How we use AI

AI is a tool. It’s a powerful tool, no doubt, but this is not Terminator. ChatGPT and tools like it are simply that – tools. It cannot replace our unique human creativity and critical thinking skills. AI can be used to supplement creativity, find efficiencies and assist productivity. We always thoroughly review and edit anything produced with AI assistance.

Anything done with AI still needs a human touch – or even a heavy hand – in editing. AI can even help to edit itself, as long as a human eye has the last look. My favorite way to talk about AI is as “our digital intern.” Not an intern specializing in tech, but rather a technology tool that acts as an intern. Just as you would check anyone else’s work for accuracy, typos, style and brand voice, the same goes for your AI “assistants.”

Drafts

AI can be a tool for writing first drafts of some content. One of our favorite AI tools for marketers called Jasper, is known for its writing skills. Tell the tool your main points and other supporting information like style and tone, and it will spit out a first draft. An important point to note about AI first drafts is that they are known for being over-the-top with adjectives, overly formal or flowery.

Top tips for using AI on any draft:

• Be as specific as possible in your prompts.
• Starting small, ask it for one piece of content at a time, not a week’s worth of social posts.
• Ask for three versions and you can piece together the best parts.

Editing with AI

What AI is even better at helping with is editing content that you (or another human) already wrote. Refining and rephrasing content is the strong suit. The above tips still work in this case, and I also like to be specific in what I’m asking the AI to do when it edits.

Using AI to edit – no matter who drafted the content – is a chat-worthy process. Give your AI tool direct feedback like “that’s too salesy” or “use fewer adjectives” or “I want the tone to be friendly, not sappy.” The tool will give you a revised version. I also sometimes ask it to review or refine a version I wrote based on all of the back-and-forth.

Naming

AI comes up with fun, clever names and snappy headlines and email subject lines in seconds. So often, we spend time coming up with the “just right” name for an event or themed itinerary when we could be planning the event or mapping out the itinerary (not pieces I would totally trust AI with just yet). AI is great at these – try it out and see what you get!

Summarizing

Another fantastic use for AI tools is creating summaries. Feed in your meeting notes, research notes or long-form feedback from your audience and ask AI for a summary. It can also pull out some themes to organize your thoughts or a report.

How we don’t use AI

We never use AI to create a final version of anything without human intervention. Even those snappy headlines in the example above will need tweaking. This is where the conversation with AI comes in, giving it feedback to come up with better and better versions until you find one you like. Sometimes, it’s straight editing. One other tactic for editing AI content is to have AI draft a few versions, then weave your favorite parts together into a human-touched final version.

Privacy

Unless you have the paid version of ChatGPT and have enabled privacy settings, the recommendations we’re hearing now is to never enter proprietary information into an AI tool. So that means no client, sensitive or proprietary data goes in to AI as a chat prompt or file upload. Open-source Large Language Models are designed to learn from all the data entered, so it’s best not to feed in anything that isn’t already accessible publicly.

AI and Visuals

AI-generated imagery and other creative works – authors are very wary of AI usage – are shrouded in some controversy. When it comes to visuals and art, the concern is over how the AI tools learned to create art and copyright concerns for artists whose works were learned from. Many marketers are using AI art, images and graphics now with the understanding that just like copy drafts, the art drafted by AI needs edits. Some digital artists are embracing AI as a tool, and are creating very cool works using its power, and their own personal creativity.

There are so many AI tools for generating visuals, editing images, cutting together videos and other graphics. Dall E is the open source version put out by OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT. Adobe’s Firefly tool is another popular one for those using the Creative Suite. We have dabbled in AI-generated images and use them for creative ideas in proposals, social media graphics and ads.

AI Tools for Tourism Marketing Innovation & Creativity

Our favorite tools for content are Jasper and ChatGPT, and those are a great place to start as you are experimenting in using AI for tourism marketing purposes. They write well and take direction on the project, just as if you were delegating it to someone. You just get the result in seconds instead of hours or days! There are so many resources available right now on creative ways to use AI

There are so many tools to try out, and so many different uses. From Seamless.AI and Apollo.io for sales prospecting, to PressPal by MuckRack for PR and Yoodli speech coach. Scribe AI can write down your processes (like how you use collaboration in your organization…) and all the big names in tech are developing their own. You may have already seen that Google, Zoom and Microsoft have AI tools now available. There are even websites dedicated to finding the right AI tool, although I’m partial to just asking ChatGPT for what it suggests.

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A Study in Authenticity: Skagway, Alaska

Standing on a tour in Skagway, our guide asked how many passengers were on our ship. About 4,500 we answered. “That’s 5 times the size of the town,” he told us. Looking around, we were docked next to two other ships, whose overall size added a whopping 15,000 people into the town that day.

We were told that cruise ships are the bread and butter keeping Skagway alive. During the tourism season, May-October, the town is bustling with Main Street shopping, the single brewery is full of eager customers, helicopters are departing every 15 minutes on tours and residents are busy sharing their lives with those who visit.

On a typical winter day in Skagway, the town looks quite different. Shops remain closed, the library becomes the town’s main attraction as the only source of Wi-Fi in the area, and the Rec Center (a grey building at the end of Main Street) is the gym, meeting hall, and only real source of activity in the area. Most residents don’t even let their kids play outside, with the only hospital found nearly 2 hours away and largely inaccessible.

