marketing tourism definition

• Request New Form
• Forms & Templates
• Business Articles

Tourism Marketing Basics: The Hows and Whys of Promoting Your Destination

Are you in the tourism industry? If so, you’ve got a tiny slice of a global 8.27 trillion-dollar pie.

Parts of the world that were once inaccessible now see tourists flocking in droves . Other areas rely almost solely on tourism to support their local economy.

Whichever area of the world you’re in–and whatever type of business you run–tourism marketing is the key to your success. How will people know how amazing your resort, restaurant, or venue is unless you get the word out?

Still, isn’t always the easiest endeavor. This is especially true in the tourism industry since there’s so much competition.

In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of tourism marketing and some expert tips to ensure your success.

What Is Tourism Marketing?

First of all, how is tourism marketing different than other types of marketing?

The main difference is that tourists are temporary visitors. Traditional marketing efforts focus on creating long-term customers who live in the area.

Since visitors come and go, tourism marketing has to focus on capturing their attention. Most likely they won’t be too familiar with the area, so your job is to educate them about what makes it unique.

Why should visitors stay at your hotel, eat at your restaurant, or visit your museum? What makes your venue stand out from the rest? What incentives can you offer to make them choose you over the place down the street?

These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself as you craft your next marketing plan.

Tourism Marketing: Tips for Success

If your current tourism marketing plan feels stale, try some of these tips to freshen it up.

1. Define Your Goals

Every year, you likely set up a specific budget for marketing. Do you also create specific goals along with it?

Let’s say you added luxury villas to your mid-range hotel and you’re disappointed by the low number of bookings. How could you refocus your marketing efforts to attract more customers?

Perhaps you need to revamp your advertising efforts to target luxury travelers. Or you could offer complimentary upgrades to regular guests and encourage them to leave reviews.

The point is: Don’t gloss over areas of your business that aren’t meeting your expectations. Make these the focus of your next marketing plan.

2. Partner Up

If you’re hoping to target national or international customers, your goals may be well out of your marketing budget. Chances are that other local tourism businesses have the same problem.

The solution? Partner up with other businesses and attractions and combine your marketing efforts.

If you own a restaurant, could you reach out to nearby hotels and ask them to display coupons in their lobby? Would your local chamber of commerce be interested in putting together a regional booklet of tourist attractions?

3. Build a Discussion Forum

A sure way to get people buzzing about your destination is to open a question and answer forum on your social media pages.

Travelers always have questions about the area they’re visiting. As a local with insider knowledge, this is your chance to provide valuable insight and gain their trust.

Most people will ask simple questions about restaurant recommendations, pet-friendly hotels, or public transportation. Encourage communication on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, and be sure to answer their questions promptly.

4. Pick a Theme

Depending on where you’re located, your area may already attract a certain type of visitor. Napa Valley is a destination for wine lovers, while New Zealand is the mecca for adrenaline junkies.

What if your area doesn’t have a clear-cut reputation–or you want to introduce visitors to another side of it? Could you focus your marketing efforts on ecotourism, outdoor adventures, historical tours, or experiences for kids?

On Colorado Info’s website, for example, they have a whole section dedicated to concerts and other events for music lovers. Check it out here.

5. Identify Traveler Types

Travelers come in all shapes and sizes–families with kids, retirees, backpackers, millennials. 

Marketing 101: If you try to target everyone, you won’t reach anyone.

Narrow your focus to a particular type of traveler. If you run a rustic lodge in the mountains, target families who enjoy skiing and hiking. If you run an oceanfront restaurant, target seniors with early bird specials.

Are you trying to get more couples to stay at your resort? Target engaged women with ads about why your resort is the ultimate honeymoon destination.

7. Network with Influencers

We’ve all seen influencers on YouTube and Instagram. These social media giants have built their own digital empires and have thousands (or even millions) of followers.

Why not tap into their powerful influence with an exchange? Offering a few nights at your hotel or a five-course meal at your restaurant in exchange for a video on their channel could expose your business to thousands of potential customers.

The trick is to find an influencer whose content relates to your business and whose followers would be interested in your locale. Even if you have to pay for their services, the exposure they offer is usually worth it.

8. Produce Amazing Videos

If you want to stand out from your competitors, anymore–they’re mandatory.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what a 60-second video is worth. Videos can convey an incredible amount of information in a very short amount of time–far more than a brochure or snapshot ever could.

Don’t focus solely on your business. Take short videos around town offering fun facts, advice for getting around, and insider tips that only the locals know.

Post these on your website and social media channels, and you’re sure to engage and attract new customers.

Final Thoughts on Tourism Marketing

So, which of these tourism marketing tips will work best for your business?

Whether it’s teaming up with influencers or narrowing your focus to a particular type of traveler, you’ll soon be on your way to a thriving tourist-based business.

Need more great marketing advice? Check out .

Next post: Average REIT Returns and Other Must-Know Facts About This Profitable Investment Option

Previous post: How to Become a Public Speaker With No Experience

• Accounting (113)
• Addiction (19)
• Auto Repair (55)
• Aviation (12)
• Business Advice (303)
• Chiropractor (6)
• Cleaning Services (106)
• Construction (134)
• Credit (56)
• Customer Service (30)
• Dentist (38)
• Education (71)
• Entrepreneurship (155)
• Event Management (62)
• Fitness (47)
• Food & Beverage (125)
• Furniture (18)
• Hair Salon (12)
• Handyman (30)
• Healthcare (272)
• Hiring & Employment (269)
• Home Improvement (188)
• How To Start A Business (234)
• Insurance (87)
• Internet (62)
• Inventory (9)
• Investing (78)
• Jewelry (6)
• Landlord & Rental (32)
• Landscaping (41)
• Lawyer (246)
• Manufacturing (54)
• Marketing (287)
• Mental Health (18)
• Office (100)
• Packaging (14)
• Pest Control (41)
• Photography (13)
• Plumber (38)
• Real Estate (266)
• Retail (124)
• Risk Management (175)
• Roofing (53)
• Search Marketing (56)
• Shipping & Transportation (95)
• Technology (143)
• Trade Show (5)
• Travel & Leisure (197)
• Truck Driver (30)
• Web Development (93)
• Woodworking (7)

RacquetX Webinar on October 15 - Register today!

