Best tourist marketing strategy to grow your tours , activities , and attraction

Looking to pass travelers where they ’ re hang out online whether through clever bear ads , chatbots that really make your day , or user-generated content that feels more like a friend ’ s recommendation than an ad ?

In this post , we ’ re dive into how some of the most creative tourism sword expend innovative tourist marketing strategies to grab their guests ’ attention and get them excited plenty to ledger right away on your site .

What live Tourist Marketing ?

Tourism marketing is the procedure by which operator advertise their tours , experience , and attraction to possible customer . Unlike the former day of billboards , flyers , and basic print ad , today ’ s tourism selling relies on various channel , both online and offline .

The goal today is to establish a brand that not only attract traveler but continue them around as loyal customer . And that build front and heart . Operators know that most customer are die online to find thing to do . Tourism companies now leverage social medium , email , or contented marketing channels to reach those customers at the right time .

And yes , it ’ s a lot for a single operator to manage . That ’ s why bigger companies have total marketing teams dedicate to the task . Yet framework like the Five Ps be here to help us . It ’ s a roadmap that breaks down the five essential component that every selling plan should center on :

1. Production :Your product or experience . This is where you ’ 500 refine your offerings , such as a museum flourish to put up virtual tours .
2. Place :Helps you determine on the better channels for accomplish visitor . Should you prioritize social media or rely more on local partnership ( like with your tourism board ) for bookings ?
3. Cost :Choose your pricing scheme . The end ? Set competitive price that rival your object hearing ’ s willingness to pay , but too ponder the value of the experience .
4. Promotion :How will you reach your target interview ? What channels will you use to communicate with them ? You could partner with a local hotel for bundled pricing to market yourself to tourists . If your attraction is seasonal , you might extend a limited-time discount on social medium to drive bookings during slow seasons . There are endless ways to advance your attraction—understanding who your hearing is and where they hang up out will determine your approach .
5. People :It ’ s all about the people . Your attraction should ever be cultivate exceptional customer service . Guides and employee should be friendly and well-educated , create visitors find welcome when they walk in the door .

The Five Ps in Action

Hence , what does this face like in real life ? Let ’ s lead through a scenario where a zipline operator uses the Five Ps approach to promote its adventure course .

The first step is to improve theproduction, or in this event , the zipline course . The operator introduces a fresh photo package that catch heroic painting of guests soar through the strain . These photos are offer for purchase at the end of the grade , providing add value to the experience .

Next , the operator decide topromotethe new photo packet through visual-focused platforms like Instagram and TikTok . They may too lead a movement encourage guests to part their photo on Instagram with a peculiar hashtag , put up discounts or incentive for the most creative position .

To build the adventure more accessible and appealing to families , the operator introduce a newcosttier : the family packet ticket . This package extend better value during the off-season , where families can book ticket for two adult and two children at a discounted rate .

Next , they want to make sure theplacescustomer get to book the experience equal easy accessible . This means improving the website ’ sec checkout procedure to make book easy , allowing guests to well add the photo bundle to their cart and confirm the reservation in just a few clicks .

Finally ,masseslike friendly faculty and passionate guides act an important purpose in making the experience memorable . Staff should be trained to wage with guest , making them feel safe , comfortable , and excite for the adventure in front .

Top 12 Tourism Marketing Real-Life Examples and Why They Solve

From Disney to the Scottish railroad system , here are the brands inspire us with their tourist selling .

1 . Experience Kissimmee ’ s Zip Line Rides

Experience Kissimmee lay up a during the heart of winter in a clever campaign to lure Chicagoans to inflict Florida . The “ Escape Cold . Warm Your Heart ” case featured free zipline rides , hot cocoa , and photo ops with a babe alligator . Participants as well had the chance to gain prizes , include , of course , a holiday to Kissimmee .

This movement worked because it create a bite-sized version of the experience visitors could expect in Kissimmee , a fond destination to escape during Chicago ’ s harsh winter . The destination strategically design the activation during the city ’ s cold and dreary winter months , contrasting that with the warm , sunny adventure wait for everyone in Florida . The interactive elements—like the zipline and alligator photo opportunity—quickly catch attention and drove interest in visiting Florida .

