilize email marketing campaigns to share updates, promotions, and exclusive offers. Personalize your emails based on the interests and preferences of your subscribers to increase engagement and conversions.
• Content Marketing: Create and share high-quality content such as blog articles, travel guides, and videos that showcase the unique experiences and attractions of your destination. Optimize your content for search engines to increase organic traffic and establish your destination as a trusted source of information.
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Partner with online travel agencies like Expedia, Booking.com, or Airbnb to increase your visibility and attract bookings from travelers browsing these platforms. Optimize your listings with appealing visuals, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing.
• Online Reviews and Reputation Management: Encourage visitors to leave reviews and ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google My Business. Monitor and respond to reviews promptly to show that you value visitor feedback and maintain a positive online reputation.

By utilizing digital marketing channels effectively, you can reach a wide audience, engage with potential travelers, and increase awareness and bookings for your tourist destination. Remember to tailor your messages and content to each channel, analyze data and metrics to make informed decisions, and continuously optimize your digital marketing efforts.

Collaborating with Influencers and Bloggers

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for promoting tourist destinations and reaching a larger audience. Collaborating with influencers and bloggers allows you to tap into their loyal followers and leverage their influence to create buzz and excitement about your destination. Here’s how you can effectively collaborate with influencers and bloggers:

• Identify Relevant Influencers and Bloggers: Research and identify influencers and bloggers whose niche aligns with the unique offerings of your destination. Look for individuals who have an engaged and loyal following and whose audience matches your target demographic.
• Build Relationships: Reach out to influencers and bloggers by sending personalized messages expressing your interest in collaborating. Offer them unique experiences or complementary stays in exchange for content creation and promotion of your destination.
• Create Engaging Experiences: Design memorable experiences for influencers and bloggers that showcase the best of your destination. This could include guided tours, unique activities, or exclusive access to special events. Encourage them to share their experiences through captivating content.
• Co-create Content: Work closely with influencers and bloggers to co-create authentic and engaging content. This could include sponsored blog posts, social media takeovers, videos, or photo shoots. Provide them with information and resources that highlight the unique aspects and attractions of your destination.
• Encourage User-generated Content (UGC): Encourage influencers and bloggers to prompt their followers to share their own experiences and use specific hashtags related to your destination. This will generate user-generated content and increase visibility and engagement on social media.
• Track and Measure: Monitor the reach, engagement, and conversions generated through your influencer and blogger collaborations. Use tracking links and analytics tools to measure the impact of their content and make data-driven decisions for future partnerships.
• Repeat and Expand: Build long-term relationships with influencers and bloggers who align with your brand values and goals. Consider organizing influencer trips or events to further showcase your destination and establish ongoing collaborations.

Collaborating with influencers and bloggers can significantly boost your destination’s visibility and credibility among their dedicated followers. It allows you to tap into their trust and influence and showcases your destination through the lens of people who are respected in the travel community. By effectively collaborating and leveraging the reach of influencers and bloggers, you can attract new visitors and create a buzz around your tourist destination.

Creating Compelling Content

Compelling content is a key ingredient in promoting a tourist destination successfully. By creating engaging and informative content, you can capture the attention of potential travelers, spark their interest, and inspire them to explore your destination. Here are some tips for creating compelling content:

• Tell Captivating Stories: Share stories that evoke emotions and connect with your audience. Highlight personal experiences, local traditions, or unique adventures that can be had in your destination. Stories have the power to inspire and create a sense of longing for travelers.
• Showcase Stunning Visuals: Utilize high-quality photos and videos to showcase the natural beauty, landmarks, and attractions of your destination. Visuals have a profound impact on potential travelers and can entice them to want to experience it firsthand.
• Provide Insider Tips and Recommendations: Share insider knowledge and recommendations to help travelers make the most of their visit. This could include hidden gems, local eateries, off-the-beaten-path experiences, or tips for avoiding crowds.
• Create Travel Guides and Itineraries: Develop comprehensive travel guides and itineraries that cater to different types of travelers, such as families, adventure enthusiasts, or culture seekers. Provide detailed information on attractions, activities, transportation, and accommodations.
• Include Local Perspectives: Collaborate with locals, tour guides, or experts in your destination to provide unique insights and perspectives. Their knowledge and expertise will add authenticity and depth to your content.
• Engage with User-generated Content (UGC): Encourage travelers to share their experiences through user-generated content. Feature and engage with UGC by reposting photos or testimonials on your social media platforms or website. This not only promotes your destination but also fosters a sense of community and involvement.
• Optimize for Search Engines: Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases in your content to improve your visibility in search engine results. Conduct keyword research to identify the terms that potential travelers are using when searching for destinations like yours.
• Utilize Different Formats: Experiment with different content formats such as blog articles, videos, podcasts, or interactive maps. This allows you to cater to different audience preferences and engage with them on various platforms.

Remember, the key is to create content that aligns with the interests and aspirations of your target audience. By delivering valuable and engaging content, you can establish your destination as a trusted resource and inspire travelers to choose your destination for their next adventure.

Engaging with the Local Community

Engaging with the local community is not only a powerful way to promote a tourist destination but also contributes to sustainable tourism practices. By involving the local community, you can create a more authentic and enriching experience for travelers while fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents. Here are some strategies for engaging with the local community:

• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Form partnerships with local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Promote each other’s services and create joint packages or offers that encourage visitors to support local enterprises.
• Involve Community Organizations: Collaborate with community organizations, cultural institutions, and local NGOs to develop initiatives that highlight the cultural heritage, traditions, and social initiatives of the destination. This can include festivals, art exhibitions, or environmental conservation projects.
• Showcase Local Art and Crafts: Promote local artisans and craftsmen by showcasing their work in markets, galleries, or souvenir shops. Encourage travelers to purchase authentic locally-made products, supporting the livelihoods of skilled craftsmen.
• Support Sustainable initiatives: Engage in sustainable practices and support initiatives that aim to preserve the environment, protect wildlife, or promote responsible tourism. This can include beach clean-ups, nature conservation projects, or promoting responsible wildlife encounters.
• Provide Employment Opportunities: Prioritize hiring local guides, staff, and suppliers to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are distributed within the community. This not only provides job opportunities but also encourages the local community to actively participate in the tourism industry.
• Encourage Cultural Exchange: Organize events or activities that allow travelers to interact with locals and experience the destination’s cultural traditions firsthand. This can include cooking classes, traditional music and dance performances, or language exchange programs.
• Engage with Local Influencers and Bloggers: Collaborate with local influencers and bloggers who have a strong connection to the destination. Their intimate knowledge and passion for the community will resonate with travelers and generate authentic and trustworthy recommendations.

Engaging with the local community not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the destination. By involving residents, promoting local businesses, and supporting sustainable initiatives, you create a positive and inclusive environment that benefits both tourists and the local community.

Leveraging Social Media Platforms

Social media has revolutionized the way destinations are promoted, allowing for direct communication and engagement with potential travelers. Leveraging social media platforms is essential for increasing visibility, building a strong online presence, and attracting visitors to your tourist destination. Here’s how you can effectively utilize social media for destination promotion:

• Identify the Right Platforms: Determine which social media platforms your target audience actively uses and prioritize your efforts accordingly. Common platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
• Create Engaging Profiles: Optimize your social media profiles to reflect the unique aspects of your destination. Use high-quality visuals, a compelling bio, and links to your website or booking platforms.
• Share Stunning Visuals: Post captivating photos, videos, and virtual tours that showcase the beauty and attractions of your destination. Visual content is highly engaging and can inspire travelers to visit your destination.
• Engage with Your Audience: Foster two-way communication by responding to comments, messages, and reviews from followers. Engage in conversations, answer inquiries, and show appreciation for user-generated content.
• Utilize User-generated Content (UGC): Encourage travelers to share their experiences and tag your destination on social media. Repost and share UGC to showcase the genuine experiences and positive testimonials of your visitors.
• Run Contests and Giveaways: Host social media contests, quizzes, or photo challenges to encourage engagement and increase your reach. Offer enticing prizes related to your destination, such as free stays, unique experiences, or merchandise.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with relevant influencers who align with your destination’s values and target audience. Collaborative posts, sponsored content, and takeovers can expose your destination to a wider audience through the influencer’s dedicated following.
• Use Hashtags Strategically: Research and use relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content. This allows users who are interested in specific topics or destinations to find your posts more easily.
• Monitor and Analyze: Regularly track social media metrics such as post reach, engagement, and follower growth. Analyze the data to understand which types of content perform best and adjust your social media strategy accordingly.
• Stay on Top of Trends: Stay up to date with current travel trends and conversations on social media. Join relevant conversations, participate in trending challenges, and adapt your content to stay relevant and capture the attention of your audience.

By effectively leveraging social media platforms, you can reach a wider audience, build brand awareness, and create a community around your destination. Through visually appealing content, genuine engagement, and strategic use of social media features, you can inspire travelers to choose your destination as their next adventure.

Implementing Search Engine Optimization Techniques

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for increasing the online visibility and organic traffic to your tourist destination’s website. By implementing SEO techniques, you can improve your website’s ranking in search engine results pages and attract more potential visitors. Here’s how you can effectively optimize your website for search engines:

• Keyword Research: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the terms and phrases that potential travelers use when searching for destinations like yours. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your website content.
• Optimize Metadata: Pay attention to the title tags, meta descriptions, and URL structure of your web pages. Include relevant keywords and compelling descriptions to help search engines understand the content and attract potential visitors to click on your website.
• Create High-Quality Content: Produce informative and engaging content that incorporates relevant keywords. This can include destination guides, travel tips, blog articles, and interactive maps. By providing valuable content, you increase the chances of users staying on your website longer and engaging with your brand.
• Optimize Website Speed: Ensure your website loads quickly on both desktop and mobile devices. Users are more likely to leave a website if it takes too long to load, which can negatively impact your search engine rankings.
• Utilize Internal and External Links: Incorporate internal links within your website to guide users to relevant pages and improve their overall experience. Additionally, build quality external links from reputable websites to establish your destination as a trusted and authoritative source.
• Optimize for Mobile: With the increasing use of mobile devices for travel research, it’s essential to have a responsive and mobile-friendly website. This ensures a seamless user experience and helps improve your search engine rankings.
• Encourage User Reviews: Encourage visitors to leave reviews on platforms such as Google My Business or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews and ratings can improve your search visibility and attract potential visitors.
• Utilize Local SEO: If you have a physical location, optimize your website for local SEO by including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing, and ensuring accurate and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) across online directories.
• Monitor and Analyze: Utilize SEO tools and analytics to track your website’s performance. Monitor keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user behavior to identify areas for improvement and refine your SEO strategy.
• Stay Up to Date: SEO algorithms and best practices evolve over time. Stay informed about the latest trends and changes in the SEO landscape to ensure your website remains optimized and competitive.

Implementing SEO techniques is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring, analysis, and adaptation. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can increase its visibility, drive organic traffic, and attract potential travelers to your tourist destination.

Measuring Success and Making Improvements

Measuring the success of your promotional efforts is crucial for understanding what works and what doesn’t. By analyzing data and metrics, you can make informed decisions and continuously improve your marketing strategies. Here are some key steps to measure success and make improvements:

• Set Clear Objectives: Establish specific and measurable goals at the beginning of your marketing campaign. This could include increasing website traffic, improving conversion rates, or generating more bookings. Clear objectives provide a benchmark for evaluating success.
• Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Identify the KPIs that align with your objectives and track them systematically. This may include website traffic, bounce rate, click-through rate, engagement on social media, or bookings generated. Use analytics tools to monitor and measure these metrics.
• Analyze User Behavior: Dive into user behavior data to understand how visitors interact with your website or social media platforms. Identify patterns, such as the most popular content, high bounce rates, or conversion funnel drop-offs. This analysis helps identify areas for improvement.
• Collect Visitor Feedback: Gather feedback through surveys, online reviews, or social media comments. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses in your destination’s promotion. Use this feedback to make improvements and address any issues.
• Compare Competitor Performance: Analyze the online presence and marketing efforts of competitors. Compare their strategies, content, and user engagement to gain insights into areas where you can improve or differentiate your destination.
• Test and Experiment: Continuously test and experiment with different marketing techniques, messages, and channels to identify what works best for your destination. A/B testing can help determine the effectiveness of different strategies and make data-driven decisions.
• Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and changes in the travel and tourism industry. This includes changes in consumer behavior, emerging technologies, and new marketing channels. Adapt your strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the competition.
• Regularly Review and Refine: Regularly review your marketing strategies and performance metrics. Identify areas of improvement and make necessary refinements to achieve better results. Continuously iterate and optimize your marketing efforts based on data-driven insights.
• Stay Engaged with Your Audience: Maintain active engagement with your audience through social media interactions, responding to comments and messages, and seeking feedback. This not only helps build a loyal community but also provides valuable insights.