• Higher Education
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Casinos & Gaming
• Tourism & Attractions
• B2B Technology
• Homebuilders
• Franchise & Retail
• Non-Profit & Social Good
• Insight Reports
• Webinar and Videos
• The LT Team
• Careers at LT
• Experience Dynamic

Entertainment & Attractions

The Ultimate Guide to Winning Tourism Marketing Strategies

Listen to this blog.

Unlocking the Potential of Tourism Marketing: Your Ultimate Guide

In the ever-evolving tourism industry, destinations and attractions face the exciting challenge of distinguishing themselves in a world of travel choices. The secret to effective marketing in this dynamic space lies in a blend of creative flair, data-driven strategies, and an intimate understanding of your audience.

Let's journey through the key strategies for triumphant tourism marketing. From pinpointing what makes your destination uniquely appealing to leveraging the influence of modern digital ambassadors, we'll explore how to elevate your destination in the eyes of travelers.

Carving Out Your Unique Space

The first step in successful marketing is grasping what sets your destination apart. It could be New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, Rome's enchanting history, Thailand's culinary delights, or Miami's vibrant nightlife. Emphasizing these unique aspects is crucial in capturing your audience's attention and drawing them to your destination.

Knowing Your Audience Inside Out

Understanding your target audience requires more than just surface-level insights. It involves delving into their deeper desires, subconscious biases, and the societal influences shaping their views. This deep dive allows us to create marketing strategies that resonate more profoundly. Suppose your audience craves adventure. In that case, we can craft messages highlighting exploration thrills and utilize targeted digital platforms to create immersive experiences that speak directly to their sense of adventure.

Data: The Compass of Destination Marketing

Data is indispensable in steering marketing decisions. Tools like Google Analytics offer rich insights into visitor demographics, preferences, and behaviors. This knowledge allows us to develop targeted strategies that captivate our audience. Analyzing trends and user data enables us to make informed decisions about content creation and resource allocation, leading to more effective and memorable marketing campaigns.

Branding: Crafting Your Destination's Story

Developing a distinct brand identity for your destination sets it apart in a crowded market. Identifying your target audience allows you to tailor your brand messaging effectively. A unique logo, consistent color scheme, and catchy tagline contribute to making your destination memorable. Consistent messaging across all channels solidifies this brand identity while engaging with visitors for feedback ensures your brand remains relevant and resonant.

Partnership: The Power of Collaboration

Successful destination marketing thrives on solid industry partnerships. Collaborating with local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators creates a unified front that enhances visitor experiences and supports the local economy. These partnerships can lead to innovative tourism products and experiences that adapt to changing visitor needs, ensuring the destination's continued growth and success.

Your Website: The Gateway to Discovery

An engaging website is crucial in today's digital world. It should highlight your destination's unique aspects and provide practical information to enhance pre-visit experiences. High-quality images, local culture insights, and visitor testimonials establish a positive reputation and build trust with potential visitors. Interactive features like virtual tours and online booking systems further enrich the user experience, setting your destination apart.

SEO: Enhancing Your Online Footprint

SEO is vital for improving your online visibility. You can increase your search engine rankings by carefully selecting keywords and optimizing your website for mobile and user experience. A well-executed SEO strategy brings your destination closer to potential visitors, attracting more traffic.

Content Marketing: Deepening Visitor Engagement

Strategic content can significantly deepen engagement with potential visitors. Informative posts that offer insider tips and insights can turn your blog into a trusted travel guide. This attracts more visitors to your destination and enhances your brand's credibility.

Experience Marketing: The Power of Authentic Stories

Encouraging visitors to share their experiences on social media can create authentic content that promotes your destination. Offering unique experiences that stand out in the travel market leaves a lasting impression on travelers and encourages them to share their stories, attracting more visitors.

Video and Virtual Reality: Bringing Your Destination to Life

Videos and virtual reality offer immersive ways to showcase your destination. Engaging virtual tours and videos featuring local attractions can transport viewers to your destination, increasing their desire to experience it in person.

Social Media: Connecting with Travelers

Social media is an essential tool for promoting your destination. It allows you to share captivating content and engage with a broad audience, building an active online community that supports your marketing efforts.

Traditional Media: Complementing Digital Strategies

Traditional media remains a valuable component of comprehensive marketing strategies. Combining offline promotions with digital efforts ensures a broader reach and adds depth to your marketing campaign.

Your Journey to Successful Tourism Marketing Begins Here

Are you ready to transform your destination into a top choice for travelers? Dive into these strategies and watch your destination come to life in the hearts and minds of tourists worldwide. For further insights and support in your tourism marketing journey, contact us at LaneTerralever , where we specialize in turning marketing potential into real-world success.

2024 Leisure Consumer Trends Report

How attractions and entertainment destinations must adapt to the visitors of today & tomorrow (consumer research study in partnership with IAAPA).

Continue Reading

Marketing for Local vs. Destination Attractions

Racquet Sports Innovations and Trends in 2024

The Customer Journey for Tourism & Attractions