2 . Tourism New Zealand ’ sec “ If You Seek ” Campaign

Tourism New Zealand ’ s “ If You Seek ” campaign promotes the country as a year-round destination , focusing on off-peak adventures that can be hold in every season . The campaign part discover visuals and stories across respective program , including user-generated content with the hashtag # IfYouSeekNZ . It ’ s a great example of a multi-faceted capacity marketing campaign . And by leveraging UGC that emphasize off-season experiences , the campaign fulfill the end of inspire traveler to consider New Zealand beyond peak seasons .

3 . Kayak partners with influencers to express off its app

Kayak partnered with travel influencer @ livnewman__ to advance its travel app on TikTok . In the TV , the influencer demonstrates how the app helps her program her weekend getaway . She filter through hotel choice based on her preferences , like “ fitness ” and “ pool , ” before check into a beautiful room , enjoying the pool , and search the fitness heart .

The end equal to showcase how easy it is to observe a hotel that meet your need , positioning Kayak as a trusted spouse for booking the good stay for any vacation .

The campaign effectively shows how practical the app can live . Kayak can connect with witness who value convenience and personalized experience when be after their trip by highlighting specific features that cater to user preferences .

4 . ScotRail : “ Your Tag Goes Further Than You Think ”

ScotRail ’ s former ad cause is a masterclass in direct multiple audiences with one powerful content . The movement highlights Scotland ’ sec diversity , from the tough outdoors to historic cities , to highlight that Scotland has something for everyone .

Then there ’ s the clever tagline , “ Your ticket become further than you think , ” which bring on two point . On one hand , it encourage domestic travel by show how easy it equal to move to these spot via the ScotRail network . On the other hand , it emphasizes that bring the train isn ’ t just a convenient mode to get around—it ’ s a cost-effective and eco-friendly manner to explore Scotland ’ s beauty without the massive carbon footprint .

So the campaign isn ’ t just about promoting a manner of transfer ; it ’ s too capitalizing on the sustainable , inspire traveler to explore unlike , eco-friendly methods of travel in their own country .

5 . Inspired by Iceland : A UGC Win

The Iceland tourism plank nailed it with their # InspiredbyIceland cause . They encouraged traveler to portion their well second in Iceland—chasing waterfalls , exploring glaciers , or simply taking in the surreal beauty . The results were substantial : Mass flood social medium with beautiful photos and personal stories , show why Iceland is in their own words . This was UGC selling at its finest . The scheme led to a massive 50 % growth in visits to the nation , establish that when UGC live used strategically , it can reshape a brand ’ s picture .

6 . TripAdvisor ’ s Influence on Travel Decisions

TripAdvisor has turn a go-to program for travelers seeking reviews on place , hotel , tours , and experiences . Whether it ’ s a hotel stay in Paris or a hike in the Andes , masses need to take firsthand experiences by those who have already done it .

That make up said , reviews be the ultimate form of social proof . The authenticity builds trust with customer still on the fence about book with you . Hence , a solid reputation on TripAdvisor and early platforms like Google , Facebook , etc . can equal a game-changer for your attraction .

Focusing on increasing your online reviews is a selling strategy in and of itself . Positivist reviews help drive more bookings and boost your visibility online . And when you respond to feedback and thank guests for their comment , it establish your commitment to customer satisfaction , farther institute a sense of faith with possible customers .

7 . Paris Zoo : Creature on the Loose

Sometimes , getting creative salary off . Bring the Paris Zoo , for example , which take its selling to the street with a playful movement to observe its reopening . The zoo lay giant , open animal crates in iconic location around the city , creating the illusion that animals own escaped the zoo .

The drive attain every type of person : Commuters point to bring , tourists inflict the Eiffel Tower , and families hang out in the park . This campaign ’ s grandeur lies in transform everyday spaces into a sense of wonder , activate curiosity in the public , which simply wasn ’ t utilize to see big creature crates in these everyday location .

By using familiar environment in unexpected way , the zoo generate buzz and who walk by . This cause cost a great reminder that sometimes , the most effective ad are the unity that add a touch of surprise to everyday living .

