Experience Is Key

Today, travelers are prioritizing intentional experiences over extra-spendy trips, but they don’t want to just go down a checklist of famous landmarks. Vacationers want to dive into the local culture, flavors, activities, and authentic events happening within the destination. They want to throw pottery with the locals. Savor gumbo and beignets at a generations-old Creole eatery. Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of a historic craft brewery.  As a destination, respond by highlighting niche experiences, not just the expected ones. Tie in small businesses and local creators. Spotlight interesting histories and stories about your destination and the town or city it resides in.

Social Surges Spontaneity

Because of the increase in more regional getaways versus far-flung destinations, people aren’t planning months ahead. Smaller trips, with fewer moving parts, simply don’t require it. Social media has been a big reason for the uptick in spontaneous getaways. After all, they aren’t called influencers for nothing. What to do? Maintain fresh, timely content year-round including special packages and promos; keep your digital/social inspiration game strong and be sure to optimize website content for the multitudes of mobile-first users.

Value Goes Beyond Cost

Yes, inflation has made travelers more budget-focused, but that doesn’t mean they’re not willing to pay. Many vacationers will still spend more if they perceive the value, experiences offered and the quality of the stay to be strong. While it’s always a best practice to help visitors maximize their stay with affordable activities and itineraries, don’t undersell your big selling points like location, attractions and dining. People want to save, but when they’re ready to spend, they will, and they want it to be worth it. 

Bleisure Is Still Big

Remote and hybrid work continues to change the footprint of travel. With more flexible schedules, travelers are able to book less-expensive midweek getaways instead of having to wait for the weekend. In most cases, they are also able to stay longer. This shift has been a plus for destinations that are getting heads in beds during the week more than ever before. And of course, longer stays generate higher local spending. Lean into the trend by promoting co-working spaces, highlighting weekday offerings and extended itineraries.

Personalization Is an Expectation

AI and digital tools are changing the course of trip planning. Whereas travelers used to do their own research to find things they would like to do while on vacation, now AI does it for them. Quickly, easily and efficiently — in minutes. Generic destination messaging doesn’t cut it anymore. Stay on trend by creating engaging content for specific traveler segments such as foodies, culture-seekers, adventurers, wellness travelers, luxury travelers and slow travelers. Appeal to various interests as well, ranging from outdoorsy types to sports travelers and pet-friendly travelers. Use visitor data to deliver more relevant, spot-on marketing.

A Lot Is Built on Reputation

Reviews and social media are shaping perceptions a lot these days. Travelers look (and read!) before they leap into a getaway. What others are saying about your destination can speak volumes. Not only is it important to keep an eye on your online reputation, but it’s also a smart move to build it by encouraging reviews and user-generated content. See what’s out there — and be sure to back it up with marketing that emphasizes what makes your location worth the trip.

For more ways your destination can turn leisure travel trends into trips, let ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř’ 45+ years of marketing expertise do the heavy lifting. We’d love to talk tourism with you! Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com.

The post Ways Destinations Can Turn Leisure Travel Trends into Trips appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

What Holiday Travelers Want

Whether it’s a getaway for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Lunar New Year or Diwali, seasonal vacationers are looking for authentic and memorable experiences befitting for a major time in their lives. They want an escape that offers festivities, feasts and attractions that offer the same joy holidays at home do, but on a bigger, more curated and less stressful level.

Unwrapping the Best of Your Destination

With holiday getaways, hotels and destinations have an opportunity to be a part of the family and leave a lasting impression that will hopefully make them the go-to for future annual returns. Special packages that offer holiday-inspired dining, accommodations and activities are a huge step in the right direction at these all-important times of the year.

Christmas is the largest of the travel seasons. Travelers are looking for festive towns, cozy winter experiences, shopping, spectacular light displays and live shows. Creating spaces with elevated holiday décor or experiences such as visits from Santa, live reindeer and culturally inspired cuisine are savvy ways to highlight the spirit of the holidays. Let guests know of nearby winter markets, tree lightings and other happenings. Your destination may not be the North Pole, but you can be the next best thing.  

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular multi-gen family travel periods. Travelers often crave long weekend getaways that keep tradition close at heart, but also venture forth with new ways to celebrate the holiday. Diverse menus that go beyond turkey and stuffing give everyone the chance to give thanks surrounded by the people and the flavors they will remember most. Emphasizing nearby shopping, live shows, parades and events is a good idea as well.