Measuring success and making improvements in your promotional efforts is an ongoing process. By collecting and analyzing data, staying updated on industry trends, and continuously refining your marketing strategies, you can enhance the effectiveness of your promotion and drive more visitors to your tourist destination.

Promoting a tourist destination requires a comprehensive and strategic approach to captivate the attention of potential travelers and showcase the unique experiences it has to offer. By understanding the distinctive aspects of your destination, identifying your target audience, and crafting an effective marketing strategy, you can set the foundation for success.

Utilizing digital marketing channels, such as social media, SEO techniques, and collaborations with influencers and bloggers, allows you to reach a wider audience and engage with travelers on various platforms. Creating compelling content, engaging with the local community, and measuring success through data analysis are crucial steps in attracting visitors and making continuous improvements.

Remember, promoting a tourist destination is a dynamic process that requires constant adaptation to changing trends and consumer behaviors. By staying up to date with industry developments, incorporating feedback from travelers, and fostering collaborations with local businesses and influencers, you can enhance the visibility and desirability of your destination.

So, embark on your journey to promote your tourist destination effectively and make it an irresistible choice for travelers. By implementing the strategies and techniques outlined in this article, you can elevate your destination’s presence, inspire wanderlust, and invite more visitors to experience the wonders your destination has to offer.

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Tourism Marketing: 7 Ideas to Promote Your Destination in 2022

Table of Content

How tourism marketing changed in 2020, what can you do differently to attract tourists.

2020 hasn’t been easy for the tourism industry. The United Nations World Tourism Organization released a report back in September warning that 120 million jobs are at risk due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But we made it through and with most countries starting to vaccinate, we can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Pre-pandemic, the tourism industry was incredibly competitive and this certainly hasn’t changed. This is why your tourism marketing needs to really stand out if you want to attract visitors once again and revive the sector.

In this article, we’re going to look at 7 ways to promote your destination in 2021, taking into account the effects of the global pandemic.

Let’s dive in.

If you go back and read the predictions for tourism marketing in 2020, written back in December ‘19 or January ‘20, they are in no way comparable to what actually happened. Marketing campaigns had to be shelved, and new cost-effective ideas created in limited time frames.

A survey from MMGY Travel Intelligence and Destinations International found that 95% of destination organizations surveyed in the US reduced or completely postponed marketing spend last year. This is understandable, but it meant that those companies that did create new campaigns had less competition for grabbing people’s attention.

Pre-2020, the primary objective of tourism marketing campaigns was to convince travelers to take the plunge and buy tickets or book hotels. Over the last 12 months, however, we have seen that the focus shifted to staying top of mind for when travel is allowed again.

VisitEngland decided to produce a series of posts connected to films and TV shows which showcased the country, from “The Crown” to “Love Actually”. Their aim? Keep top of mind and be number 1 on the list when people are planning their first trip post-lockdown.

Virtual tours have also become extremely popular in 2020, providing an escape from the day-to-day. Despite existing pre-pandemic, we have seen much more money invested in state-of-the-art virtual experiences from tourism organizations.

EnjoyIllinois.com changed their homepage to feature an image of a forest and cliffs and the caption ‘These views took 300 years to make. They’re not going anywhere anytime soon’ and then encouraged visitors to travel around the state from the comfort of their own homes, offering the option to explore cities, forests, and smaller historic towns.

A number of tourism companies have since started offering virtual tours, from amusement parks to city tours .

Better safe than sorry

Customer safety has always been important in the tourism industry but in 2022 it has jumped to the top of the list due to the pandemic. Travelers are much more conscious of hygiene than in previous years, so this needs to be reflected in your marketing plan.

Emphasize the steps you are taking to maintain social distancing and keep high levels of cleanliness. Essentially, your marketing needs to convince your visitors that they will be safe and secure. If you are a tour operator, get those creative juices flowing to design new itineraries that avoid large crowds and focus on smaller group sizes.

Think local

Yes, vaccinations are underway and experts are predicting international travel to make a comeback at the end of spring or the beginning of summer. However, even when international travelers are allowed to enter, it might take some time for people to start traveling longer distances again.

You should focus your marketing efforts for 2021 on domestic tourists. Don’t advertise your great weather as this won’t be news for them. Change the focus of your campaigns to highlight off-the-beaten-track activities or secret gems that might not be so obvious – and that would attract a more local customer base. Think about creating a discount for local residents, or a loyalty program that would entice them to become recurrent visitors.

Act sustainable

This is an important one. Consumers are now taking a more local outlook and are trying to offset some of the environmental harm that was done by travel pre-COVID. The enforced tourism ‘break’ has given us more time and space to notice how tourism impacts the environment. Over 65% of travelers are making more sustainable choices than in previous years so we can’t ignore this trend.

Travel companies can help their customers to minimize the footprint of their activities and make sure that they contribute to the environment and communities. For example, you could partner with your local train company to encourage visitors to travel sustainably. Make sure any campaigns you undertake are promoted on social media as people are likely to spread the word around sustainability.

Be smart with influencers

In 2019, it seemed that influencers in the tourism world were unstoppable. It remains a successful model and is one of the most cost-effective methods for brand awareness and customer acquisition.

However, 2020 has taught us to work smarter with influencers, otherwise, the backlash can be costly. We have seen travel influencers continue their lives in 2020 as if Covid-19 never existed, and as a result of this, both the influencer and travel companies sponsoring the trips have been understandably hit by bad press.

Investigate local micro-influencers instead, who don’t have to break any regulations to visit you. They tend to have between 1,000 and 100,000 followers and are viewed as experts or specialists in their niche. Their followers are much more likely to buy into whatever they are selling, and they are much cheaper than larger influencers. For more influencer tips, check out our blog article .

Tik Tok Time!

Unless you have been offline the whole of 2020, you must have heard of Tik Tok. The most downloaded app of 2020 is a firm favorite amongst Gen Z-ers and it is spreading to other age-groups. In fact, 30% of its users are over the age of 30.

Its algorithm is very effective in showing users what they like, based on what they have previously viewed, and features everything from beauty tutorials to dance choreography. With TikTok predicted to continue its exponential growth, it would be wise for travel brands to get on board and start sharing content.

First off, you should download the app and secure your username. We would recommend not posting straight away, so you and keep your profile private. Take your time to look through existing travel content, jot down what works and what doesn’t, and get used to the algorithm. Then you can formulate your approach and start testing the platform.

Recommended reading: How to Use Social Media to Promote Tour Packages

Keep an eye on reviews

Of course, reviews have always been crucial. But according to Podium’s ‘2020 State of Reviews’, they have ‘never been so important or influential’ . 3.4 is the average star rating consumers require in order to even consider engaging with a business. But the content has now changed. Instead of focusing on keywords such as ‘price,’ and ‘customer service’, people are searching more for social distancing, hygiene, and mask-wearing policies.

So, what do you need to do? Actively request feedback in your post-visit email correspondence. Block out an hour or so a week to go through all reviews and comments on review sites and social media. Make sure that you respond with empathy to all comments, good and bad. Reflect on the more critical comments, and see if there are areas that you can improve.

Recommended reading: The Ultimate Guide to Generating Positive Customer Reviews

Stay digital

In 2020 we all upped our digital offerings to stay relevant and keep top of mind. This needs to continue. Yes, we will start welcoming back visitors this year but there will be some people that don’t want to travel just yet. For this segment, virtual reality is a promising area to explore, allowing potential visitors to experience an attraction, tourist activities, or hotels from the safety and security of their own home – enticing them for an in-person visit. Even the Vatican is doing it!

Have a think of what you could include in a virtual reality tour of your destination. Make sure that your content is optimized for both desktop and mobile, and use social media to promote it. You can also use VR as an extra tool of persuasion during the booking process.

That’s it for our top 7 ideas to make your tourism marketing stand out in 2021. As visitors begin to make their first plans for 2021, make sure that you differentiate your offer from the competition in order to win their business.

One last tip? Continue to engage with your customers and potential visitors. Talk to them, listen, and understand why they want to visit your attraction and what could stop them. By adapting to their fears and requirements, you’re more likely to climb up their 2021 ‘to-do’ list.

You might also like: 

• 10 Innovative Ideas to Differentiate Your Tours
• Tourism Marketing Strategies for 2021 and Beyond
• Four Ways to Promote Your Tours to an International Audience
• 5 Ways to Create an Innovative Tourism Experience

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How to Promote Tourism

Last Updated: April 3, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones . Anyah Gilmore-Jones is a Social Media Marketing Expert based in Nashville, Tennessee. An innovative experiential and social media marketer, Anyah is skilled at creating engaging brand experiences and leverages her passion for connecting people and ideas to drive organic growth for purpose-driven brands. As the founder of GROW by Gilmore, a social media strategy company, Anyah develops data-driven social media strategies focused on authentic community building. She has over 4 years of experience spearheading viral campaigns and producing content for brands like HBCU Buzz, Black & Scholared, SHEIN, and Project Art Collective. She received her BA from Howard University in Political Science and Government. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 11 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 203,485 times.

Looking to attract some new visitors to your town or city? In our current digital age, getting tourists to pay attention to a specific place is more possible than ever. Developing a marketing plan and using tools social media and other promotional materials, can all help to promote tourism in your town or city.

Creating a Marketing Plan

• Focus on activities or attractions that are specific to your town. Even a small or strange attraction could attract visitors and bring attention to the town, from the world’s largest paper clip to a man made wave in a river. Ask yourself: What makes the town worth a special trip? What do you have that a tourist can’t get or do somewhere else?
• Work with a tourism planning committee and narrow your focus on the top three things your town has to offer. The more specific, rather than generic, you can be, the more likely your town will be of interest to tourists.

• What do you think attracts a visitor to the community?
• What type of visitor do you see coming to our community?
• How can we do to improve the visitor’s experience?

• Where does the visitor live?
• What attracted the visitor to the community?
• How did the visitor find out about the tourist attractions?
• What type of businesses or facilities did the visitor use?
• What kinds of accommodations or services are needed?
• A third party endorsement from previous visitors to the town or current visitors is a good way to determine how to better serve future tourists.

• Geographic market areas, with a section for day trips, overnight trips, and extended visits.
• Outdoor recreation activities, if any, such as camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
• Entertainment, such as historic sites, fairs or festivals, shopping, and dining.
• Other travel purposes, such as business trips and family visits.

• Think about successful slogans, like Las Vegas’ “What happens here, stays here”, New York’s “The City That Never Sleeps” or Calgary, Alberta’s “Heart of the New West”. They work because they are unique and avoid generic terms or phrases.

• The overall recommendation from the tourism planning committee, including the proposed slogan and branding.
• The budget of the marketing plan, including the costs of all promotional materials.
• The source of the funds to put the marketing plan into action.
• The responsible parties of putting the marketing plan into action.
• A timeline for the completion and launch of the marketing plan.

Using Promotional Materials and Local Media

• Sell these promotional materials at local gift shops located close to popular attractions.

• The map can include a brief description of key attractions and sites, as well as activities tourists can do at these locations.

Using Social Media and Other Online Tools

• A good way to get more traffic to the website is to create a blog section on the site and make sure it is updated regularly. Conduct interviews with locals and post the interviews on the blog, or do a post on the best activities to do in the town based on the season.

• You can also create a hashtag that uses the slogan for the town and use it often at the end of every tweet or Instagram post. This will help you track if the town is trending among users and improve your posts to get more attention on these platforms.

Expert Q&A

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about promoting tourism, check out our in-depth interview with Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones .

• ↑ http://smallbizsurvival.com/2013/03/how-to-market-a-community.html
• ↑ http://www.tourism-review.com/social-media-marketing-in-tourism-industry-page659

About This Article

To promote tourism in your town or city, start by making a list of the things that make your area unique, such as lots of outdoor activities or a unique attraction. Then, create a slogan that reflects what makes your town special, avoiding common, generic phrases like, “best kept secret.” Additionally, try making a Facebook page for your town and posting pictures or event information every day to make sure people notice the page. You can also open Twitter and Instagram accounts and come up with a hashtag based on your city’s slogan. For tips on how to create a tourist map of your area to give to visitors, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Promoting Your City or Town as a Travel Destination

Written by Matt Berringer

January 18, 2022

Creating a marketing campaign designed to attract visitors to your city or town can be challenging. You need to be sure your team is targeting the right audience. Luckily, there are plenty of straightforward and reliable ways to promote your town as a tourist destination. These four tips will help you get started.

1. Find Your Angle

Before designing your advertising materials and launching your campaign, you should brainstorm with others in your community to find your city’s angle. What’s special about your home? You might live in a city with cocktail bars, first-class restaurants, top-notch shopping neighborhoods and bustling nightlife. Or, your town might be rural and peaceful with beautiful hiking trails and campgrounds.