During my day in Skagway, I found myself thinking about what it takes for the town to maintain its authenticity during a season when the daily visitation numbers far exceed its residents. It had me asking, “what is authenticity in tourism?” and “how do we preserve the experience?”

Maintaining Authenticity in Tourism

While tourism is a significant part of Skagway’s economy, the town has managed to retain its historical charm and cultural authenticity, through:

1. Historic Preservation: Skagway played a crucial role during the Klondike Gold Rush, and much of its history is preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Visitors can explore restored buildings and learn about the town’s past.

2. Architectural Preservation: The town has made efforts to preserve its historical architecture and cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into life during the gold rush era. There is even an ordinance against altering or expanding many of the Main Street shops in an effort to preserve the look and feel of these original buildings.

3. Local Experiences: Skagway offers authentic experiences such as hiking the Chilkoot Trail, exploring the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and engaging with local artisans and craftspeople. We participated in a tour that took us up to the Musher’s Camp, where we learned about training sled dog teams and the origins of the Iditarod.

4. Community Engagement: The local community is actively involved in tourism, providing guided tours and sharing personal stories that enrich the visitor experience.

5. Natural Beauty: Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Skagway offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural environment, which are integral to the Alaskan experience.

Inauthenticity in Tourism

So, on the flip side, what makes a tourism destination inauthentic? When we start to see a destination prioritize commercial interests over genuine cultural experiences, we see an emergence of:

1. Cultural Commodification: Local traditions and customs are altered or exaggerated to cater to tourists, losing their original meaning and significance.

2. Over-Development: The natural landscape or historical sites are overshadowed by modern infrastructure, diminishing the area’s original charm.

3. Staged Experiences: Events or activities are created solely for tourists, lacking the spontaneity and authenticity of real local life.

4. Loss of Local Identity: The influx of global brands and businesses can overshadow local enterprises, eroding the unique character of the destination. (We saw a little bit of this in Juneau at the port, where a jewelry store seemed to emerge every 10 feet!)

5. Tourist-Centric Modifications: Changes are made to accommodate tourists’ expectations, which might not align with the local culture or environment.

These factors can lead to a superficial experience that doesn’t truly reflect the destination’s heritage or way of life.

The Impacts of Inauthentic Tourism

Inauthentic tourism can have several negative impacts on both the destination and its local community. Local traditions and customs may be altered or lost as they are modified to meet tourist expectations, leading to a dilution of cultural heritage. As destinations cater more to tourists, they may lose their unique cultural identity, becoming indistinguishable from other tourist hotspots. And, in some cases, local residents may be displaced to make way for tourist infrastructure, leading to social and economic disruption.

Tourists may leave with a shallow understanding of the destination, having experienced only a staged version of the local culture. These impacts can undermine the long-term sustainability of tourism in a destination, affecting both the community and the visitor experience.

Supporting Authenticity in Tourism

While we all hope to serve and welcome visitors into our destinations, encouraging the protection of local traditions, crafts and customs should always be considered. Small acts, such as supporting local artisans, hosting cultural festivals, preserving historical sites, focusing on sustainable development, providing guests with education and awareness of the area, and engaging local communities in tourism planning and decision-making can make a huge difference. This ensures that tourism development aligns with the community’s values and needs, and that locals benefit economically.

By implementing these strategies, destinations can create a tourism experience that is both authentic and sustainable, benefiting both visitors and the local community.

The post Travel Reflections: What is “Authenticity” in Tourism? appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.

The Power of Out-of-Home Travel Marketing

Out-of-home advertising has evolved significantly in recent years. Traditional methods, such as billboards and transit ads, remain effective but are now complemented by lifestyle and experiential channels. These newer methods allow brands to engage with consumers in their everyday lives.

“It really is thinking about where the consumer is throughout their daily routine, understanding who your audience is and utilizing specific media formats within their everyday life, where it just seems like a very nonchalant way to put your brand in front of them.” – Frederick Strebeck, DOTL Episode 393, Elevating Travel Marketing through Out-of-Home Advertising

Here are some examples of new OOH methods that can integrate your brand into the daily routines of your target audience in creative and non-intrusive ways:

• Digital signage at convenience stores
• Gas pump ads
• Branded coffee sleeves at their local coffee shop

Planning Your Travel Marketing Campaign

Planning and strategy is critical to any successful marketing campaign, including OOH. Strebeck highlights the importance of taking the time to understand the goals and then strategize how to achieve them through the right mix of OOH channels. This process begins with listening carefully to understand the client’s vision and how it can be brought to life.

“When I say we listen to our clients, it is to listen to understand, not listen to simply respond in return. And what we take, learn, and utilize is through our expertise to build something extremely creative for them.” – Frederick Strebeck, DOTL Episode 393, Elevating Travel Marketing through Out-of-Home Advertising

Collaborative Travel Marketing

To stand out in a crowded marketplace, campaigns should be multi-layered and build strategies upon each other. Collaboration is a perfect way for marketing organizations and agencies to combine their expertise. As they work together, they can achieve a level of success that would not be possible on their own.

Case Study: A Creative Collaboration with Visit Seattle

A perfect example of creative OOH advertising in action is the “I Know A Place” campaign for Visit Seattle. EMC Outdoor worked closely with a full-service agency to develop a unique approach that went beyond traditional billboards. Instead of relying solely on signage, they introduced a branded treat truck that brought a taste of Seattle to key feeder cities like Dallas, Minneapolis, and Sacramento.