When it comes to New Year’s Eve, count on overnight experiences with dining, dancing, and champagne toasts at midnight to be a big draw. Destinations that boast fantastic nightlife, luxury stays, wellness retreats to satisfy those resolutions and chic city celebrations should make marketing efforts center stage during this holiday. If you happen to be one of them, it’s your time to shine.

Other top holiday travel seasons include the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day, where heading to a beach, a lake or a seaside resort takes priority for many. Offering discounted early-summer stays or special all-inclusive themed packages will go a long way. The Fourth of July is another summer standout.  Spotlight nearby fireworks, beaches, festivals and patriotic events. As summer winds down, Labor Day brings a desire for short leisure trips and last-minute beach vacations. Bring focus to your relaxed atmosphere and summer bucket list activities to get the attention of visitors at this time.

Opening the Door for Joyful Returns

Overall, travelers of all cultures and religions like to feel welcomed. Recognizing a variety of holidays — from Christmas to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa — is usually genuinely appreciated and remembered fondly. Because people hold these special days very near and dear and want to treasure them, showcasing experiences can often inspire visitation more than amenities.

Marketing that leans into nostalgia and storytelling is often very effective at sparking an emotional connection. Another best practice is to launch holiday-aimed promotions early, as holiday getaways are generally planned well ahead. Keep in mind that guests who enjoy their stay will many times continue to return each year. And for destinations, that’s the best gift of all.  

Unwrap your destination’s full marketing potential during the holidays and every day with the award-winning team of ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř, backed by 45+ years of marketing expertise.  Let’s talk tourism. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com.

The post Why Holiday Getaways Are a Big Gift for Tourism appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

3 Reasons Travelers Crave Indigenous Food

Where epicures and oenophiles are chasing prestige and luxury on their culinary vacations, travelers centering their trip on Indigenous food are seeking far more meaningful experiences.

They’re Hungry for Authenticity

Have you ever opened the door to your hotel accommodations and felt like it could be a guestroom in Cleveland or Cairo? Or forked up a bite of chicken parm made from the same basic recipe used by just about every eatery in any suburban strip mall? Those are the scenarios these travelers are actively avoiding. Instead, they’re searching for a genuine sense of place and taste. Indigenous food offers the local flavor that fulfills them.

They’re Striving for Sustainability

Minimizing their carbon footprint is also important to these travelers. Due to the hyper-local sourcing behind it, Indigenous food is, by nature, eco-friendly. In-season ingredients aren’t flown or trucked in from hundreds of miles away. They’re harvested or foraged nearby — and zero-waste cooking is always at the heart of their preparation.

They’re Supporting Cultural Preservation

While some corners of the world have held fast to their heritage and culinary traditions, there is always the risk of losing them to time as generations become less and less engaged with their past. When travelers engage in Indigenous food experiences, they’re helping to preserve a community’s unique customs and culture as well as providing economic enrichment.

Indigenous Food Tourism Hot Spots

We gave the globe a spin to bring you examples of travel destinations that are nourished by Indigenous food tourism.

U.S. & Canada

Goodbye burgers and . Hello, bison and foraged berries! Chefs of Native American heritage across the United States and those of First Nations in Canada are bringing their specialties to restaurants and food trucks to cater to culinarily curious travelers. Have a taste for specific Indigenous food examples across our country? Check out . Looking beyond the plate, our neighbors to the north created the to “support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada and address the demand for development and marketing of authentic Indigenous experiences.”

Oaxaca and Yucatán, Mexico

We’re not talking about Taco Tuesdays here. Turning back the clock to civilizations that lived on these lands long, long ago, foods indigenous to this region include dishes made from ancient varieties of corn, complex and traditional cooking methods that include an underground earthen oven (known as the ) by the Maya.

The Peruvian Andes

Home to Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru has long been a world-class destination for travelers interested in the history and culture of the Inca Empire. In addition to seeing these famed sites, visitors can experience , a feast that dates back 7,000 to 8,000 years and consists of marinated meats, potatoes and vegetables cooked by heated stones — individual ingredients vary from region to region.

Australia’s Northern Territory

Down under, “bush tucker” (edible plants native to the land) is big for tourism across . Travelers can sample in Speakers Corner Café, an eatery staffed by Aboriginal people on the ground floor of the Parliament House in Darwin. Collect bush tucker as part of the Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour. Attend the Taste of Kakadu annual festival. Join in the Bush Food Experience in Uluru and much more.

How You Can Serve Up Indigenous Food Experiences

Even if you don’t run a travel-based business in the Australian Outback, you can offer your visitors or guests experiences that pair perfectly with their craving for Indigenous food.