Finding what your area offers will also help you create a tourist profile to effectively market to the most likely visitors. By better understanding your potential tourists, you can design an ad campaign specific to their likes, lifestyles and buying habits.

2. Use Social Media

In today’s world, having a presence on social media is essential. Create accounts for your tourist board on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok. You can share pictures and videos, promote local businesses and feature popular attractions.

Partnering with influencers can also be a great way to get more eyes on your town. Influencers have a lot of followers who engage with their content, so they can create ads for your city that people will see and interact with. What’s more, these influencers might have new ideas to attract tourists of different ages.

Finally, you can create online challenges to get people talking about your city. Examples of promoting a tourist spot include asking users to share their favorite local attractions or come up with their dream itinerary for a weekend away. Your team can offer rewards as simple as discounts at shops or as luxurious as free nights in a hotel.

3. Get the Community Involved

Your local community is your most valuable asset. Your neighbors may have innovative ideas, unique talents and fresh perspectives to share that can help promote tourism. Get curious and see what exciting or interesting things community members are doing that might make your town more inviting.

You can also hold fundraisers for the local tourist board or organize events to strengthen community relationships. By motivating the residents to keep your town clean, safe and beautiful, you’ll have a popular travel destination for years to come.

4. Create Exciting Marketing Materials

Promote your hometown as a tourist attraction by ensuring you have plenty of engaging marketing materials for potential visitors. Take pictures, create dynamic videos and keep your information updated as much as possible.

In addition to providing visitors with information on tourist attractions, local businesses and fascinating sites, you can also share what’s new in your community. Think about what a potential visitor might want to know about your town and update your materials accordingly.

Choose Nxtbook Media for Digital Content Services

Thinking about promoting your town or city? At Nxtbook Media, we create interactive and deeply engaging marketing materials to hook users and keep them interested. Get a free demo of our services today.

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5 Ways to Promote Your City or Town to Increase Tourism

At a time when travel restrictions are implemented, cities and towns are frantically searching for ways to increase tourism.

The internet is filled with travel guides and firsthand accounts of visitors detailing their experiences. It’s more difficult to come across tips from a local—someone who knows the ins and outs of the area. Unfortunately, we don’t all have the luxury of knowing someone within our destination’s limits. Consider these five tips when communicating your community’s charm to increase tourism:

Highlight the history and culture 

Every destination has its own unique story.

Aside from the well-known attractions, consider sharing some of your community’s lesser-known treasures. This may involve obscure facts about your town’s early settlers or the spooky tale about the mansion on Main Street. A picture of these treasures with a description of their significance is an opportunity for you to highlight your community’s unique history to increase tourism.

Share your tasty tips

There’s no feeling better than a full stomach after a day of exploring.

Food largely defines a community’s culture.  When promoting your city or town, be sure to discuss local dishes and the best places to try them. Consider explaining the flavor profile of the dish and the best way to eat it. With ketchup? With a root beer? At midnight? Who knows, maybe visitors will find their new favorite food or restaurant and come back for more!

Offer visitors a breath of fresh air

We all crave a breath of fresh air.

Provide visitors with the best spots to catch their breath and revel in the wonder of your community’s natural beauty. Be sure to detail the best seasons and times of day for visitors to capture the full essence of the landscape. Also, include any materials that they should consider bringing or leaving behind for their visit.

Suggest local stores and businesses

The word souvenir is French for “to remember.”

Tokens of remembrance can be as simple as a keychain or as complex as a scarf woven by natives. Present visitors with an opportunity to remember their visit to your community with recommendations for local stores and businesses. This is also an opportunity for you to help local businesses during these difficult times.

Include your personal testimony

They say that home is where the heart is.

Share the little things that you love about your city or town. This may include how you love the transition between one season to another, or your favorite road to drive down in the summer. Personal testimonies appeal to an audience’s emotions. Provide insight into the small and special things that define your love for your community.

Tip: Include hashtags (i.e., #NewOrleans, #ExploringTheCity, #GetInMyBelly) and/or create a page for your city or town. This will help potential visitors easily locate your stories and recommendations.

When implementing the tips listed above, be sure to consider all audiences (independent travelers, couples, families, and seniors). By showcasing your community’s local treasures and adding a personal touch, you can offer visitors valuable information on what to experience when visiting your community.

Enlist PivotPath’s team of innovative creators to help you fulfill these tips and increase your city or town’s tourism. Contact us  today for a consultation. 

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10 Promotion Strategies for the Travel and Tourism Industry that Actually Work

Almost every industry is (still!) going through tough times since the pandemic outbreak back in 2020. Some of them, though, have been affected by coronavirus far more than the others – and the travel industry is definitely one of them. Canceled trips, canceled flights, confused guests and hosts alike, countless restrictions, and the overall uncertainty of what’s coming next – all this have brought the industry to the brink of collapse.

Thankfully, most travel and tourism businesses decided to fight against the odds, and work their way through the pandemic. As of summer 2022, there are signs of coming back to (normal) life. Nobody knows, though, what autumn will bring and convincing consumers to plan their trips is far more difficult now than it ever was. That’s why clever marketing and promotion strategies seem to be the keys for the industry to get back on its feet.

Marketing for the travel and tourism industries in 2022

The pandemic isn’t the only problem the travel and tourism industry has faced lately. The economy (for example in Europe) forces people to think twice before going on costly vacations abroad. The competition is stiff as ever, and there’s still a need to maintain a healthy balance between costs and earnings. There’s no point in pumping thousands of dollars into marketing strategies if they won’t bring enough ROI. That’s why it’s crucial to select the next promotion strategy for your business carefully.

Here are some notable travel marketing trends are worth mentioning:

• TikTok marketing – this social video platform became a powerful marketing tool for those skilful enough to unlock its potential. Often referred to as a platform for children and youth (and dismissed for being such), TikTok hosts 1 billion active users. It’s a value that shouldn’t be ignored.
• Social media marketing – the dominance of TikTok does not mean that other social media platforms are doomed in marketing. Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn – all those media have their place and are still valid marketing platforms. The key is – as always – targeting the right audience.
• Influencer marketing – staying in the social media area: engaging celebrities and influencers in your marketing activities is an idea worth thinking of. Of course, the influencer with a 250K Instagram profile won’t bring thousands of customers directly to your company, but the recognizability should definitely help.

What about some travel marketing trends for 2022?

• Flexibility is a key – though low prices are still important, customers are eager to find offers that enable them to get a full refund or change bookings if necessary.
• Long-term rentals – in times of remote work, more people want to try living in new places for a more extended period. So-called workations have become more popular than ever, and people expect special deals for long-term rentals.
• Geofencing – looking for attractions near the place of living has become a thing during the pandemic. People are forced to put off their travel plans until somewhere in the future, turned to what their area has to offer. With geofencing , local attractions, such as restaurants, museums, go-karting tracks, escape rooms or laser tag places, became open for people searching for “[something] near me” which, apparently, grew popular in recent years.

Enough of those trends – you’re here for the list, so here it is! 10 promotional strategies for the travel and tourism industry that actually work – they have been launched and tested by companies we know. There’s no room for hypotheses. Below you’ll find nothing but real-life examples – get ready to get inspired!

Gamecity Zoetermeer

Promotion types used: discount coupons, gift cards, giveaways.

Gamecity GoKarting Zoetermeer is a place of fun games and entertainment for people looking to do something more active and demanding than watching VOD at home or going to the cinema. Gamecity offers go-karting, laser tag, minigolf and an innovative, competitive escape room-like experience called Prison Island.

1. Social media giveaways

Pursuing the newest trends, Gamecity launched a few social media profiles, such as Instagram or TikTok (their most popular video has been watched more than 40K times!). They use TikTok not only for sharing funny, short videos but also to run giveaways for their engaged followers, thus increasing company recognizability and gaining new followers (as well as potential customers):

Online contests are usually a very effective way to raise awareness of newly-created brands. Still, nothing stands in your way if you want to organize a sweepstake every now and then to promote your already established brand.

‍ In short: a well-performed online giveaway should not only bring some attention to your company but it might also result in a significant followers increase. Each of them can become your next valuable customer!

2. Discount coupons

People who don’t order any service without typing “[name of the company] discount coupon” in Google Search won’t be disappointed, as Gamecity Gokarting issues discount coupons every once in a while. A nice 20% discount for go-karting should be enough to convince the unconvinced and create the opportunity for them to try new things while traveling or just hanging out with friends.

Discount coupons are the salt of promotion strategies for the tourism and travel industry – it’s always nice knowing that the attraction you were already willing to experience is a bit cheaper than expected. However, from a business perspective, too big of a discount can be deceptive, as people could try it once and then never come back due to the feeling that the service should be cheaper than it is. That’s why companies usually launch 10-20% discounts.

‍ In short: The most significant advantage of the discount coupon promotional strategy is that it’s not very demanding to launch and maintain such a promotion. And with a proper tool, such as the Voucherify, issuing coupons is approachable and developer-friendly.

Promotion types used: gift cards, partnerships, giveaways.

Sportihome has created its unique business model that combines two things you can find in the company name – sports and housing rentals. To make their offer attractive for sports enthusiasts and travelers alike, Sportihome runs numerous giveaways with strongly-thematic rewards, such as entries for sports events and so on:

3. Partnerships

A popular marketing strategy is partnering up with well-known brands to provide discounts, equipment and other gifts. Sportihome decided to follow this path by teaming up with Decathlon , the most prominent sports gear brand in France. Each host, who joins the Sportihome family, gets an exclusive 10% discount for equipping the lodgings they share with Sportihome customers.

In short: partnerships may strengthen your brand as showing up in the right company to a business meeting does. And if the partnership comes with benefits for the customers, you can be sure that it will positively impact your marketing efforts.

4. Gift cards

One of the ultimate travel and tourism promotion types is gift cards. However, buying holidays as a gift can cause unintended trouble – it isn’t easy to be a hundred percent sure that the gifted person won’t have any plans in a given period. Also, choosing the location and lodgings for them might not be the best idea (who knows if they’d like it?). In such a case, the best way would be to present someone with a gift card for holidays of their choice. And that’s exactly what you can do via Sportihome – choose the price (from €50 to €1,000) and choose whether Sportihome should send the card to the recipient or if you want to do this personally.

Each gift card is valid for 24 months, and the gifted person can use the code from the gift card during the payment – after choosing the most suitable location.

In short: Gift cards are present in almost any industry, but they became especially popular when the pandemic began – if all the travel companies ensured full refunds for everyone who wanted to cancel their flights, trips and vacations, they would already be out of business. One of the ways to stay above the surface while encouraging customers to return was to offer them gift cards instead of a cashback.

This is precisely the way easyJet decided to deal with the coronavirus crisis – read more about it in our case study!

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Al Ali Yachts

Promotion types used: BOGO, discount coupons, giveaways.

Al Ali Yachts is a luxury yacht-rental company based in Dubai, UAE. In a demanding market, rental companies have to try different marketing strategies to get to the right audience. One of the most effective promotions used by Al Ali Yachts is BOGO – buy one, get one free – promotion.

How does it work? BOGO promotions add an item whenever a customer orders a required number of items. For example, during the "Enjoy the Summer" promotion, Al Ali Yachts offers their customers 1 hour of yacht rental for free for every 3 hours booked. It’s easy to calculate that the offer equals a 25% discount. The difference lies in the incentive.

If a group of friends would like to rent a yacht for two hours, they might get incentivized by the promotion – they’d rather pay for 3 hours and have a boat for 4 hours.

6. Holiday giveaways

There’s always an occasion to celebrate – should it be International Women’s Day, Independence Day or National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day, brands have learnt to incorporate them into their marketing efforts. A contest where the winner gets 1 hour of free cruising? Why not? If it brings people interested in the product, it’s probably a good idea (though there’s a million dollars for whoever creates a campaign combining National Pizza Day with yacht rental).

Dertouristik

Promotion types used: discount coupons.

Visiting the Dertouristik website for the first time is one of those unforgettable moments, when a pop-up ad doesn’t get on the nerves – why so? Because of an exclusive, time-limited offer (also the fact that it doesn’t cover the whole screen)!

7. Time-limited offers

Though setting a time limit for the offer is old as the world, it’s useful promotional tool companies use with success in 2022 (and will probably still use in 2222). Here’s what it looks like on the Dertour website:

The window pops up right after entering the website – it says that there’s a €50 discount for any travel package from Dertour, as soon as the total costs are above €500. The offer is valid until midnight, so there’s a strict deadline, but with plenty of time to think this decision through.

It’s a nice touch that after closing the pop-up window, it’s still available under the blue “Ihr Rabatt Code” button, so the customers can get back and copy their code anytime.

Promotion types used: flexibility packages, discount codes, freebies.