This mobile campaign featured Seattle Pops, a local ice cream shop. The treat truck was strategically placed at local events and parks, creating a memorable experience for potential tourists. The campaign gained significant attention, even landing a spot on “Good Morning Sacramento,” which showcased the truck in action.

This collaboration exemplifies how coopetition can lead to successful outcomes. By working together with their agency partner, they were able to amplify the message in a more creative and impactful way.

“When we think of coopetition, we could have definitely tried to work with Visit Seattle on our own and show them this idea that we had. But we wanted to work in collaboration with our agency partner, to make sure that it was an amplified piece to the overall campaign that they were running.” – Frederick Strebeck, DOTL Episode 393, Elevating Travel Marketing through Out-of-Home Advertising

The Changing Landscape of OOH Advertising

Adapting OOH to a Hybrid World Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for the OOH industry, particularly as public spaces saw less foot traffic. However, EMC Outdoor adapted by leveraging digital integration. They shifted focus to areas with increased traffic, such as grocery stores and local walking routes. This approach allowed them to maintain visibility and relevance during a time of uncertainty.

We collaborated with our clients to create messages that resonated with the times, focusing on community support, health, safety. This approach not only kept our clients’ brands visible, but also fostered a sense of connection and solidarity with the public in a time that it was extremely necessary. – Frederick Strebeck, DOTL Episode 393, Elevating Travel Marketing through Out-of-Home Advertising

As we emerge from the pandemic, the hybrid lifestyle—where work and life increasingly blend—has become the norm. OOH advertising has proven to be an essential player in marketing campaigns. It provides a non-intrusive and contextually relevant way to reach audiences both at home and on the go.

Strebeck explains that out-of-home has really taken on the role of supporting other media channels as a secondary amplification that helps get your message across to your audience in a meaningful way.

The Future of OOH: Embracing Artificial Intelligence

Looking ahead, EMC Outdoor is excited about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a game-changer to enhance their business practices. The agency is actively exploring AI tools to speed up the creative process, from ideation to the development of mockups and renderings. By incorporating AI, they aim to stay ahead of the curve and deliver more efficient and effective solutions for their clients.

Make a Lasting Impression with OOH Advertising

Out-of-home advertising continues to be a powerful tool for travel marketing. Tourism brands are looking to connect with their audience in creative and impactful ways. By understanding the different OOH channels, focusing on thorough planning and strategy, and embracing new technologies like AI, brands can elevate their travel marketing campaigns and stand out in a competitive landscape.

As Freddie Striebeck and the team at EMC Outdoor demonstrate, the key to success lies in innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the audience. Whether through traditional billboards, experiential campaigns, or digital integrations, OOH advertising offers endless possibilities for brands to make a lasting impression.

The post Innovative Out-of-Home Strategies for Travel Marketing appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.

DMOs, Community and Co-opetition

If you are natural at gathering folks at the table and getting them to work towards a common goal, you will be tapped to help your community in more ways than just marketing.

Are collaborations core to your organization’s success?

What about collaborations with your competitors?

I have been exploring the answers to these questions on my podcast for the last 8 years. It’s what I like to call co-opetition. You know how people like to put two words together to create a new word? co-opetition: cooperating + competition. It is where perceived competitors come together to create something bigger together than they can do on their own.

The brightest minds from the World Economic Forum identified co-opetition as the number two takeaway from Davos 2024. This insight was based on the global cooperation barometer published in conjunction with McKinsey in January 2024. The report concluded that:

“Cooperation is multifaceted and can coexist with competition. Leaders can practice “coopetition”—balancing cooperation and competition — to advance shared interests in specific areas, despite lack of alignment elsewhere.”

The Global Cooperation Barometer 2024

Showcasing Authentic Experiences leads to Economic Development Success

On Episode 337 with Danny Liedka from Visit Syracuse, I heard the story of how the tourism office was asked to help the area with the biggest economic development win in the history of the State of NY. The County Economic Development team was building a package to help attract chip manufacturer Micron. They asked the team at Visit Syracuse to create a video for the site selection team to sell the area as a great place to work and play.

Danny and his team realized people crave genuine experiences and prefer seeing real individuals rather than staged content. They decided to invest in various initiatives, such as professional photography and partnered with an agency to source a vast collection of authentic images. By showcasing real-life experiences in Syracuse, they aimed to establish an emotional connection between their audience and their brand.

One of the reasons the company picked Syracuse is what it has to offer future Micron employees and their families. The appeal is in their urban and outdoor lifestyles, an affordable cost of living and leading higher education institutions. This project will bring a $100 billion investment and 50,000 jobs to the region over the next 20 years.

Sustainable Destination Management

Visit Durango, under the leadership of Rachel Brown, evolved from a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to a Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO). This change in focus started with adopting a new organizational structure, including a change in by-laws, adding to the team and re-prioritizing the budget. They added a full-time Sustainability and Policy Manager to the team. Sustainability programs was added as a line item that now accounts for 39% of the annual budget. They expanded sustainability programs to include a local stewardship campaign, along with event marketing and advancement grants. 

The shift to sustainable destination management brought many benefits to Durango. It helped alleviate the negative impact of overtourism, ensured the preservation of natural resources, and enhanced the local community’s quality of life. By prioritizing sustainability, Durango became a more desirable destination for socially- and environmentally-conscious travelers. Attracting visitors who appreciate and support responsible tourism practices.

With the shift to sustainability, Visit Durango adopted a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic factors. While DMOs have traditionally focused on the profit aspect, Visit Durango is committed to prioritizing environmental conservation, supporting local communities, and creating a balance between the three aspects.