Destinations can host Indigenous food festivals and curate culinary heritage trails. Resorts can source ingredients from Indigenous supply chains as well as host Indigenous chef kitchen takeovers, cooking demonstrations and guided foraging walks. To ensure the authenticity of your offerings (remember, that’s important to these culinary travelers!), we recommend collaborating with and compensating Indigenous partners who can bring deep cultural knowledge to any programming.

Ready to promote Indigenous food tourism in your destination or resort? You can count on Dana, the Hospitality Business Review , to whip up the perfect plan. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com to start a conversation today.

The post Indigenous Food Tourism: Hitting the Spot for Travelers appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

Shifting Gears for Getaways

Gen Alpha isn’t just along for the ride. A recent survey by Beaches Resorts revealed that in an estimated 85% of cases, they are the key decision makers when it comes to family travel — where to go, what to do, where to dine and even where to stay. In other words, in the majority of cases, this group has a big voice in guiding the journey instead of taking a back seat.

The shift may seem a bit unusual, but a large number of parents truly appreciate when their children take the reins in vacation planning. Many view it as an educational experience that encourages engagement, sparks creativity and fosters independence. All of which helps in raising more well-rounded, forward-thinking individuals.

So, with Gen Alpha on board and parents on board, it’s time for destinations to get on board too. What are some of the best ways to stay on track with the influential Gen Alpha traveler while keeping parents happy? A blend of tech, creative experiences, family-friendly accommodations, digital, easy-to-use planning tools and marketing that speaks volumes to both parents and their kids. 

Pave the Road with Experiences

Getaways that offer opportunities to learn a new skill, known as “skillcations”, are in demand for many age groups in 2026, especially Gen Alpha. If your destination offers hands-on experiences or is located in a region that does, let it be known. Putting activities such as cooking or pottery classes, painting workshops, birdwatching, rock climbing, fossil digs, paddleboarding or sailing lessons on your site would be an attention-getter for sure and an overall smart move.

Taking on Techy Terrain

If there’s an app, it’s apt to work for the tech-driven Gen Alpha raised in a world where smartphones and AI are second nature. Self-guided tours, interactive maps, digital scavenger hunts to hidden gems or landmarks near your destination — anything that gives this group something to navigate online builds engagement. Exploration and gamification are at the heart of this very influential group. The more play-based, the better.

Be Choosy with Planning Tools

Another great way to reach Gen Alpha and their parents is through sites and itineraries that emphasize activity selections, design-a-day itineraries or voting on the best excursions. This gives parents the ability to narrow down choices to things they would like to do, and their children the power to choose from those experiences. It’s a win-win for all.

Steer Clear of One-Age Wonders

Because Gen Alpha-inspired trips involve families, now is the time to showcase the amenities at your destination that appeal to all ages. Things like pools, cabanas, game rooms, fire pits, outdoor movie nights, bike rentals, walking trails, live music and seasonal events lead to shared moments to remember across every generation.

Use Two Languages

It’s a balancing act for sure, but messaging should speak to both Gen Alpha and their parents. Best practice is to lead with exciting “must-do” moments, backed with clear body copy that touches on parental concerns of safety, quality and ease. Keep in mind that even though Gen Alpha does have a lot of influence, parents should not be left out. Layer the tone to spotlight trips the whole family will enjoy in their own way. A getaway where younger travelers can explore and parents can relax — so neither side is just along for the ride.

Rev up your marketing with the award-winning expertise of ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř — named 2025 Travel Marketing Agency of the Year by Hospitality Business Review. Let’s talk tourism and the road to success. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117.

The post How Gen Alpha is Driving the Future of Family Travel appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

Grab The Attention Of Social Search Engines

Videos don’t have meta descriptions or title tags, so social search engines rely on multimodal signals to serve them up. These include on-screen text, audio transcriptions, engagement velocity and visual context. Platforms will read overlays, index spoken words and actually “view” imagery on videos. Then social media users do the rest — how quickly they save or share a post also weighs into the equation.

Employ Social Media Search Strategies That Work

You will never (EVER!) hear us advise against creating content for content consumers. But you also need to craft your posts to be discoverable. Here are three strategies to get you there:

Consistency for Search’s Sake

Search is everywhere … and everything. Your website uses relevant keywords — your socials should too. As tempting as it is to caption a post with “Beach vibes only 🏖️” one that says “Discover Bermuda’s secret beaches this summer” will deliver more eyeballs. The same rule applies to your scripts. Weave keywords (naturally and conversationally) into video voiceovers.

