'Tis the Season to Shine: Holiday Marketing Tips for Travel and Tourism Pros
The holiday season is a magical time of year, and for travel and tourism professionals, it presents a unique opportunity to showcase destinations and attractions in their festive best. As the snow falls and the twinkling lights come to life, here are some tips to help you spread the holiday cheer and attract eager travelers to your doorstep.
Deck the Halls, Virtually
Transform your online presence into a winter wonderland. Update your website and social media profiles with holiday-themed banners, images, and content. Create a “holiday hub” dedicated landing page and direct your advertising traffic to the hub. Share captivating stories of holiday traditions and events in your destination, creating a virtual experience that entices potential visitors.
High Five Tourism Tip: When crafting your dedicated landing page, opt for a sub-URL with foresight, like "www.YourDestination.com/holiday" or "www.YourDestination.com/tis-the-season." This strategic choice gives your seasonal content a perennial home and sets the stage for long-term benefits. As the sub-URL accumulates domain authority, it becomes a powerful asset, enhancing your landing page's visibility and Google search ranking over time.
Collaborate with Influencers
Leverage social media influencers' power to showcase your destination's holiday spirit. Partner with influencers who align with your brand and encourage them to share their festive experiences with their followers. Authentic and relatable content can create a buzz and inspire travel plans.
Festive Packages and Specials
Craft enticing holiday packages highlighting your destination’s best offers this season. Whether it's a winter adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family-friendly holiday extravaganza, tailor your offerings to cater to the desires of holiday travelers.
High Five Tourism Tip: The holidays are also when families gather and plan their summer vacations. Encourage potential travelers to think ahead by offering deals and packages for future vacations or weekend getaways.
Promote Holiday Events
Gather special events that capture the essence of the holidays and give them prominence on your occasions calendar. Whether it's a Christmas market, a New Year's Eve celebration, a winter festival, or holiday-themed performances, these events can draw in locals and visitors alike. Promote these happenings across various channels to maximize attendance.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
Forge partnerships with local businesses to create a unified holiday experience. This could involve joint promotions, cross-marketing initiatives, or even co-hosted events. Working together can amplify the festive atmosphere and attract a broader audience.
High Five Tourism Tip: Partner with local businesses or organizations to host a giveaway on your destination’s owned social media channels. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote your partner and boost online engagement.
User-Generated Content Contest
Encourage visitors and locals to share their holiday experiences in your destination through photos and stories. Host a user-generated content contest with attractive prizes to motivate participation. This generates authentic content and engages your audience in promoting the destination.
High Five Tourism Tip: Promote a dedicated hashtag among residents and visitors when sharing content about your destination. Establish an automated photo feed on your "holiday hub" landing page, curating a visually engaging collection that inspires people to explore the highlighted attractions and experiences.
Highlight Unique Seasonal Offerings
Identify and emphasize the unique experiences and offerings that set your destination apart during the holidays. Whether it's a breathtaking light display, seasonal culinary delights, or exclusive winter activities, showcase what makes your destination a must-visit during this time of year.
By infusing the holiday spirit into your marketing strategy, you can capture the imagination of travelers and make your destination or attraction the go-to spot for festive fun. Remember, it's not just about selling a trip—it's about selling an unforgettable holiday experience that will have visitors coming back year after year. Happy holidays and happy travels from High Five Tourism Solutions!