Focus on Community

On Episode 352 of Destination on the Left, Kevney Dugan explained how Visit Bend balances the visitors’ needs with those of residents by concentrating on workforce development and prioritizing sustainability. The scope of work for the organization has increased 3X since 2019, in part due to the greater role they are taking within the community.

The organization hired a Workforce Development Director who focuses on helping businesses in hospitality and tourism with training and resources needed to support workers. One strategy for this initiative is engaging middle school and high school-age students and encouraging them to consider travel and hospitality as a viable career path. Visit Bend hopes this approach will help with the labor shortages they’re currently seeing. Workforce development is all about planting that seed early on that the tourism industry has some amazing opportunities.

They also hired a Director of Sustainability who focuses on managing the carrying capacity of the community and balancing the needs of the visitors with those of the residents. Visit Bend worked with the community to create the Bend Sustainability Fund that contributes to projects such as riverbank restoration and creating new trails. The vision is for these projects to change the future of the destination.

Community Partnership Impacts

Partnerships and collaboration within communities can lead to stronger economies and a brighter future. Our 2022 study on the operationalization of collaboration found that 82% of organizations surveyed said that Collaboration is part of their on-going business strategy and 45% said that it was a documented part of their annual business plan. The top four benefits identified for operationalizing collaboration were increased customers, competitive advantage over companies that don’t operationalize, improved reputation and prestige, and increased opportunities for other collaborations. Consider making collaboration a strategic pillar of your on-going business plan because we can go further together.

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Just how popular is TikTok?

TikTok has exploded so quickly in popularity that you might not be aware of just how many users it has. As of 2024, TikTok has over 1 billion active montly users. TikTok is now the 4th largest social media platform, with more monthly users than Snapchat, Pinterest and X (formerly Twitter). There is a common misconception that only teenagers are on TikTok, but in reality over 40% of the app’s users are between ages 20 and 39. As TikTok has grown in popularity, it has become widely uses across many demographics.

Over 45% of TikTok users are Gen Z. As this generation continues to age, their spending power is increasing rapidly. Destinations and attractions not marketing to Gen Z are missing out on a huge group of people who are planning trips every day. TikTok is one of the best ways to reach this generation.

TikTok also stands out as having the highest average session length of all social media apps. The average users spends 11 minutes on TikTok per session and 52 minutes on TikTok per day. TikTok provides marketers with an amazing opportunity to capture people’s attention and keep them engaged.

What makes it so popular?

There are a few aspects that really separate TikTok from other social media apps.

The FYP 

Unlike Facebook where you see the posts of your friends and family, TikTok automatically greets you with a “for-you-page” (FYP) which is customized by your interests and past likes. This means that every single user has a unique experience on the app and is only shown what they want to see.  

Anyone can be an influencer

Originally just a dance and lip-syncing app, many of the most -followed users are teenagers and young adults. Anyone can be an “influencer,” but to reach that number of followers, they have to post enough to keep attention on themselves.

Unlimited Possibilities 

The possibilities for content are endless. Just scrolling through your FYP for five minutes, you could see a variety of creative media from livestream debates between content creators, to a 2-minute crime video, to someone marketing themself with a “video resume”, and many videos of people dancing along to the latest dance trend.  

Trends

A “trend” on TikTok refers to any specific sound being used repeatedly by users, a new dance move that everyone is attempting to perfect, or a specific format of a video. Users are quick to recognize new and exciting trends, which is why it is especially important for your business or organization to take part. They make your page more personal, relatable, and noticeable. The thing about trends, however, are that they come and go very quickly. You need to be on the lookout for what is new. Watching other videos and paying attention to what is appearing on your FYP can inspire new content ideas that will help your company gain traction.

How companies use the app as a marketing tool

As there is so much room for creativity and so many users to appeal to, some companies are ahead of the game when it comes to getting their name out on TikTok and following the latest trends. For example, Duolingo, the language learning platform, consistently posts creative videos of their owl mascot working in the office. Chipotle shows off workers creating special bowls or videos of relatable moments like the “when-your-best-friend-doesn’t- know-your-Chipotle-order” moment. Sports teams, such as the Toronto Blue Jays, use the app to make fun videos of their players and will often comment on other videos or respond to fans.

TikTok as a search engine

In recent years, TikTok has transcended its origins as a platform for entertainment to become a powerful search engine. With its algorithm finely tuned to user preferences and behaviors, destinations and attractions can harness TikTok to reach potential visitors in unique and engaging ways. As of 2024, 74% of Gen Z use TikTok as their go-to search engine. By optimizing content with relevant hashtags, engaging titles, and captivating visuals, destinations and attractions can improve their visibility on TikTok’s search results, making it easier for travelers to discover them. Creating informative and inspiring TikTok content that highlights the distinctive features of a destination can spark interest and inspire travel decisions. This shift towards using TikTok as a search engine represents an exciting opportunity for tourism marketers to connect with a generation of travelers who prefer authentic, visually driven content to plan their next adventure.

TikTok and the tourism industry

So, all this knowledge now leads us to the topic of the hour: how to use TikTok to promote tourism. With over 1 billion users, this is a perfect marketing tool for the tourism industry. Tourism sells a product, just like Duolingo or Chipotle. The amount exposure you can create, followed by people being inspired to buy products and visit places is incredible. For starters, one of the most followed destination on TikTok is Palm Beaches Florida with 126.3k followers! 