8 . Paid Social Campaign : Priceline ’ s Kaley Cuoco Collaboration

Priceline worked with TV star Kaley Cuoco to movie a series of queer episodes where the actress encourages her coworkers to record their dream vacations using Priceline ’ s affordable travel options . The turn ? Over $ 5 million in hidden , interactive deals cost exclusively available through the social ad , adding an exciting gamification component .

This cause was a hit not merely because of its creative role of mood but as well for its deep apprehension of Priceline ’ s aim audience . Priceline get that 76 % of U.S. workers cost happier when they move , yet more than half cite cost as a barrier . So the brand right away addressed this pain degree . The movement won Digiday ’ sec Best Use of Social Awards and reach million of scene on YouTube , demonstrating the power of combining entertainment with targeted messaging .

9 . KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ’ Chatbot

KLM Airlines uses —BlueBot—as a key part of its marketing scheme . On the one hand , BlueBot suffice as a premier customer service feature , offering 24/7 support in multiple speech via Facebook Messenger . On the early hand , it also play a vital role in shaping KLM ’ sec brand . The chatbot think over the airline ’ s commitment to make travel easy by extend quick and personalized service . If BlueBot can ’ t fully answer a doubt , it smoothly transitions the user to a alive agent . By integrate this chatbot into the customer journey , KLM improves its customer service and promote itself as a modern , customer-focused airline . The result ? Customer make their questions answered quickly and make the assurance to book .

10 . Disney ’ s “ This exist Magic ” Social Campaign

Disney ’ s “ This Cost Magic ” cause was about share authentic guest instant with the world . Rather than relying on scripted ad , the team filmed literal visitor experience magic moments in the park , guests meeting beloved characters , crying during the firework display , or getting propose to . There were no set scripts—just new footage of an excited minute .

Disney then shared these moments in real-time social on Instagram stories takeover , appropriate audiences to find the magic as it encounter . The result was an ad campaign that felt as genuine and heartfelt as the experience themselves . The campaign ’ sec simplicity resonated with visitor and the wider public , contribute to the sword ’ s legacy of create lasting , joyful memory .

The movement ’ s stretch extended to over 107 million mass , showing us how social media marketing can be used to create a truly excited connection with guests .

11 . River & Trail Outfitters Nail the PPC Ad Game

After modernize its PPC strategy , adventure operator River & Trail Outfitters began creating ads that skillful aligned with the most relevant keywords its interview cost explore for . In this case , it cost phrases associated with “ rafting , tubing , and adventure tours. ” The operator focused on creating a mix of lookup and show ad that direct those keywords .

The display ads featured eye-catching visuals of their outdoor adventures , and the landing pages were optimized for conversion , with clear yell to action , easy navigation , and excite capacity about their offerings . The effect were immediate and impressive : within week , their PPC plan achieve 5X entire proceeds on ad spend , and that issue grow to over 9X for ecommerce revenue , finally reaching 15X in the following season .

12 . Delta ’ s On-Site Activation at SXSW

Delta Air Lines created a buzz at SXSW with a sleek pop-up couch in downtown Austin . The couch need over a restaurant and extend visitor free drinks , snacks , and branded merchandise—clearly designed to shine the comfort of Delta ’ s airport sofa . Frequent flyers were deal to a VIP experience , solidifying the thought that staying loyal to a single airline cause have its perks .

This be an excellent model of that leaves a lasting impression on guests . The branded merchandise , the sleek lounge , and the coffee align with the brand ’ s mission to allow for meaningful experience to traveler as they flee around the Earth .

By incorporate design factor and interactive experiences that couple your sword ’ sec vibe , your attraction can also make a successful in-person activation . Regard couple it with a local result , like Delta act with SXSW , to make even more people .

The tourism marketing landscape constantly evolve with brands progressively reverse to digital channels and interactive experience to pursue their audience . Whether creating memorable campaigns through social media or take a tech-forward approach with AI-powered chatbots , these lesson show how creativity and authenticity can set a brand apart . As travelers ’ expectations continue to develop , the key takeaway is that successful tourism marketing blends storytelling , customer experience , and strategic habit of digital tool to make permanent connections with guest .