Promoting a vacation destination isn’t just about showcasing pretty pictures. It’s about capturing the heart of your location, connecting with travelers, and standing out in a competitive travel market. Whether you’re managing a hotel, a restaurant, or an entire region’s tourism board, it's key to ensure your destination is top-of-mind for the best times of 2025.
In this post, we will explore tried-and-true strategies to take your marketing to the next level, from leveraging cutting-edge tools like social media to fostering genuine connections through travel influencers and community events.
How to Promote Your Vacation Spot to Win Tourists Over
Tourists are increasingly looking for destinations that feel unique, personal, and worth sharing on Instagram or TikTok. By tailoring your promotion strategies to meet these expectations, you can draw more visitors to your vacation spot.
Here are some proven tips to seize attention and grow your tourism count for 2025.
Leverage Social Media Platforms
Social media is non-negotiable in today’s travel marketing efforts. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are the perfect places to showcase your vacation spot. Here’s how to stand out:
- Post stunning visuals of your location’s beaches, landmarks, and restaurants to inspire wanderlust.
- Use Instagram Stories and Reels to take followers along for an immersive tour of your destination.
- Jump on trends by creating challenges or TikTok videos, making your business part of viral moments.
- Encourage user-generated content, like geotagging photos from your location or using branded hashtags.
Collaborate With Influencers or Travel Bloggers
Travel enthusiasts and content creators often have loyal followings who trust their recommendations. By collaborating with influencers, you can achieve authentic promotion that resonates with potential visitors.
- Invite influencers to your vacation spot for a free stay or exclusive experience.
- Partner with travel bloggers to write detailed guides or vlog their trip to your destination.
- Work with micro-influencers who appeal to niche audiences, such as foodies, adventure travelers, or history buffs.
Host Local Events or Festivals
There’s no better way to showcase your destination's charm than hosting a memorable event. Festivals celebrating local cuisine, art, or heritage can draw in tourists and give them an experience to talk about long after their visit.
- Use live music, performances, or cooking demonstrations to captivate visitors.
- Offer unique activities like food tours or cultural workshops to engage tourists.
- Get creative with seasonal themes, such as a winter market or summer seaside festival.
Develop a User-Friendly Website
Your website is often the first introduction travelers will have to your destination. To leave a strong impression:
- Ensure simple navigation with clear sections for attractions, places to stay, and activities.
- Include enticing imagery and quick-loading pages. Nobody likes a sluggish website.
- Optimize for mobile since many travelers research and book trips on their phones.
Offer Special Deals or Packages
A well-priced vacation package can seal the deal for those debating their next getaway and help you attract visitors during non-peak seasons. Combine accommodations, dining, and entertainment into a seamless and cost-effective offer. For example:
- “Stay 3 Nights and Pay for 2, Plus a Free Guided Tour!”
- Include family discounts to attract parents traveling with kids.
- Partner with airlines or transport services to offer combo travel-and-stay deals.
Great deals can help you encourage visitors when your season is ramping up or slowing down, to give people a great experience while things are slower.
Focus on Unique Selling Points
What sets your destination apart? Lean into the unique or unexpected. Do you have:
- Hidden Gems like secret beaches, small antique shops, or hiking trails?
- A Famous Signature Dish served at your local restaurants?
- An Iconic Landmark that defines your area? Shine a spotlight on these perks to make your destination unforgettable.
Engage with Online Travel Communities
From TripAdvisor forums to Facebook groups for travelers, going where the questions are being asked puts you in the driver’s seat.
- Answer questions about your area and point visitors toward your website or services.
- Share insider tips that make your location more appealing.
- Keep it conversational and authentic. Avoid overt sales pitches in this space.
Invest in High-Quality Photography and Video Content
A single stunning photo could be the reason someone chooses your destination. High-quality visuals are essential for your website, social channels, and print campaigns.
- Show off your location during stunning sunsets, bustling market days, or serene early mornings.
- Create professional videos highlighting a “day in the life” at your destination.
- Aerial drone shots provide breathtaking perspectives and are especially popular on social platforms.
Encourage Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Peer reviews matter. Travelers trust the opinions of others, so make it easy for past guests to leave reviews.
- Use prompts like “How did we do?” in post-visit emails.
- Create accounts on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor to gather reviews.
- Share glowing testimonials on your social media or website to inspire new visitors.
Collaborate With Local Businesses
Build partnerships within your community to create great experiences for visitors all around.
- Work with local tour guides, restaurants, or souvenir shops to offer cross-promotions.
- Create a “passport program” where tourists collect stamps to visit multiple local hotspots, with eventual rewards or discounts.
Participate in Regional Tourism Campaigns
Regional campaigns can elevate your destination by highlighting it within larger travel narratives. Join forces with neighboring towns or tourism boards to stretch your promotional reach.
Utilize Email Marketing
Stay connected with previous visitors or entice new ones with marketing emails or by launching a newsletter.
- Share exciting updates about your destination, such as upcoming events or deals.
- Include exclusive discounts and early-bird offers.
- Add storytelling content with insights or behind-the-scenes pieces about your area.
Focus on Eco-Tourism and Sustainability
Travelers today care about sustainability. Highlight your destination’s eco-friendly efforts or opportunities.
- Offer guided tours focused on nature conservation or planet-friendly activities.
- Share how your destination supports local communities.
Take Charge of Your Marketing with McClatchy
Promoting your destination effectively isn’t just about having the best photos or a catchy tagline; it’s about creating connections that inspire people to visit. If you’re ready to take your vacation spot’s marketing to the next level, we’re here to help at McClatchy.
With our Premium Audience Network, we connect you with an expansive audience that’s the perfect fit for your destination. We deliver results through data-driven targeting, expert campaigns, and creative solutions.
Reach out today to learn more about how McClatchy can help bring travelers to your doorstep.