If you scroll through travel or tourism hashtags, you’ll see lots of individual influencers promoting traveling through brand deals. Destinations and other travel-centered organizations are showing off their products through a wide array of trends or creative points of view. For example, hotels and resorts will often show the behind-the-scenes, or the different rooms and amenities they have to offer. If we are looking at a smaller company, the manager might do a “day-in-the-life” of their work routine. People, especially the younger generation, LOVE to see how other people spend their time at work. This also makes it more personal.  

Is it time to add a new social media channel? Here’s how you know 

The future of TikTok

TikTok’s rapid rise to success has not come without it’s challenges. Currently, the future of TikTok is very uncertain. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance. Due to concerns over the security of U.S. user’s data, the House of Representatives created a bill that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok, or the app would be banned in the U.S. The bill was passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Biden.

Before you get ready to abandon all your plans for TikTok marketing, let’s take a look at what this really means. Is TikTok definitely going away? The answer is no. As of May 2024, ByteDance has nine months to divest the app. TikTok has stated that the plan to challenge this bill in court, as they have deemed it unconstitutional.

You might be wondering if it is worth putting time and money into a TikTok startegy when the app’s future is so unclear. It boils down to this: TikTok is not going anywhere anytime soon. The bill gives the app nine months to sort out a deal, and the recent legal retaliation means the whole process could take even longer. It could be months or even years before a resolution is reached. The reality is, every day you are not marketing to users on TikTok is a day wasted. We recommend you continue to utilize the platform, but never put all your eggs in one basket. Social media changes rapidly, but right now, TikTok is where people are spending their time.

Examples

Here are some inventive examples of travel, tourism and hospitality companies that are already using TikTok: 

Expedia

This 59-second video explaining the Expedia Rewards Status with a few graphics and captions has 3.6 million views: 

Visit London

Visit London made this walk-through “Explore Westminster Abbey with us” video to highlight the iconic landmark with some pop-up facts about the church. This 15-second video has over 135,900 views:  

EF Tours

Education First, a company that specializes in travel tours and studying abroad, has a TikTok account that highlights all the perks of traveling to a different destination with people your age. Recently this account has been highlighting different destinations through a trend with eccentric music and pictures that flash before your eyes. Take a look: 

Hilton

Hilton Hotels and Resorts show off the perks of their pet friendly hotels with this adorable video that encourages people to travel with their dogs:  

Palm Beaches

Finally, let’s see what our friends at Palm Beaches, the most followed destination on TikTok, are doing to attract followers. This video is a day trip itinerary, in video form:

What all these companies have in common is that they are focusing on what their audience wants to see, and they participate in trends, no matter how silly they may seem.  

Tips for using TikTok to your advantage

1. Create brief 20-60-second videos that appeal to short attention spans.
2. Work to translate your brand into this new channel in a way that is consistent with your company yet is able to be recognized by TikTok users, such as the Duolingo owl workplace videos.
3. Find influencers to show off your product and company.
4. Have fun with it! Pay attention to trends and challenges that you could apply to your business or organization.

The post TikTok for Tourism Marketing appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.

Takeaways from the NYSTIA Conference

Last month, I attended the 2024 New York State Tourism Industry Conference in Niagara Falls, NY. A panel discussion with tourism professionals in the outdoor sector demonstrated the force of outdoor tourism:

• Outdoor participants have become more diverse since 2022, with an increase in visitation among Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ travelers.
• 80% of outdoors activities experienced an increase in participation, from larger categories like camping to smaller categories like skateboarding.
• Outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in economic output, surpassing industries like mining and farming.

An Increase in Technology

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand into every facet of the industry, it’s no surprise that similar technology has made its way into the outdoor sector. Along with AI, augmented reality and virtual reality are becoming more prevalent in outdoor activities. Travelers can use programs to help map out their routes, curate experiences personalized exactly for them, or enhance their outdoor experience overall with relevant information in real-time.

The Impact of Health and Wellness

While it’s widely recognized that spending time outside has an impact on mental wellness, it seems as though travelers are embracing this self-care strategy more than ever. Wellness retreats, camping trips and other group activities offer an outlet for people to disconnect from the outside world and instead tap into their own wellbeing.

Top Outdoor Recreation Locations

Outdoor destinations should prepare to welcome travelers of all types this year. In addition to an expanded, diverse outdoor audience, travelers are opting to travel solo. More than two-thirds of travelers (69 percent) are planning on taking a solo trip in 2024, including 76 percent of Millennials and Gen-Z. Where are these adventurers going?

Truly Hidden Gems

Most travelers are actually looking to venture into unfamiliar places and discover their own hidden gems. US travelers in particular are being drawn to western scenes in outdoorsy destinations with a rustic ranch feel, and 70 percent of millennials and Gen Z’ers report seeking travel experiences to places that their family and friends haven’t heard of.

Nature Tourism

Another trend we’re seeing with tourists is the demand for nature tourism. People are yearning for a trip where they can slow down and connect with nature in ways that they haven’t before. In fact, 42% of travelers are booking activities that focus on bettering their mental and physical health, such as forest bathing. “Microadventures” are also increasingly becoming popular as they allow travelers to connect with nature on smaller, shorter, and cheaper excursions.

Sustainability

Sustainable tourism is critical for maintaining the natural beauty of a destination, minimizing littering and waste, protecting cultural and historical sites, and respecting the local communities. This travel style is no longer a niche or trend – it’s a demand. In fact, over half (53%) of travelers are seeking accommodations that blend comfort with innovative sustainability features.