8. Flexible packages

Trends in the travel and tourism promotions have changed – customers expect more than low prices, loyalty solutions or various discounts. They also need peace of mind when it comes to planning their vacations. That’s why solutions such as ItaliaRail’s Flexibility packages work! With an additional fee customers can ensure that they would be able to reschedule or cancel their train tickets with an 80% or 90% refund:

9. Freebies

Genuinely taking care of customers’ well-being is one of the most effective promotional strategies – especially if the goal is to create a long-term relationship with the customer. So ItaliaRail went the extra mile and prepared a little welcoming gift for their potential customers – a free Italian phrases ebook, which can be a helpful guide for those who visit Italy for the first time. Of course, giving away an ebook like this probably won’t become a game-changing strategy for the company. Still, it’s an excellent little addition to make customers feel better about traveling, and to get some email addresses in the process.

Promotion types used: cart promotions, discount coupons.

With its branches in Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, France, Poland, Spain, the UK, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Finland, TUI became one of the most popular travel agencies in Europe, offering holiday trips worldwide.

10. Cart promotions

Knowing that the most straightforward solutions are often the most satisfying ones, TUI went through with cart promotions – the discounts visible immediately while browsing the offers:

A big, red –41% alert is precisely what TUI wants people to see right after clicking the TUI Deals button on the homepage. The difference between the regular and discounted price is what drives people’s purchasing decisions more often than they want to admit. But the difference between €1410 and €831 is just too good!

‍ Cart-level promotions , though, offer more than only displaying lower prices. Using them, you can assign automatic discounts to each customer who meets the redemption criteria, create personalized deals, enable free shipping, bonus items and much more!

Coming up with a successful promotion strategy for the travel and tourism industry requires a lot of work and dedication – I hope the above list of examples will help you choose the best promotion type to begin with. Now, before I finish, here are three final tips you might find helpful:

• Select two or three promotion types you’re eager to try out. Learn more about them and see if they are within your reach before investing any money in them.
• Look around and search for software that would help you create and launch the type of promotions you’re interested in. It’s always a better (and cheaper) idea to find ready-made software instead of trying to come up with your own solution.
• If you’re determined to try out different types of promotions for your business, make sure that the software you’ve found in step 2 is able to handle each of them. No point in subscribing to (and paying for) two or three different software packages while you can stick to a single one.

If you’re looking for a powerful promotion engine where you can create numerous marketing campaigns (personalized coupons, cart-level promotions, digital gift cards, product bundling, loyalty and referral programs, geofencing), but pay only for the actual usage, try Voucherify. And when I’m saying “try” I mean it – Voucherify comes with a free plan, which you can use to find your way through the platform before deciding to pay any money!

Don’t hesitate any longer

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Best Practices for Promoting Your Tourism Destination Internationally

Connect Worldwide Contributor

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world. But with so many destinations competing with one another for the attention of international travelers, it’s become increasingly important to ensure your destination’s marketing is as strategic and focused possible.

If you are looking for thoughtful ways to promote your tourism destination internationally , consider these top marketing trends and best practices.

Be Culturally Aware

Travel and culture are synonymous with one another, which is why fostering cultural awareness and sensitivity has to be a strategic component of your destination marketing. International travelers may need to be more conscious of how they act, speak or dress in your destination, and educating tourists by providing these helpful tips will entice the right travelers to visit.

When marketing your destination to other countries, you’ll also want to make sure your marketing campaign is not offensive or misinterpreted. Always run your campaign by an experienced, international marketing team to make sure you get language, culture, and diversity accurately represented or translated.

For instance, once BMW made the marketing mistake of improperly using the UAE national anthem in their commercial. The ad showed people singing the anthem and then breaking into a run toward several BMW cars when they heard the sound of the engine. The ad backfired. Emiratis found it incredibly offensive that the car company suggested their cars were more important than the national anthem. The company explained its intent was never to offend, and it soon replaced the ad with a less offensive version. By working with an international marketing team, you can avoid marketing faux-pas when reaching people from other cultures and languages.

Embrace the Art of Storytelling

Storytelling is tapping into one of the deepest and richest veins of the emotional human experience. Travelers and locals sharing their experiences in your destinations inspires people to want to manifest similar experiences of their own. The free flow of those experiences going viral ultimately takes over the promotion of the destination on a scale far greater than any tourism entity could.

When done right, a storytelling campaign captures and keeps attention. It’s easily remembered and more likely to be shared. And ultimately, it inspires people to take action by visiting your destination.

Your marketing campaign can feature travelers’ stories  or stories from locals to showcase your destination in an authentic and engaging way. Storytelling marketing is arguably performing much more effectively than traditional marketing approaches – because not everyone is doing it well yet.

Once you’ve developed your storytelling marketing campaign, how will you promote it? We recommend sharing stories on the right channels to the right audiences via social media, public relations, events and more.

Develop Strategic Partnerships

The ability to reach audiences, attract awareness, excite interest, and convert it into action can be a significant challenge—particularly in the age of competition for tourism dollars strengthening around the world. Working with strategic partners maximizes a destination’s tourism budget by combining marketing efforts into one coherent voice.

Building strategic partnerships with local and international organizations can also improve travelers’ experiences.  At CWW, we go beyond the traditional partner selection and bring in potential partners from other industries to maximize impact and sustainability.

A like-minded partnership approach provides greater strength, unity, and leveraged results, which will more effectively market the destination together when compared to individual efforts.

Offer Unique Experiences

Tourists are no longer looking to just visit a country’s most popular attractions. More than ever, they want to make the most of their vacation time with unique experiences. Whether your city or country boasts great wine, architecture, or cuisine, you can take that one step further by developing programs or attractions that appeal to specific niches, such as yoga enthusiasts. Or, you can create a new attraction, like a gigantic ice hotel, to offer something unique that most other destinations don’t have.

Travelers are also becoming more socially and environmentally conscious, and may want to volunteer in the local community or stay at a zero-waste hotel. As the threat of over-tourism plagues many popular destinations, it provides the opportunity for destinations like yours to rise above and attract travelers to your destinations during the right times.

Are you looking for help marketing your destination internationally? Connect Worldwide has a strategic combination of expertise in consumer and travel trade branding, digital innovation and media expertise, event management and promotional activities. Contact our team to request a proposal today.

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Tourism Marketing: 4 Strategies to Attract More Tourists

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If you are in the tourism and hospitality industry and are looking to boost your business and increase your bottom line, a better marketing strategy can help. Whether you own a hotel, restaurant, travel agency, or a transport company there are things you can do to help gain visibility, attract customers, and build a loyal following. These four tourism marketing strategies can help you figure out the best way to enhance your business and stay present in the industry.

The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest in the world and has experienced stable growth over the last five years. It’s also a very fragmented industry. According to a report by IBISWorld , it’s estimated that the four main companies in this industry represent less than 10 percent of the total market share.

Many segments of the industry are dominated by small businesses and this facilitates access to all those who wish to build their own business. Given this opportunity, implementing the right tourism marketing strategies is crucial to stand out from the competition and to establish yourself as an authority in the industry.

With all the available opportunities for growth and development, creating a solid marketing plan with the four following strategies can be your key to success and the difference between breaking even and making a profit.

#1 Apply storytelling on your social media posts

According to HubSpot , consumers today (among them, tourists) process more than 100,500 digital words a day. Every time they want to know something they ask Google and they can compare prices instantly in three clicks. It’s not that everyone wants to ignore your marketing messages, but given a large amount of information they are exposed to, it’s inevitable that your efforts can get lost in the shuffle. Therefore, it’s necessary to find new ways to communicate to get their attention and get them to interact with your brand .

In a TED Talk , Simon Sinek, founder of Start With Why, said:

People don’t buy what you sell, they buy why you sell it.

When designing your marketing messages on social media it’s not effective to only describe the characteristics of the products or services you offer.

To effectively capture the attention of your target audience and generate more engagement, tell them why your service is made for them while also explaining what they will experience if they decide to buy your product or use your service.

In this sense, stories have enormous power. They generate empathy, transmit confidence, are easy to remember and, most importantly, are easy to share. Storytelling is a technique that allows you to link your product or service with a concrete, symbolic and emotional experience through a story and take advantage of its full potential.

When coming up with stories about your business, try to link them to your product or to the daily activities of your business in subtle ways and put them in your company’s social media posts.

Here are some examples of tourist establishments that use this technique in their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter posts:

If your content on social media doesn’t get “likes” or isn’t shared on Facebook or similar platforms, another proven resource that can help you is creating a mascot or character associated with your brand that acts as the protagonist of your stories.

For example, the travel company Travelocity has associated a traveling gnome with their brand. He appears as the protagonist in several of their publications. In addition, this travel company has created additional social profiles for the character including a fan page on Facebook, a Twitter account and an Instagram account through which they offer exclusive discounts to their followers.

In this way, they manage to promote their trips in an entertaining way that captures the attention of the users, generates engagement and manages to create a community of fans around their character and, therefore, around their brand. On Twitter alone, they’ve got more than 210,000 followers.

#2 Use augmented reality to offer memorable experiences

Within the tourism sector, offering an incredible experience is essential to get customers to remember you, recommend your brand or use your service again. Using new technologies such as augmented reality in your marketing strategy can help you create innovative and memorable experiences for your visitors and, at the same time, differentiate yourself from your competitors.

If you’re not familiar with the term augmented reality, TechTerms provides a very simple definition:

Augmented reality, commonly abbreviated as “AR,” is computer-generated content overlaid on a real-world environment.

Surely you’ve heard of Pokémon Go , a mobile augmented reality game whose launch in 2016 was a massive success. This game uses the GPS of your mobile to locate, capture and engage in battles with virtual creatures (Pokémon). By activating the camera, players can see these creatures through the screen as if they were in a real location. This is augmented reality.

The potential of this technology in the tourism industry is enormous and many tourist establishments are already using it to offer different experiences to tourists.  According to a Zenith analysis , in 2018 the pervasiveness of smartphones will reach 66 percent, which means that more than half of the world uses a smartphone.

Hotels were one of the first industries to apply this technology to their marketing actions. For example, the Casa Madrona Hotel in New York used this technology to show tourists walking the street the impressive balcony views of one of its 360-degree suites, as you can see in the following video:

Augmented reality also offers great possibilities for the transportation industry . With a travel app with augmented reality, you could point the camera to a transport vehicle and discover your route, the next stop and places of interest you pass through, something very useful if you are a foreigner.

For example, the transport company, Tunnel Vision , created an app that transforms the New York subway map into an interactive guide in different languages, as you can see in the following video:

According to an analysis of augmented reality published in Harvard Business Review , the three elements that allow the massive adoption of augmented reality apps are:

• Relevant content
• A realistic and compelling interaction of the virtual with the physical environment
• A unique value that goes beyond what other technologies offer

To design a successful augmented reality app that offers a memorable experience, you must make sure it has these three elements.

#3 Create valuable content and optimize your website for SEO

According to a study by Aberdeen , conversion rates are six times higher for those who adopt content marketing than for those who don’t.

Since content marketing is incredibly important, to ensure you get the best results, consider hiring an SEO specialist to help you design a tailored strategy for your business is recommended. That being said, there are things you can do on your own. Here are a few basic tips to help you create a content and SEO strategy for your tourism marketing plan.

• Include a blog on your website and publish content that provides valuable information for your target audience: According to Ascend2, 72 percent of marketers say that creating relevant content was the most effective SEO tactic . Constructing high-quality content that provides valuable information about topics related to your tourism business (such as travel tips or interesting places to visit) can help you increase the authority of your website and, therefore, improve your positioning on Google.

If you manage to publish really interesting posts, they’re more likely to be shared or linked by other sites. This way you will get high-quality inbound links that Google will look at when positioning your website. For example, Jerry’s Motel in Los Angeles incorporates a blog in its website that publishes posts with useful and practical tips for traveling to the city.

• Choose long keywords (more than three terms) that have a high search volume and a low level of competition: According to WordStream, 50 percent of Internet searches have four or more words. You must make sure that the keywords you insert in your content are long and describe your business, products, services or—if it’s a blog post—the subject you are dealing with. Look at the number of times users search for them. This should be a significant figure relative to your pages’ click rates.

Similarly, there will be more chances of getting a good position on Google if the level of competition for your keywords is low. You have tools at your fingertips that help you discover this type of data such as the Keyword planner through Google AdWords, SEMrush or Moz .

• Take care of SEO on your website: There are several factors that influence to a greater or lesser extent the positioning of a website on search engines like Google.  SEO experts agree that for Google to position your page or your post for the keyword you have chosen, you must add it in the beginning of the title of the page, in the subtitles , in the first paragraph of the content, repeat it several times throughout the content, in the URL , in the “Alt” tags of the images and in the meta tags (the summaries that appear in the Google’s results pages).

On the other hand, you must also create internal links that allow users to navigate between the different pages of your website. You should also aim to get external links (those that appear on third-party websites and direct visitors to your website). Make sure that your website has a fast loading speed and that it adapts to mobile device screens (responsive design) as Google started penalizing non-responsive websites in 2015.

• Create long and interesting content: Content marketing has changed a lot since Google no longer recognizes short articles with superfluous content. Instead, it gives the first positions to websites that publish pages with long and substantiated content that provides interesting information about a topic. Several studies agree that longer pages or posts tend to get a better position on Google which translates into more traffic. For example, HubSpot discovered that the posts that got more organic visits were those that contained between 2,250 and 2,500 words.

Source: HubSpot

• Create localized content: The tourism sector is a local industry so you can take advantage of this feature to create localized content which will allow you to reduce competition and attract only your potential customers. If your tourism business is located in London, try to create content that deals with topics related to travel and tourism applied to London making sure to include the term “London” in your keywords. For example, a tourist guide agency in London can create a post about “hidden places in London that you have never visited.”

#4 Manage your reviews on TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is the largest travel review platform in the world and has more than 450 million users and more than 570 million reviews. If you are the owner of a hotel, a restaurant, a theme park or a provider of tourist activities you should know that reviews play an important role in the tourist’s decision. A survey carried out by PhoCusWright reported that 70 percent of travelers read TripAdvisor reviews before choosing a hotel and that 53 percent do not decide to make any reservations before having read reviews .

While it’s true that reviews can be as beneficial as they are harmful to your business, if you manage them well you can avoid having your image seriously affected by a bad review. Responding to negative comments in an assertive and polite manner is the best way to do this. The PhoCusWright survey also revealed that 87 percent of users believe that an appropriate response to a negative review improves their impression of the establishment .

However, you have to be very careful not to create the opposite effect. In order to respond successfully to a negative review you should :

•      Respond as quickly as possible
•      Do it politely
•      Thank the user for sharing his opinion
•      Apologize, if necessary
•      Demonstrate that your company takes user comments seriously
•      Demonstrate that your team will be fully involved to improve the service
•      Try to offer a solution whenever possible

Here’s how the Gray Line San Francisco tour company responded cautiously to a negative review on TripAdvisor, following these recommendations:

Even so, you shouldn’t see criticism as a threat since the opinions of your customers can provide you with valuable information to implement improvements in your business and thus offer a better experience to future visitors. You should also know that, according to the PhoCusWright survey, 66 percent of users tend to ignore extreme comments when they read reviews, so while positive reviews predominate, you shouldn’t worry too much about the destructive ones.

Taking into account that the reviews are, many times, a key factor in a tourist’s decision when booking a table in a restaurant, a room in a hotel, a tour or when buying tickets for a theme park, not having a full profile on TripAdvisor means closing doors to a community of more than 450 million users willing to discover new sites and miss a great opportunity to promote your company and generate more sales.

There are also other review platforms that are gaining popularity, such as Yelp , which currently receives about 130 million unique visits and has more than 70 million reviews.

Unlike TripAdvisor, Yelp is not intended exclusively for the tourism and travel industry (there are reviews on all types of businesses), but it has an important base of reviews on restaurants, hotels and other companies operating within the tourism sector. If you want to discover how to incorporate this platform into your marketing plan, read How to increase reviews on Yelp .

The implementation of these four tourism marketing strategies will help you increase the visibility of your business, attract your target audience and get a better return on your marketing investment. Although these techniques can be applied in most cases within the tourism scope, take into account the needs of your business and choose those that best suit it.

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7 Effective Promotion Ideas for Tourism Marketing

Promotion, advertising, marketing… the subtle differences between these terms (opens in a new tab) is interesting, but ultimately the bottom line is about growing your tour business and boosting your sales. That is what I am going to focus on here.

An effective advertising campaign is the most important aspect in the successful development of a tourism business. The key success factors in any campaign are careful planning and creative ideas. 

We will start with some basic foundational elements of a tourism business, and then go on to share effective promotional ideas.

Your Brand Identity

All the elements of a business are interconnected, and each business prioritizes them slightly differently. However, it is important to continually evaluate the strength of your brand presence while you are developing your promotions and marketing strategies.

– Social Media  

Are your social media accounts set up and active ? This is non-negotiable because so many people rely on social media as their primary source of information, and to verify the value of a business before making a commitment. Focus on maintaining several platforms, and keep them current and engaging as best as you can. You can start here (opens in a new tab) , and then take your social media to the next level with this blog post (opens in a new tab) .

– Starting a blog (or posting relevant articles)

There are several ways a blog can help grow your business. When your site is brimming with interesting blogs showcasing your unforgettable tours, or with useful articles about tourism… that gets people excited! Visitors to your blog see all this fun content, and are motivated to try it for themselves, and they hit that book button. 

The other benefit of a blog is that with enough high-quality content, it positions your company as experts in the field (opens in a new tab) . That is great for ranking in Google searches! In addition you can get a lot of mileage out of a well thought out post. Your articles can also be published on other sites that offer similar services, play double-duty as social media content, or be creatively pitched as a sales tool. Plus, when you are writing about your tours, showcasing beautiful pictures, and reminiscing on the fun you provide… that is an enjoyable reminder of how memorable your business really is.

– A professional website

A website is another important place to solidify your professionalism. Prospective customers who visit a high quality website find essential information organized cleanly, and studded with alluring photos. This is the ultimate selling tool. All your promotion efforts and marketing plans typically deliver prospective customers to your website. Therefore it needs to clearly articulate what you do, and provide a clear plan to book a tour. If you need an upgraded website, TourismTiger are experts in building websites for the tourism industry (opens in a new tab) , and we have many years of experience in this arena.

Put your dazzling brand identity to work

In an ideal world, a business has the budget to hire a professional marketing and advertising team. Usually, the team would offer market research, web-marketing services, commercial promo, and also creative ideas to make a tourism business more attractive. This team would have time and resources to implement an effective promotional campaign for tourism marketing organizations. (starry emoji here)

However, not everyone has the resources to pay a team of dedicated professionals. That means we must be interesting and innovative on our own.

Let’s check out below how tourism marketing companies (and tourism businesses) attract their audience and the promotional ideas they use.

1. Utilize local listings

The simplest promotion you can do is registering your business with Google My Business (opens in a new tab) – it is the new Yellow Pages. The vast majority of people use Google to find everything . If your business doesn’t show up in all those searches- you are missing out! A Google listing is basically free advertising for you. The setup process is quite simple, and then you have complete control to update your listing, add new photos, or update hours if they change. Follow these steps (opens in a new tab) , and include as much information as possible.

2. Using email newsletters

Using email newsletters (opens in a new tab) and a customer relationship management (CRM) program is an easy yet effective strategy for interacting with clients. There are classic avenues to invite people to sign up for your newsletter, such as built into your website or Facebook page. Also get creative how and where you ask for subscribers. For example, find a fun way to circulate a paper sign up sheet during a tour. And be very thoughtful of the wording you choose. Offer the user the option to subscribe to the newsletter in order to ‘regularly receive information about current offers’ or ‘hear about our seasonal tours’. Offer a newsletter that is relevant and interesting to your prospective customer. Prospective customers have different interests compared to people who already know how great your tours are.

3. Showing online banners

Considering internet marketing tools (opens in a new tab) for the tourism industry is crucial. One of the most effective promotional ideas tourism businesses can employ is to invest in online advertising. Placing ad banners on certain websites, where users will be able to see your current promotions and offers, is a great idea to get more exposure. The websites you advertise on should be the types of sites your target audience visit. Be careful that you’re placing your ads where your ideal customer is visiting, otherwise you could be marketing to the wrong audience and your efforts will be in vain. You can use different sources and sites to place banners, just use top keywords in your Google search, like ‘top hotels’, ‘travel’, ‘top destinations’, etc.

4. Paid social media marketing

You can use SMM (opens in a new tab) (social media marketing) tools and targeted advertising to get in front of your ideal audience on social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram. Paid advertising on Facebook is extremely easy to set up (opens in a new tab) and monitor. Moreover, targeting a specific audience has been perfected by Facebook, so even a novice will be able to see results with their paid FB ad campaigns. Or, consider reaching out to SMM specialists who know how to promote your travel channels, it is the most effective way to advertise your tours.

5. Applying offline promo

Good ol’ fashioned business cards are crucial, especially for travel and tourism businesses. They are extremely useful and cost-effective. With help (in the form of developing multiple marketing strategies, not relying on one), they can really improve the reputation of your brand, increasing the likelihood of interest from travelers and tourists.

Classic postcards are a great direct marketing tool for tourism marketing and travel agents. By sending a colorful postcard with a wonderful landscape of a tourist destination and a small message to potential customers, you will definitely convince them to contact you. I can imagine the star eyes now, when a person longing for a vacation finds a pretty postcard in their mail.

There is no better way to present a brief and interesting overview of the services offered by your travel business than high-quality flyers and brochures. With brand-oriented design, your travel brochures will resonate with your audience and generate interest in your brand.

6. Checking the contextual advertising and SEO

Contextual advertising (advertising on a page that is relevant to your business) and SEO optimization are types of promotional activities that are aimed at end-users who use search engines such as Google to be able to select their desired tour.

-Wait, what?!

Ok, so contextual advertising is basically placing an advertisement in a location that is relevant. For example, a promotional ad for a gym membership with an athletic clothing company. Consider what type of person books your tours, how they learn about your company, and put your paid advertisements in locations relevant to this audience. Learning more about this type of advertising will improve your techniques, and also help inform your marketing strategies as you grow your business. Read a basic summary here (opens in a new tab) . This is another great place to invest money in a pro.

However, if you do not have the budget yet, get creative! Start with a small campaign, consider joining a tourism professional group (opens in a new tab) , and keep detailed notes to track your successes and areas to improve in.

SEO optimization is a hot topic! It is also dynamic and constantly evolving, which can make it an intimidating area to become familiar with.

Each of the online methods is good in its own way, and it’s worth choosing based on the specifics of your tourism business. The main thing in this business is a professional approach for a bright result and further development aimed at improvement.

7. Using tourist promo videos

The popularity of video content is constantly growing. It is also easier than ever to make a high quality video. These trends are important for the tourism industry to capitalize on. If you are trying to boost sales and grow your business… showing people all the fun they can have on your tours is obviously the way to go! Using positive testimonials, as well as photos and videos of your clients enjoying themselves on your tour is the best way to demonstrate the value in what you offer. It is easy to hire a freelance videographer to make a short promo video highlighting your fun tours.

If you can’t hire a pro yet, get your phone out and start using it! Maybe ask for a brief interview after a tour is finished. Being mindful and asking permission to take a video is an easy way to get the conversation going. This is a great way to appeal to your customers. Read tips on how to take great quality videos here. 

In conclusion

The methods above are by far the most effective ways to promote your tourism business, but the list is by no means extensive. You can find lots of other ways to promote your travel business. (opens in a new tab) Check what people are searching for today. If your target customers go to music festivals, this could be a great location for the promo. If they use apps and mobile phones to be up-to-date, don’t forget to advertise on social media.

First and foremost, do not forget to research your market and make a strategy for promotion. Think of your product and how to best present tourism attractions to prospective clients. You have to know what your target audience needs in the first place. Furthermore, you have to offer your services and present your content via different sources, namely your website, social media channels and email advertisements.

With the help of these suggestions you can attract a large audience and promote your tours.

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5 Tips on How to Market a Tourist Destination

Anyone tasked with marketing a tourist destination knows it can be tough to create a winning marketing strategy that drives visitors to your area. It’s even more difficult to know that you’re targeting the right potential visitors.

In this blog post, we’ll share five tips on how to market a tourist destination to increase your visitor traffic.

1. Identify Your Best Prospective Visitors to Optimize Ad Buying

The most important aspect of developing a winning marketing strategy is to truly know who your visitors are and where they’re coming from to visit your tourist destination. Many tourist destinations use mobile GPS data to identify demographic and psychographic insights about their visitors. Beyond demographic variables—like age, income range, and gender—these analytics reveal the lifestyle characteristics (also called psychographics) of your potential visitors. To get this information, researchers typically use credit card transaction or mobile GPS data combined with household-level consumer characteristics.

Once complete, the studies provide insights into how to update your marketing strategies to better target the types of visitors that are more likely to visit your destination and the top origin markets for your destination marketing efforts.

2. Tailor Your Marketing Efforts by Traveler Type

As most marketers know, there are many different types of people who will be interested in your products or services. This is no different in the tourism industry. Millennials and seniors will likely be looking to do vastly different things when they come to your area. Identify your key visitor segments and be creative when coming up with new ideas for deals or offerings that will appeal to each target market.