Destinations also must continue to consider the effects of overtourism when it comes to sustainable tourism. The issue of overtourism arises when there are too many visitors to a particular destination. The constant stream of people at specific locations and monuments inevitably puts pressure on infrastructure and natural resources, leading to the destruction of natural ecosystems, increase in waste, and the departure of local residents. With this in mind, destinations should act as an advocate for their residents, ensuring the health and safety of their green spaces.

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Branding is more than a wordmark, icon, or a color palette. It is a representation of who you are as a company, what you stand for and what your customers can expect from you. In a way, it seems like an abstract concept, but it is anything but abstract. In fact, when you have a solid brand, you have a concrete foundation to build and grow your business. 

Lesson 1: Start with a Clear Vision

A clear vision serves as the foundation for any successful branding project. Back in 2018, we embarked on a journey to build a company that transcended traditional marketing services, envisioning a community-driven platform for industry collaboration and growth. This vision, crafted with a 10-year outlook, provided a roadmap for our aspirations and guided our strategic decisions. 

Your vision should be written as if you were talking to someone on a future date. Pick a date 5 or 10 years in the future and write about yourself as if you have transported there. When you create your vision using a present tense it is easier to believe and to see what is possible. We created our first vision imagining how we would describe ourselves in 2028. This is important because without a vision, you cannot attract what you need to achieve it. It would be like driving somewhere without a map, just wandering aimlessly ahead. 

Lesson 2: Vision Drives Decision-Making

Throughout our journey, our vision has been our guiding light, steering us through uncertainties and informing strategic decisions. Even during challenging times like the pandemic, our vision provided clarity and direction, guiding us toward our long-term goals. With a clear vision in place, we were able to weather storms and stay focused on our mission of serving the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. 

It was because of our 10-year vision that we decided to acquire Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) at the end of 2021. We had been the marketing and operational partner for TAP since 2018 and we helped the organization that was owned by 26 tour operators survive the pandemic. At the end of that huge downturn, the tour operators who owned TAP needed to put their energy and focus into rebuilding their own businesses. Our team saw the value that TAP brought to the industry and how it aligned with our vision, so we decided to acquire the company and help to rebuild it into the collaborative innovative organization that it had been known for.  

Lesson 3: Define the Problem Before Branding

When you set out to create a new brand, recognize why you are embarking on this journey before starting it. In our case, we had three distinct brands: Break the Ice Media, Travel Alliance Partners, and our podcast, Destination on the Left. Recognizing the need for a branding overhaul, we sought expert guidance to define our challenges clearly. This step was crucial in laying the groundwork for our rebranding efforts and ensuring alignment with our overarching goals. Our initial conversation with branding expert Karley Cunningham from Big Bold Brand helped us pinpoint key challenges, such as communicating the value of our diverse offerings under three distinct brands. 

Lesson 4: Engage Employees in the Process

Our team’s involvement from the early stages proved instrumental in the success of our rebranding project. By keeping our employees informed and engaged, we fostered a sense of ownership and commitment to the new brand vision. We shared our progress transparently, solicited feedback, and empowered our team members to contribute their ideas and insights. 

Lesson 5: Build a Strong Foundation

A lasting brand requires a solid foundation built on purpose, values, and a clear brand promise. We invested time and effort in crafting these essential elements, ensuring they reflected our company’s ethos and aspirations. Working with Karley and her team, we developed a comprehensive toolkit encompassing our purpose statement, guiding principles, brand character, and more. 

Lesson 6: Recognize the Need for Additional Resources

As our branding project evolved, we recognized the need for additional resources to bring our vision to life. Hiring a dedicated team member proved invaluable in supporting the branding process and driving its success. We also leveraged external expertise to supplement our internal capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to brand development. 

Lesson 7: Focus Internally and Externally

Balancing internal alignment with external brand development was key to our rebranding journey. By addressing operational aspects alongside brand strategy, we ensured a seamless transition and maximized organizational buy-in. Our quarterly leadership team meetings became forums for discussing operational changes, while our external communication efforts focused on generating excitement and anticipation for the new brand. 

We started using our new brand language externally before launching our new brand. This gave us the opportunity to start testing the language and practicing with it before launch. We included it in our job postings, client proposals and marketing materials. Our combined brands each used the language. We didn’t give away that we were becoming one brand, but we had strategic language that better aligned with the value we bring to our clients and members and we started using it as we were evolving in small steps. 

Internally, we focused on aligning everything with the new brand, including our organizational chart, job descriptions, accounting systems, internal communications, meeting cadence, project management and our standard operating procedures.  

Lesson 8: Brand Launch is Just the Beginning

A brand launch marks the beginning of an ongoing journey, not the endpoint. We adopted a phased approach to rollout, recognizing that continued engagement and refinement are essential for sustained brand success. Our launch plan included a timeline for quarterly activities extending through 2024, ensuring that our brand evolution remains dynamic and responsive to evolving market trends. 

Our brand launch plan identified four key goals: 

1. Create intentional content

2. Generate awareness & buzz

3. Provide a positive & exciting experience

4. Highlight our expanded offerings

The plan included our key messages, launch strategies, and paid, earned, shared and owned tactics. As you can imagine, a brand rollout plan has a lot of moving parts and a lot of details in it. It is important to have a written document that everyone on the team can follow with lists for all areas that need to be considered. Here is a checklist of things to consider when rolling out a new brand. 