A one-size-fits-all approach won’t yield the best results, so your marketing efforts will have to be tailored accordingly. As you test tactics and learn what works, you can adjust your strategy to better reach your best potential visitors.

3. Increase Exposure by Partnering with Influencers

Influencer marketing is becoming a huge strategy for brands across the tourism industry. And that’s because it works. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, influencers are people who have established a dedicated following for their own personal brands. These people are usually bloggers, YouTubers, TikTokers, and Instagram personalities. Since influencers have highly engaged audiences, Convention and Visitors Bureaus and Destination Marketing Organizations are turning to them to create content about their hotels, tourist attractions, and other points of interest.

To get started with an influencer marketing strategy, do some research about influencers who already post content about your industry. When you’ve created a list of potential influencers, reach out to set up an exchange. An example of an exchange could be an influencer visiting your area for free, and the influencer will create a YouTube video about their experience. This is a win-win for both parties. The influencer will have the opportunity to create original content for their following and your brand will be exposed to a new audience.

4. Create Destination Videos That Appeal to the Right Tourists

It’s common knowledge that videos are one of the most popular ways people like to receive information. If you’re looking to make splash on social media, begin to create exciting videos not just about a single tourist destination, but about your city as a whole.

Some additional video ideas include locals giving insight into their favorite places to dine, shop and explore; tips about getting around the city; where the best photo opportunities are; and more. These will be a natural fit for sharing on social media and will add a nice mix of photos and videos to your feed.

5. Share What’s New in Your Area

You’re a local to your area, so make sure to stay up to date on new things happening. This allows you to be a resource for helpful visitor information, rather than solely trying to sell your destination.

Try to put yourself in the visitors’ shoes and provide insight into a variety of exciting things that you would want to see if you were a tourist in your area.

Regardless of your current marketing strategy, it’s never too late to gain more insight into your past visitors as well as strengthen your approach to acquiring new visitors. By leveraging visitor analytics and adopting tourism marketing trends, you can strengthen your strategy and move past your competition.

If you’re interested in more information, learn about Buxton’s tourism analysis options.  

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, the impact of tourism promotion in tourist destinations: a bibliometric study.

International Journal of Tourism Cities

ISSN : 2056-5607

Article publication date: 22 April 2022

Issue publication date: 9 December 2022

This paper aims to provide an assessment of tourism promotion in tourist destinations and airports (TPTDs) and to organize and classify the literature on tourism promotion, with the aim of staging the importance of this topic and encouraging future research in the projection of tourism and marketing sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) database to analyze the bibliometric in TPTDs topic from 2000 to 2021. Additionally, the paper also uses the visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer software to map graphically the bibliographic material. The graphical analysis uses bibliographic coupling, co-citation, citation and co-occurrence of keywords.

This study provides an amended new definition of tourism promotion, which is the efficient management of a destination’s resources and strategic plans by destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to adapt the tourism supply to market trends and will empower tourists to visit such destinations. Furthermore, results also show a new paradigm applied to TPTDs topic and classified in five first-order research streams. Digital and mobile marketing, infrastructure, branding, quality, accessibility and information factors about a specific destination which are mostly demanded by tourists are considered as an important means of promotion for the tourism industry.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is important to identify new challenges and opportunities for researchers, DMOs, airport and airlines operators and stakeholders, as disentangling existing contradictions and applying new theoretical framework to make better future decisions by researchers and organizations to provide higher quality to new research in the context of the TPTDs.

• Tourism promotion
• Bibliometric
• Tourist destinations
• Universities

Florido-Benítez, L. (2022), "The impact of tourism promotion in tourist destinations: a bibliometric study", International Journal of Tourism Cities , Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 844-882. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-09-2021-0191

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, International Tourism Studies Association

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How to Promote Local Tourism

When it comes to promoting your tourism business – whether you’re an attraction, restaurant, museum or hotel, you may feel like you’re all alone. Luckily, that’s not the case. By working with your Destination Marketing Organization ( DMO ) or Tourism Promotion Agency ( TPA ), you’re able to get some free marketing that will help to distribute your message beyond your own efforts, and attract more visitors. Consider it as having someone in your corner that wants your business to succeed just as much as you do.

There are a few things you need to know in order to get the most exposure possible. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your partnership with local and regional tourism offices.

How DMOs Support Tourism

First, let’s talk about how local and state tourism offices are working to support local tourism. There is a lot that goes into promoting a destination – and most of it is behind the scenes.

Every local and regional tourism office has a website. Some are more in-depth than others, but they usually have listings for the same categories: things to do, lodging, food and drink. This is where visitors can find the contact information for specific attractions and businesses, as well as pictures and descriptions. Most websites also have event calendars that showcase festivals, performances, even seminars taking place across the region.

Most tourism offices still distribute thousands of printed brochures via welcome centers, thruway stops and visitor requests. Through gorgeous photos and captivating language, guides or brochures paint an overall picture of what a visitor can expect. Many also offer ad space if you want to stand out in front of an interested audience.

Hear from marketing expert Robert Rose on building an addressable and interested audience in Episode 126 of Destination on the Left.

Press releases

When there is an announcement – such as a new restaurant in town or a state park winning a national award –  the tourism office will send out a press release, which could get picked up by regional or national publications. It may even generate interest from media who want an interview or travel writers who want to experience it for themselves.

Press releases are not limited to local marketing offices. Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the official promotion organization for the 14-county Finger Lakes Vacation Region, distributes monthly press releases highlighting regional assets. Examples include activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and new tourism assets that opened in the last six months.

See how we built brand awareness through PR outreach and attracting media attention.

Blog posts are an interesting way to promote multiple assets at once. They provide a roundup of attractions with a common theme, and are usually written more conversationally than other marketing pieces. Blogs can also provide a deeper look into a niche topic as it relates to a destination, than say, a brochure could.  Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes does a great job at this by providing a perfect picnic guide  and  tasty salad spots around Corning’s Gaffer District. 

Social Media

All of the different tactics listed above provide great content for a tourism office. Events, announcements, media placements and blogs can be shared across social media channels.

Large Activations

Tourism offices can reach larger audiences with a presence at popular events and exhibits.

Depending on the event, attendees may be from another city or even another state. A major event is the perfect place to promote its destination to an audience that’s already there, that may be unfamiliar with the area and is most likely looking for other things to do. The TPA can share the best places to go, eat or sleep, and hand out branded materials or collateral.

Governor Cuomo invested in ten new welcome centers across New York State in recent years, with the goal to promote local tourism. Each welcome center highlights that region’s renowned tourism destinations through photos, videos, Taste NY market and artifact wall. I Love NY worked closely with local and regional tourism offices to gather artifacts and iconic symbols from partners that visually explain the history and culture of the region. The Southern Tier welcome center , for example, includes a race car from Watkins Glen International and hanging glass sculpture from the Corning Museum of Glass.

Commercials

Marketing offices with larger budgets – think state tourism offices – run T.V. commercials to promote to both state-wide and out of state audiences. You may have seen commercials from I Love NY, showcasing various assets and attractions across the state – from equal rights history to fun outdoor activities.

How Can you Help?

There are plenty of ways you can help your tourism office promote you. It starts with getting on their radar!

Update them Constantly

First, make sure to tell them when any contact information or website links have changed. Having current contact information for the organization and proper links to social media and website pages are a must in order to get promoted.

Secondly, let your TPA or DMO know whenever you have something new and exciting – such as a new restaurant, new product, new event or new drink. Nothing is too big or too small. Local tourism offices get requests for information about assets that fit a specific topic. For example, a PR agency may have a lead on a writer looking for “top rated resorts in the Finger Lakes Region” or “dishes utilizing fresh and seasonal ingredients.” Make sure you communicate clearly and frequently enough that your tourism office understands what makes you different. Once they’re aware of the awesome things you’re doing, they’ll have what they need to include your attraction in pitches to the media or on FAMs.

Submit Events

As I mentioned above, TPAs have event calendars on their websites. This helps visitors to the website (and the destination) quickly see what is going on while they’re in town. Tourism offices also tend to promote local happenings across their social media channels, giving your event more reach. And if it’s unique enough, the event may be worth pitching to the media for coverage. Make sure your TPA knows about your event so you can get this easy, added exposure.

Do you have a bizarre stat you can boast? A quirky cocktail that uses a unique ingredient? Maybe your museum is haunted by an anti-alcohol advocate. Don’t shy away from the weird! Share these one-of-a-kind characteristics with your tourism office. Journalists and visitors are not looking for the same old, same old. Instead of a traditional fall activity, they’re more interested in seeing something like underwater pumpkin carving .

Respond Quickly and Completely

If your tourism office asks you for information, it is best to respond quickly and with plenty of information. Whenever possible, include photos, videos and quotes from notable staff. These requests usually come with a short turnaround because an agency, organization or journalist contacted them for inclusion in a press release, exhibit, media pitch or article.

Keep your Photography Up-to-Date

When they want to promote your asset or pitch it to the media, they’re going to need good, high-quality photos to show it off. And they’ll need them right away – you won’t have time to call up a professional photographer. So whenever you can, take photos of your asset. That includes in all seasons (show off your winery surrounded by blooming tulips and in front of colorful fall foliage) and during any special event ( capture your display during Pride Month ).

Keep learning with our handy list of travel and tourism terms, acronyms & abbreviations.

Colleen Onuffer

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Travel influencers: the new key actors in tourism promotion

8 min reading time

Published on 10/03/22 - Updated on 17/03/22

At a time when social networks are omnipresent in our daily lives, travel influencers are becoming the new gurus of the tourism sector. Instagram, TikTok, Blog or YouTube are the tools that allow them to make us dream of a destination through photos, videos and texts, each more inspiring than the last. A growing popularity that encourages more and more destinations to use influencer marketing for their promotional campaigns.

Who are these new tourism opinion leaders.

Who hasn't dreamed of going on a trip after seeing a photo of a magnificent sunset over the sea on their Instagram feed? Behind these posts that count hundreds, even thousands, of likes are people whose work makes many people dream. The profession of travel influencers has experienced a dazzling rise in a few years , particularly due to the powerful rise of social networks. And what makes the strength of these influencers is their communities that follow them on a daily basis. In France alone, Instagram has more than 24 million users, while TikTok has more than 2.3 billion users worldwide.

These numbers are expected to keep growing as younger generations create accounts earlier and earlier. Young subscribers make up a large part of influencers' communities and are most influenced by their posts. Indeed, 37% of young people say they themselves are influenced by social networks when choosing where to go . But more generally, 34% of French people say they use social networks when choosing their holidays . Some go even further in this approach by booking holidays based on their "Instagrammable" potential .

Travel influencers are perceived as authentic and inspiring and thanks to social media, it is easy for them to connect with their communities. Their thoughts and emotions are shared through texts, videos and photos that allow their followers to travel with them. It is even possible to follow their journeys in real time thanks to stories and other reels. Their testimonies are also considered as real sharing of experiences and not as advertising. This is an interesting asset when you consider that 3 4% of French people say they trust a travel blog more than an institutional tourism website.

Instagram is the social network most used by travel influencers , because it is originally a photo sharing network. And the more aesthetic the photos are, the more subscribers the account has, a godsend for these often well-equipped influencers. It is also and above all the platform on which the interaction rate is the highest . YouTube is also the one with the highest interaction rate, but for the sharing of very elaborate and relatively long videos, not all influencers use this platform. But recently it's the TikTok network that is experiencing an unprecedented boom . Notably due to the pandemic. It is attracting the attention of more and more influencers wishing to address an even younger community.

The family of travel influencers can be divided into two main categories, the "major-influencers" and the "nano-influencers". The former have at least 100,000 followers while the latter have communities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 followers. In France, the leading influencer is Bruno Maltor , with nearly 360,000 subscribers, who began his adventure by creating his blog Votre Tour du Monde. Jonathan Bertin , with more than 115,000 subscribers, is also known and recognised for his photography skills. Women are also taking up this unusual profession, such as Lily Rose , with more than 262,000 subscribers. Finally, we can also mention BestJobers, with 148,000 subscribers, a young couple with a passion for nature who have strongly promoted France as a destination throughout the health crisis.

When destinations use travel influencers

If travel influencers have gained a lot of popularity in the last few years, they have also gained credibility with the more institutional tourism actors. More and more destinations are taking an interest in this growing phenomenon and are deciding to use influencers in their promotional campaigns. There are many examples in France alone and they clearly show the predominant role played by these new actors in tourism 2.0.

The departments of Sarthe and Mayenne have invited several major travel influencers during the summer of 2021. Including Bruno Maltor, Christophe Salin (owner of the blog voyages etc...) and the Spanish influencer Teresa Lorenzo Reyes. The selection of influencers is based on the number of subscribers but also on the quality of their content.

Bruno Maltor has also been invented by the Vendée tourism organisation for the summer of 2021, as has Léa Camilleri , as part of the "four seasons" communication scheme. The aim is to promote the region through vlogs, a  communication content in the form of a video in which one follows the daily life of a person over one or more days.

The CRT of New Aquitaine is also interested in travel influencers and notably organises large press events by inviting various French influencers but also European influencers in order to have a reach on more markets. The reception of European influencers was part of Atout France's relaunch campaign called #ExploreFrance . Influencers from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Italy visited various areas in the region. All these trips were organised in partnership with the various tourist offices and CDT/ADTs of the destinations in question. Thanks to the numerous vlogs, Instagram posts and YouTube videos, the benefits in terms of notoriety for the region have been significant.

Internationally, there are also many examples. Visit Finland launched the "100 days of polar night magic" campaign by inviting 5 travel influencers from key markets for the destination for 3 months. The objective was to create original and inspiring content to promote the destination during the winter period. A weekly web-series showed the daily life of these influencers during their stays in order to follow their adventures day by day. This strategy paid off for the destination, as the campaign received media coverage from 808 media outlets . The VisitFinland website was also visited 641,500 times and the videos were viewed 781,600 times .

Poland and the Czech Republic partnered with Interrail to organise a major influencer campaign with 3 travel influencers, WorldElse (46,300 followers), Travel Me Happy (42,000 followers) and Little Gypsy (70,700 followers). During their journey, they discovered Cesky Krumlov, Ostrava, Tanvald, Prague, Krakow, Wroclaw and the Ojcow National Park. All these destinations were highlighted in Instagram and instastory posts, Facebook and Twitter posts, an SEO optimised article and a video. In total, 1,189,653 people were reached on all networks, with a total of 26,614 clicks to the Interrail website.

It's not just destinations that are giving travel influencers the spotlight, Expedia has decided to call on them for a marketing campaign ahead of the 2021 summer season. The travel agency collaborated with Bruno Maltor, Baby Chou Family and Black Beauty Bag in order to relaunch tourism, in particular by highlighting the French destination. The influencers had to create unique itineraries and share their tips and opinions in an aim to inspire travellers but also to attract new customers for Expedia. A mission made possible thanks to the engagement rate of the different influencers' communities.

Azureva is also interested in them and is launching its Tour de France of influencers this year. A unique influencer campaign consisting of a 3-stage tour of France with 12 destinations and 12 influencers. The Coflocs influencers (24,100 subscribers) will tour France in a van, as they are fans and promoters of this mode of transport. It is also their trademark on social networks. During their adventure, the Coflocs will meet 12 local influencers in 12 Azureva properties.

We want to affirm the brand's new positioning in 2022: 'Welcoming people in shared lands' by strengthening our territorial roots. What better way to do this than to carry our values throughout France, to meet the teams who welcome you all year round to discover their exceptional territories. We have thought big with this innovative project! 

Jean Pochoy, Managing Director of Azureva

The advantages of developing a partnership with travel influencers are numerous for institutions in the tourism sector. First of all, the visibility and notoriety brought by various posts, stories and other means of communication. A territory that is still relatively confidential can become known to the wider public in this way and receive benefits quite quickly. Indeed, some big influencers benefit from a significant rate of commitment among their community. It translates into bookings and stays after a destination is highlighted on their account. Finally, the content produced by influencers can be reused in the future for various promotional and communication campaigns at a lower cost.

A reality not always so "Instagrammable"

Some destinations suffer from the downside of influencer marketing , notably the phenomenon of over-tourism . Travel influencers often make trendy spots visible through a publication, and in spite of themselves, encourage many people to follow in their footsteps and take similar photos. Although they cannot be accused of being the cause of mass tourism, they are nevertheless participating in this phenomenon, which is very detrimental to the sector. Some sites are seeing unimaginable queues to get the perfect photo to post on their social networks.

Influencers are said to have a considerable impact on small, hidden corners of the world, unknown to the general public . Whether it's a street, a building, a lake or many other places. Places that they like to highlight in their posts and that are quickly snapped up by the crowds of tourists. This is the case of rue Crémieux in Paris . A small and colourful street that was until now relatively confidential but that now sees a large number of visitors following the visibility that some influencers have given it on their accounts. Exasperated by this phenomenon, local residents decided to take action. Taking a photo in front of the houses on the street is now punishable by a fine.

The problem is not the influencers themselves, but rather their followers who want to reproduce their photos and then post them on their accounts. A phenomenon called "mass copycatism" . While some destinations regulate or close down the sites in question to protect them, others play the humour card, as in the case of New Zealand's tourist office . In its video "Do something new" , we follow the daily life of an agent of the SOS (Social Observation Squad) whose mission is to dislodge tourists who would like to reproduce a photo already seen thousands of times on Instagram. A campaign that humorously criticizes the phenomenon of "travel under the influence" . It concludes with the following message: "Don't travel under the social influence".

But some influencers have chosen not to display the geolocation of their photos in order to avoid this crowd effect in places still protected from overtourism. And the NGO WWF has gone even further by launching the "I protect Nature" operation in summer 2019. So, instead of filling in the geolocation of the place where the photo was taken, the influencers wrote "I protect Nature", which, if clicked on, sent the user to the address of the organisation's headquarters in France.

Finally, the difference between what travel influencers sell us on Instagram and the reality is often striking . Sites saturated with tourists, extremely polluted places, even sites that have disappeared or are closed. The list of examples is endless, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland through the Great Wall of China.

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Top 20 Kalinga Tourist Spots (UPDATED): Best Places to See

Home to the iconic tattoo artist Apo Whang-od, Kalinga is a haven of underrated destinations. From towering mountains, cloud forests, and untamed rivers to rich cultural heritage, the province shelters wonders worth exploring and experiencing. Here are some of the best Kalinga tourist spots you should visit!

Kalinga is both a land of legend and mystery. It depicts stories of struggles, unity, and peace. For centuries, the valiant I-Kalinga defended their land and water from corporate aggression. Their victory against the famous Chico River dam echoes hope and inspiration among indigenous peoples (IPs) worldwide.

But there is more to Kalinga. It is also a land of untold beauty and bounty. Its hidden wonders echo in the wonderful songs and dances of its people. Today, mystic-seekers, hikers or mountaineers, adventurers, cultural advocates, and nature lovers are frequenting Kalinga more and more.

Explore the Tourist Spots in Kalinga!

1. kadamayan falls .

Kadamayan Falls is a remote tourist spot in Kalinga. Its waters emanate from the dense mossy forests of Mt. Binuluan. It cascades for more than 30 meters on a very deep pool.

Swimming in the pool can be quite dangerous due to its strong and churning current.

Summer then would be the best time to visit. Verdant vegetation of shrubs, mosses, and grasses surround its base.

To get here, one needs to hike for at least an hour or more from the road. You’ll climb over steep trails and jump across boulders before finally catching sight of the falls.

• Location/Jump-Off: Lubuagan & Pasil, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: 1-2 hours
• Guide Fee: Donation

2. Sulfur Hills

The surreal Sulfur Hills lie on the lower slopes of Mt. Binuluan. To get here, you need to trek on hunter’s trails for hours. You will be passing across pine and mossy forests.

Expect the thrills and challenges frequently encountered when on forested terrains. But the bizarre sight of these sulfur hills would make up for the difficulty in getting here.

• Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Entrance Fee: None

3. Mount Binuluan 

Mt Binuluan towers over the municipalities of Tinglayan, Pasil, and Lubuagan. It stands prominently for more than 2,329 MASL. Beautiful and dense mossy forests cover its upper slopes.

According to the locals, the mountain erupted a few times during the past century. An interesting feature of Mt. Binuluan is the presence of fumarole fields, solfataras, and hot springs on its slopes.

Trekking to the mountain presents a real challenge since trails are not yet fully established. Only a few locals and hunters were able to reach its summit and catch sight of its captivating views.

Mt. Binuluan also hosts diverse flora and fauna species such as deer and wild pigs. To date, Mt. Binuluan is one of the least-known tourist spots in Kalinga.

• Location/Jump-off: Pasil and Tinglayan, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: 2-3 days

4. Tumuyoc Falls

Tumuyoc Falls measures around 30 feet high and cascades to a wide and very deep pool. Its waters are icy-cold and crystal clear.

To get here, one needs to hike for hours from the nearest community. But then again, nature’s surprises will greet you all along.

The pristine waters also host endemic marine species such as small fishes, eels, and crabs. These are part of the common foods of the locals, cooked in indigenous ways.

• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

5. Laroy Falls

Laroy Falls is considered the highest fall in Kalinga province. It is composed of at least 8 different cascades, plunging towards the Pasil River.

They are best viewed along the road during the rainy months. Its waters emanate from pristine mossy forests upstream.

• Trekking time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

6. Buaya Caves 

Buaya caves feature various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. There are beautiful chambers inside, reminiscent of a cathedral’s domes and spires.

To get deeper inside the cave, expect to rappel, climb on rocks, and wade across pools. Yes, there’s a small brook inside. There are also waterfalls.

In some parts of the cave, you would feel like you are in the golden chamber. The caves are interconnected with each other and form a chain covering the whole mountain slope.

Surely, these could be the next big hit after Sagada. However proper management practices need to be developed and strictly implemented.

• Location/Jump-Off: Balbalan, Kalinga

7. Lubo Rice Terraces 

From the road, these terraces look like circular cascades. They surround the village of Lubo. The Tanudan River passes alongside these terraces.

On a personal note, these are among the most picturesque tourist spots in Kalinga.

Towering mountains provide a dramatic background for these terraces. They also supply abundant water supply all year round. Aside from the terraces, the hospitality of the people would leave you feeling blissful.

• Location/Jump-Off: Tanudan, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: Minutes away from the Village

8. Mt. Mating-oy (Sleeping Beauty Mountain)

Also known as the Sleeping Beauty Mountain of Kalinga, Mt. Mating-oy depicts the shape of a lady lying on its back. Legend says that the mountain is the remnant of a woman who waited for her husband to return but in vain.

Dense forests cover the mountains. These feed abundant creeks and brooks as well as cascading waterfalls. To date, Mt. Mating-oy is one of the least explored tourist spots in Kalinga province.

• Location/Jump-off: Tinglayan, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours to 2 days

9. Palang-ah Falls 

Palang-ah Falls lies adjacent to a ravine in Tulgao, Tinglayan. It is named as such because it resembles the shape of a chair. “Palang-ah” is a local term for chair.

Palang-ah Falls measures around 40 feet high and has carved a very deep pool. When the sun strikes, the falls project a view of a rainbow. The waters here are icy-cold and crystal-clear, enough to soothe and harden muscles.

Just a few meters from the falls is a hot spring. So here, you can experience a mix of a cold and hot bath.

• Location/Jump-Off: Brgy Tulgao, Tinglayan, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Guide Fee: Php 200 per person

10. Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park 

The park represents the ecological bounty of Kalinga province and even the whole country. Mossy forests cover most of the park along with patches of pine and montane forests.

So far, 89 species of birds, 23 species of mammals, 13 species of amphibians, 13 species of reptiles, and 25 species of earthworms have been documented in the area.

The park also provides a haven for the critically endangered Rafflesia. Exploring this park would lead you into a rustic and thrilling adventure. Who knows? You might catch sight of the aforesaid wildlife species. Indeed, this will rise as one of the top tourist spots in Kalinga.

11. Fangfangao Lake

Fangfangao Lake sits on an elevation of around 1,800 to 2000 meters above sea level. It teems with Japanese eels.  It was named after a local plant called Charao which abounds in the area. 

The lake can be reached via a four-hour hike along the Tabia River.  The trek may be long but the trail offers rewarding scenes of the mountains plus the occasional sights of blooming orchids.

12. Saltan River

Saltan River comes from the vast mossy forests of Balbalan. During good sunny conditions, the waters exude an emerald appearance, making it inviting for a swim.

Cavernous boulders and rocks surround the river. These provide a perfect spot for diving or jumping.

The river teems with endemic aquatic species such as fishes and eels. More often than not, they are being served to visitors the traditional way.

Because of its pristine condition, Saltan River is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Kalinga especially among the locals.

• Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes

13. Awichon Cultural Village

Awichon Cultural Village showcases native huts and structures, giving a semblance of a typical Kalinga village before modernization. It was built by one of the country’s National Living Treasure for Performing Arts, Mr. Alonzo Saclag. Here, visitors can experience Kalinga culture while enjoying the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and the occasional sea of clouds.

Visitors can also rent one of the native huts to experience rustic living. From time to time, they can witness traditional dances and music being performed around a bonfire.

• Location/Jump-Off: Brgy. Upper Uma, Lubuagan, Kalinga

14. Pasil Natural Dam 

Pasil Natural Dam lies just below the community of barangay Dangtalan, specifically, sitio Puapo. A massive slope erosion formed this dam-like basin of water. It offers a good spot for boating and picnic during the summer months.