Lesson 9: Embrace Cathedral Thinking

Embracing cathedral thinking, we approached our branding journey with a long-term perspective. We envisioned the impact of our brand for generations to come. By thinking beyond immediate results, we set the stage for enduring success. Just as medieval stonemasons, architects and artisans built cathedrals with future generations in mind, we laid the groundwork for a brand that will stand the test of time. 

Our branding journey has been a transformative experience, filled with valuable lessons and insights. From starting with a clear vision to embracing cathedral thinking, each lesson has shaped our brand’s evolution and will continue to guide our future endeavors. As we embark on this new chapter with our refreshed brand, we invite you to join us in embracing these lessons and charting your own path to branding success. 

We invite you to explore our new brand and learn more about our company’s journey. Explore our website to discover how a clear vision and strategic approach can transform your own branding efforts. Join us in embracing cathedral thinking and building brands that leave a lasting legacy in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. 

The post Lessons Learned from a Branding Journey: Insights from Our Company’s Transformation appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.

Why is Sustainable Tourism Important?

Sustainable tourism is critical for maintaining the natural beauty of a destination, minimizing littering and waste, protecting cultural and historical sites, and respecting the local communities. On Destination on the Left episode 290, we spoke with Professor Joe Conto, Dr. Eric Holmund, and Dr. Kelly Cerialo of Paul Smith’s College about why sustainability is an issue that destinations shouldn’t wait to address. They told us that more than ever, tourists are leaving the cities and visiting natural destinations like national parks and popular hiking spots. In order for places like this to avoid getting overrun and maintain the beauty that makes them so special to begin with, destinations need to recognize that sustainability is a necessity not just in tourism, but in every industry.

Collaboration Between Communities and Travelers

As a destination, you might be wondering how you can achieve sustainability while still increasing visitation. Through conversations with several industry professionals that recognize the importance of sustainable tourism, we’ve learned that it cannot be a one-sided effort. All the stakeholders need to be involved including the DMOs, residents, governments, local businesses, and visitors.

Jennifer Wesselhoff spoke with us on episode 223 about her experience leading the development of Arizona’s first sustainable tourism plan when she was with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. She learned that even though tourism was having a huge economic impact on Sedona, residents were struggling with things like traffic congestion, parking issues, noise, and short-term rentals. As a result, Sedona put forth a collaborative effort with the community to evaluate just how sustainable the city was. One of the most important parts of this process was including residents and local businesses in the conversation.

As a result of the whole community’s efforts, Sedona increased their role in visitors’ behavior by encouraging walking and the use of public transportation. They also implemented a Leave no Trace program and diverted visitors from the popular hiking trails by helping them find hidden gems. All these changes had a positive impact on residents of Sedona and made it possible for Sedona to maintain its status as a popular tourist destination, without having a negative impact on residents or the environment.

Looking to the Future

While every destination is unique, we all can learn from the model set forth by Sedona. The job of a DMO doesn’t stop after visitors arrive in a destination, they also have a responsibility to impact visitor behavior while there. As champions of the tourism industry, we want destinations to continue to thrive and see a rise in visitation. This is why it is so important that DMOs learn more about sustainable tourism and collaborate with their communities to protect the environment and the quality of life for residents. If they do this, destinations can remain beautiful places to visit for generations to come.

The post Collaboration Drives Sustainable Tourism appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.

According to ABA Foundation (American Bus Association) the most recent statistics (2022) state that in the United States and Canada there were 211.5 million motorcoach passengers. Digging into the census data, we can see that more than 138 million of those passengers were part of charter groups, tour packages, and sightseeing trips. You can use these four strategies for marketing group travel to reach out and grab a piece of that pie.

Get into the Mind of Your Buyer

The travel trade market is a B2B (business to business) sales cycle, so when you are marketing for group travel, it’s important to understand your buyer and their needs. With group tours, you’re not directly selling to consumers, but rather to tour operators who will then promote and sell your destination to their clients. Tour operators need to be comfortable with you and your destination, so they can confidently offer it to their customers. Therefore, nurturing relationships with tour operators becomes crucial in the sales process. 

Connect with Tour Operators at Travel Tradeshows

Travel Tradeshows offer you a ready-made audience of tour operators, sometimes in the hundreds – no need for cold calls! Consider attending key annual North American travel tradeshows, or attending more if you’ve been to one or two.

Tradeshow Tips: 

• Find out who will be attending the tradeshow (this is usually found on the tradeshow website) and then research them. Look for who they are, what type of tours they offer and where they go. These shows typically are appointment-based and you request who you want to meet with.
• Reach out to the tour operators prior to the tradeshow introducing yourself and asking if there is any specific information you can bring for them when you meet.
• During the tradeshow be sure to take detailed notes on each tour operator you meet.
• Remember – tour operators are counting on travel destinations to help them be successful in their business.  They have a need and you have the answer – make sure they know it!