Swimming, however, is discouraged due to possible water contamination because of small-scale mining operations upstream. When one follows the river downstream, there is the towering and multi-tier Laroy Falls.

15. Elephant Hill

Elephant Hill is the site of an archaeological digging where remains of ancient elephants, crocodiles, and rhinoceros were discovered. Ancient man-made tools were also unearthed from this spot.

In fact, the fossils discovered here show that the first inhabitants of the country are more ancient than previously thought.

Elephant Hill is one of the emerging tourist spots in Kalinga.

• Location/Jump-Off: Rizal, Kalinga

16. Sungang Viewpoint 

Sungang Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the mountains and villages of Tinglayan, Tanudan, Tabuk, and Lubuagan. The rice terraces of Tulgao and Dananao including the famous Sleeping Beauty can also be viewed here.

• Location/Jump-Off: Tinglayan, Kalinga
• Trekking Time: Minutes away from the Community

17. Dulag Historical Marker

Dulag Historical Marker was unveiled on April 23, 2017, commemorating the heroic struggle of Macliing Dulag, a tribal elder who pitied the communities of Bontoc and Kalinga against the mega-dam projects of the Marcos regime.

The marker sits on a site overlooking the winding Chico River and the low-lying Bugnay community. It is just along a national highway.

• Location/Jump-Off: Brgy Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga

18. Buscalan Rice Terraces

Visiting Whang-Od would come with the chance to witness the spectacular Buscalan Rice Terraces. Carved by hand and stones during ancient times, these man-made landscapes testify to the hard work and unity of the natives.

19. Matabor Falls

Getting here requires hours of strenuous hike from the nearest barangay. Expect to trail on dense forests and rappel on ravines before finally catching sight of this majestic beauty.

Leeches are a constant menace, especially during the rainy months. The trail may be long and challenging but it affords one with fascinating views of the forest.

The main falls of Banga-banga cascade on the face of an exposed cliff. It measures around 50 meters high.

20. Guinaang Village

Guinaang Village is one of the historical tourist spots in Kalinga. During the Philippine-American War, it served as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s retreat haven. His stay, however, did not last long. The Americans continued to pursue him until he was finally caught somewhere in Isabela.

Besides being historical, the village offers a rustic life in the hinterlands. The people here are kind and hospitable. Plus, it rewards one with fascinating views of rice terraces and mountains.

For more Info on Kalinga Tourist Spots

If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary to Kalinga tourist spots, do contact the Provincial Tourism Office of Kalinga through:

• Contact Number: 0921 975 1753
• Email: [email protected]

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23 comments.

Wow! Thanks for your efforts to show some places in Kalinga. On item #12 labeled Uguid Subterranean River, the description is accurate; however, the photo is of the Saltan River at Balbalasang.

thank you po for that information:) really appreciate it sir Edward…are uguid river and saltan river different? if yes, perhaps, you may send me a photo of the uguid river? thank you very much po:)

Magkaiba po. I have not a readily available photo of the Uguid underground river, but here is a description of it in the Baguio Midland Courier.

http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/environment.asp?mode=%20archives/2015/august/8-30-2015/env6-Cave-in-Balbalan-is-RPs-8th-deepest-cave.txt

Thank you so much for promoting our hometown..There are a lot of scenic destinations which haven’t yet reached by tourists due to the difficulties on the trails but hopefully will be given attention by local gov’t too.

welcome po:)

They Pasl natural dam is within the area barangay dangtalan specifically Sitio Puapo

thanks po for the information…i have updated the article with your suggestion…perhaps, you can recommend additional information i can add plus a good photo of it…thnks po:)

The pic use depicting banga-banga falls is actually matabor falls in Tanudan

thanks po nats for the info..i already integrated your suggestion in the article…i actually lacked data about the falls…maybe you can suggest additional information i may add and a good photo also..thank you very much:)

It’s not mating falks.. It’s called laroy falls.. And it’s not padcharao lake, it’s fangfangao lake

Hi. Im interested to visit Number 1 to 5. Is there in anyway I could request quote that includes fare and accommodation? I will be travelling from Tabuk, Kalinga. You may include food as well. You may send it to [email protected] . Just want to check if ok to visit the 5 places in 2 to 4 days?

Informative article sir! May we ask the direction going to guinaang village ? We are planning to go there sir. More power sir! God Bless!

Hello – Interested in visiting Binasalan Falls (Pasil), Kalinga. Can you provide some directions on how to get there? Closest Barangay, jump off point etc?

Thanks for promoting our hometown. Especially yung 1 to 5. Godbless po

Fantastic places to visit in Kalinga. Such a joy to see this post. What amazing places, fully covered with nature. I will definitely be going to visit these beautiful places in the future. I love nature and I just love to explore more places like these. Thank you so much for sharing this great post. Really looking forward to another of your blog.

thank you very much po for such heartfelt remarks…your inspire me…

thank you very much po for such heartfelt remarks…you inspire me…

does anybody know if Kalinga Day, celebrated with street dancing in Tabuk, is on Pebrero 14th? It seems difficult to find that information…

Hi, I’m from Costa Rica, I’m a volcanologist. I am interested in the topic of sulfur. Do you by any chance know the temperature of those fumaroles? have you seen molten sulfur? Thanks a lot

Raul Mora-Amador, from Costa Rica Central America.

Hi Raul, sorry for replying. I know the question is not for me but I saw sulfur when I was a teenager, Im now 45, and touched it with my hands. I dont know the temperature but it’s not hot or cold in y palm. Hope that helps, lol.

there are molten sulfur in that place

agyamanak apo! – Tresi from Tabuk, but roots from Uma Lubuagan

I want to visit no. 1,2,4,9,12…where can i get a tour guide?

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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Erroneous information about New Brunswick included in tourism pitches to Europeans

Shuttered attractions, mixed-up cities appear in materials posted by companies hired by province.

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A number of European tour operators that government tourism officials met with in London and Paris last year to discuss promoting New Brunswick routinely mix up basic facts about the province in their ads and have been suggesting visits to defunct or shuttered attractions.

"Spend time in Saint John, the provincial capital," suggests one ad currently being run by British-based Prestige Holidays.

"Relax before your flight to Saint John, New Brunswick's largest city," proposes another advertisement from U.K tour operator Wexas.   

Saint John is neither New Brunswick's largest city, nor its capital. Those titles belong to Moncton and Fredericton, respectively.

Prestige and Wexas are two of the private tour operators New Brunswick Tourism Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace said she met and signed contracts with last September during a trip to London and Paris by her, her deputy minister Yennah Hurley and two other department officials.

During a legislative committee session last week, Scott-Wallace said her department works in close "partnership" with the companies and it was important to meet directly with them.

Some of the tour operators "had interests in the province they wanted to discuss" and all, she said, signed contracts of some kind with New Brunswick for the upcoming year.

"I sat at the table with tour operator companies," said the minister. 

"These were face-to-face meetings with these businesses — senior executives, owners of these companies."

Despite those direct meetings and contractual ties with the province several of the tour operators appear to be in the dark about basic New Brunswick facts, locations and attractions.

"New Brunswick's capital is steeped in history," Wexas writes in one blurb that then suggests visitors to the capital take in the historic Martello Tower and the New Brunswick Museum. Both sites are in Saint John, not Fredericton.

Little harm will follow, however, since neither Saint John attraction is open.

Martello Tower has been closed to the public for the last eight years and is currently shrouded in construction materials and scaffolding. The museum shut its doors in 2022 and its collections are currently in storage.  

A proposed new museum building will not be open until at least 2026.

Tour operator Canadian Sky also suggests a visit to the shuttered museum while in Saint John and for "families" adds the Cherry Brook Zoo as a preferred outing.

The zoo was closed permanently four years ago.

Moncton's status as a regional shopping centre, one of Canada's fastest growing metropolitan areas and New Brunswick's largest city, appears unknown to any of the tour operators. Instead, an aging 50-year-old arena in the city got top billing in one write-up

"Moncton is known for its Coliseum," claims Wexas.

Scott-Wallace told MLAs that selling New Brunswick as a tourist destination to Europeans is something the province is depending on the tour operators to execute.

"We have contracts signed with each and every person on this list," Scott-Wallace said about the companies she met personally with.

"These are signed contracts with every person on this list for '24-'25. That's a good seven days' work from me."

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It is unclear if New Brunswick's Tourism department checks the accuracy of what those tour operator partners say about the province in ads or if the minister raised the issue during her face-to-face meetings with company officials.

However, on Friday a department spokesperson said in an emailed statement changes are now being requested.

"The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture has been in contact with the European tour operators to make updates to the information," said the email.

• N.B. tourism minister defends pricey trip to United Kingdom, France
• Tourism deputy rings up N.B. government's largest 2023 expense account

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Jones has been a reporter and producer with CBC New Brunswick since 1990. His investigative reports on petroleum pricing in New Brunswick won several regional and national awards and led to the adoption of price regulation in 2006.

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Elektrostal

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory

What Is Sports Tourism?

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

There’s been a lot of buzz lately in the travel industry about “gig-tripping,” as fans of Taylor Swift and other musical artists plan vacations all around the world just for the live concert experience.

Meanwhile, another experience-driven trend is also on the rise: sports tourism. Whether you’re an athlete yourself or just a big fan, you might want to consider this approach to travel.

So what exactly is sports tourism, and what does it involve? Below, industry experts break down the benefits and downsides.

What is sports tourism?

“‘Sports tourism’ refers to when individuals plan their travel tied to specific sporting events, typically to spectate but, depending on the event, it could include participation as well,” said Carolyn Addison, the head of product at travel company Black Tomato . “Some of the classic examples are the Olympics and we’ve often seen this type of travel for events like F1 [Formula One racing] or the Tour de France.”

Sports tourism can sometimes involve venturing to a different city to watch a regular-season away game for your favorite team. Or you might travel to participate in your own athletic endeavor, like a marathon or team competition.

“Sports tourism ranges all the way from youth sports to professional leagues,” said Nate Hardesty, the managing director of the Thompson Austin and Tommie Austin hotels in Texas. “For instance, we see so many families traveling around the country for tournaments that it’s become their spring break or summer trip. The same goes for collegiate and professional sports. We see so many fans follow their teams around the country and take the opportunity to check out the destination while they are here.”

If you live in a popular sports market, it might be easier to get good tickets to your team’s away game in another city. Some people also just like to merge their love of travel and sports into one experience.

Although taking a trip for a sporting event is not a brand-new phenomenon, more fans seem eager to have these kinds of experiences after being forced to stay at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People have been traveling for sports for years,” Hardesty noted. “However, experiential tourism has skyrocketed post-COVID.”

The popularity of shows like “Formula 1: Drive To Survive,” which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of auto racing, and “Welcome to Wrexham,” a docuseries about a Welsh soccer team, has also sparked greater interest in professional sports experiences.

The sports documentary movement has now expanded to golf with “Full Swing,” as well as to football with “Quarterback.” And with the buzz around the new sports drama “Challengers,” perhaps we’ll see more travelers planning trips around big tennis tournaments.

What are the benefits?

“We find that planning a trip around a sporting event gives a nice framework and intention to an itinerary,” Addison said. “Special events can also be a compelling way to interact with locals in a way that feels spontaneous and unforced.”

She pointed to the powerful energy in crowds at big events and the opportunity to bond with people who have similar interests. Sports tourism might take you to an exciting destination you wouldn’t have otherwise visited.

“You’re crafting your trip around a pivotal core memory and occasion which is supplemented by other local attractions, creating a comprehensive travel experience,” added Nikki Glass, the general manager at The Sawyer in Sacramento, California.

She noted that many sports tourism destinations have made efforts to ramp up various attractions and offerings around sporting events to give fans a multifaceted travel experience.

“These travelers tend to stay in their destination for extended periods to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry and urban milieu, from vibrant dining scenes to museums and green spaces,” Glass said. “Sports tourists are tapping into it all.”

What are the downsides?

“There can be some additional challenges around planning travel during a major event,” Addison said. “Crowds and traffic can make the overall travel experience less enjoyable, and properties often impose higher rates and/or longer minimum stays.”

She emphasized the importance of advance planning to secure hotel reservations, airfare and tickets for sporting events.

“Sometimes the availability will be tight, and you need to book as soon as you can to get the best available rate,” echoed Lisa Bush, the director of sales and marketing at Thompson Nashville in Tennessee. “The last-minute booker usually learns that procrastination is not the best.”

Expect longer wait times and higher costs for things like accommodation and transportation. If you plan a trip based around sports tourism, you might find yourself in overcrowded areas that aren’t always equipped to deal with a surge of people. And you may have to put in extra effort to get an authentic local experience during times when so many tourists have taken over a destination.

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