Follow Up with Your Tour Operator Contacts

Follow-up is always important, but even more so when you attend a large trade show with short appointment times where you are only scratching the surface of what you have to offer. There are several ways you can follow up and make the most of your new contacts:

• Follow Up Email. Send a follow up thank you email and additional information after the tradeshow. This is where the selling often begins.
• Mail Information.  Sometimes good old-fashioned snail mail is the best way to get your information in the hands of your audience. Send a nice presentation folder with general material and any specific information they are interested in based on the conversation you had. If the tour operator requests information to be sent only via email, make sure you have the same information in digital form.
• Phone call.  That’s right – actually pick up the phone and make a call! Even if it’s just to say, “Hi, I mailed you something and want to make sure you received it.” Take the time to call and say hello.
• Keep notes.  Through this entire process, document in a sales database where you are in the sales cycle with each tour operator you are communicating with.
• Follow up again!  Even if you don’t get a booking immediately, continue to take the time to follow up with your prospects. This can be through mass communications, like email newsletters, but remember to keep personal touch points. You can also take advantage of the time of year. The holiday season is a great time to say thank you and remind them what you have to offer.

The Best Way to Sell Your Destination to Tour Operators

The most effective way to sell your destination to tour operators is to give them a chance to experience it for themselves, on a FAM tour (familiarization tour). FAMs can be done as a group or individually. This is a great way to show firsthand all the assets of your destination while also having the opportunity to spend more time together and build your relationship. Here are some tips for hosting tour operators on FAMs.

• Make sure to qualify the tour operator as a prospective buyer, and then invite them on a FAM.
• Include a survey at the end of the FAM to have a clear understanding of the tour operator’s perspective.
• After the FAM, contact the tour operator and offer to prepare a customized itinerary based on their specific needs or offerings they want to provide to their customers.

Read more tips for creating a successful FAM

Remember – tour operators are counting on destinations to help them be successful in their business.  They have a need and you have the answer – make sure they know it, and your hard work in marketing for group travel will pay off when those buses pull up to the curb.

The post Marketing for Group Travel: Building Solid Relationships with Tour Operators appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.

Seattle, Washington: Microadventure After Microadventure

Often when we see tourism marketing, its goal is to attract visitors to the area for something specific, whether it be an event, attraction, or something else. Explore Seattle Southside took an interesting approach with its “Microadventure After Microadventure” campaign. This campaign demonstrates a looser approach to travel, allowing the trip to develop in the moment. The microadventure idea allows them to highlight some of their best attractions, giving the viewer a blueprint of ideas to follow.

Why We Love It:

This campaign serves as a good reminder that it’s equally important to draw visitors to an area for the sake of just experiencing and enjoying it. Not every trip needs to be planned for a big reason, as the microadventures can take you far. Microadventures is a great name to go along with the trends toward slow tourism, hidden gems and traveling like a local.

Travel South Dakota: So Much South Dakota, So Little Time

Following a similar trend, South Dakota’s “So Much South Dakota, So Little Time” campaign shows off all the area has to offer, and its ability to offer lots of adventure and human connection over digital connections. Since travelers crave that change of pace versus former bucket list items that involve long lines or busy crowds. Its tone is simple yet mysterious, targeting family travelers to “grab the kids and go” because there is so much to explore.

Why We Love It:

The simple yet meaningful message under this campaign is a refreshing take on wide-open-space travel. It appeals to emotions around wanderlust, exploration and learning, while showing potential visitors the type of trip they want to take is possible in this destination.

Canada: Take Your Maple Leave

With the stress of everyday life (especially in the last few years), Destination Canada invites foreign travelers to the country to visit for a breath of fresh air and real sunlight for a “Maple Leave.” The campaign uses its classic resources, unique experiences and the beauty of Canada’s outdoors to explain why visitors should come.

Why We Love It:

In Destination Canada’s words, this campaign is truly a “breath of fresh air,” and is meant to attract travelers who are looking for just that. The fun tone, tongue-in-cheek humor and trendy cultural references (like SAD lamps versus actual sunlight) make for a compelling campaign. And of course, we do love a play on words.

Philippines: LOVE, The Philippines

“LOVE, The Philippines” allows the destination to speak for itself. The nearly 2-minute-long video has no spoken words, and no written words until after the halfway point. The stunning visuals showcasing bright colors and unique experiences are more than enough to encourage viewers to travel there. This campaign is a prime example that less is more.

Why We Love It:

The connection between people, scenery, culture, and experiences tells travelers all they need to know about the destination. With the upbeat background music and subtle messages on screen, this campaign is a perfect blend of simple and exciting.

NYC: #WhatsGoodNYC

The final campaign that grabbed our attention and didn’t let go in 2023 was based around New York City Tourism’s rebrand from NYC & Company to New York City Tourism + Conventions. Along with a new visual identity and brand strategy, NYC launched #WHATSGOODNYC on their social channels. This is meant to focus on the opinions of the people in the city, and to show those looking to travel to the area authentic and realistic ideas of what they should do, and what’s “good” in NYC.

Why We Love It:

Launching a rebrand is no easy feat, and we admire the campaign NYC launched along with this big change. The focus of the new brand is so clearly centered around the people, both within the city and wanting to visit it. Rebranding is something a lot of companies go through to improve themselves, and this is a beautifully executed example!

Bonus: we also love the idea that “pizza is the fruit of NYC”!

Love these campaigns as much as we do?

Check out our Top Tourism Campaign round ups from past years and the elements of a top campaign:

2022 Top Tourism Campaigns Bring Typing Ponies & Talking Kangaroos

Top Tourism Campaigns of 2021

Top Travel Campaigns of 2020: Tourism Marketers Get Creative in the Face of Adversity

The 5 Top Tourism Campaigns of 2019

2018’s Best Tourism Campaigns: Our Five Favorites

Elements of Top Tourism Campaigns

The post Top Tourism Campaigns of 2023 appeared first on Travel Alliance Partnership.