Real Content for Real Consumers

Aesthetically, your motivation should be more travel blog than Super Bowl ad. Roll with vertical videos that capture an authentic experience rather than a slick production. Remember that bachelorette party we mentioned earlier? They want social media to serve them ideas for their 3-day trip that align with their interests. Create content around very specific travelers like that.

Micro Influencers for Macro Impact

There are influencers out there with 5,000 to 50,000 followers that already dominate the keywords you want to rank for. Partner with them! The content they create becomes trusted social proof for your brand.

Leverage These SOSEO Tactics Right Now

While the strategies above apply to all social channels, below are some specific tactics that you can immediately execute on your individual platforms:

• TikTok: Use a 3-second hook that answers a common travel question
• Instagram: Create Carousels for searchable itineraries
• YouTube: Write your primary keyword into your raw video file name
• Facebook: Optimize Local Pages to pop up in “near me” searches

Of course, this only scratches the surface of social search optimization. Every day, the Dana team flexes marketing expertise for our clients — and we have the results to prove it. Want to win over travelers with SOSEO? Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com today.

The post Social Search Optimization: How Travel Brands Win With SOSEO appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

3 Key Pillars of Purpose-Driven Travel

As with any target audience, this is not one big homogenous group. It’s made up of individuals who carry deeply personal reasons for pursuing purpose-driven travel. That said, there are three key pillars we’ve identified to help you get to know — and penetrate — the segment.

Growth & Meaning

Rather than lounging by the pool or on the beach (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), these travelers want to proactively better themselves. Whether that’s through acquiring a new talent, achieving mental clarity, expanding their worldview or (most likely) all of these motivations are at play.

Real Connection

Rather than being isolated behind a gate from residents, these visitors truly want to live like and amongst locals. Being immersed in the culture and having actual face-to-face interactions and conversations with the people who call this place home are essential to them.

Conscious Impact

When people travel with purpose, they are very aware of their impact, both negative and positive — especially in regard to sustainability and social responsibility. These travelers prioritize leaving behind a gentle carbon and tourism footprint and strongly believe the dollars they spend should stay within the community to improve the local economy and make life better for those who live there.

Delivering Meaningful Travel Experiences

So, where do destinations and properties come into the picture and how can they capture this audience? You can start by viewing your offerings through this lens and exploring relevant marketing communications strategies. We touch on a handful of approaches below to help spark inspiration.

Lean Into Storytelling

Your property or destination is worth so much more than the sum of its features. Think about what makes your brand uniquely intertwined with the local community. Are you a resort that sources ingredients for its F&B program from area farms or sells goods handmade by local artisans? Does your destination derive its identity from its residents’ personalities?

Partner for Impact

Most hospitality and tourism brands were not inherently built on purpose-driven travel. But, through a strategic partnership, you can offer your guests or visitors meaningful travel experiences. Without a doubt, there is a local non-profit organization doing worthwhile work in your community. Start a dialog to uncover what needs they have and how offering voluntourism packages can benefit you both.

Substantiate Sustainability

Today’s travelers are not having it with . If you’re selling yourself as eco-friendly, you’d better have the credentials to back it up and display them prominently on your website, in your social channels and across your communications. and are two examples for properties. is one for tourism brands. Dive into this to explore even more.

Be In Sync With Messaging

Remember, these travelers value the underrated more than the overtoured as well as having the time and space for self-reflection over following a jam-packed itinerary. Destinations can feature “hidden gems” in their blogs, and resorts can promote the concept of a digital detox stay to hook this committed-to-a-cause audience.

Travel with purpose is not a passing trend or whim. It’s a powerful movement that’s here to stay. As the Hospitality Business Review , we know how to get your strategy aligned with these travelers’ desires. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com to start a conversation today.

The post Travel With Purpose: Marketing To Meaning-Seekers appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

For Destinations it’s More Than Gore

Maybe it’s due to the thrill and curiosity involved, the history behind the ghostly locales or maybe it’s just the fact that people love a great story, but these types of attractions offer experiences that today’s travelers deem well worth the scare. Hotels, restaurants, guided tours and local stores near haunted tourism sites can, in most cases, expect an increase in tourism revenue.

Haunted tourism can also extend the travel season, both daily and seasonally. Nightly tours and events offer activities that increase traffic outside of the typical nine-to-five hours. They can also lead to overnight stays which increases attendance at nearby restaurants and hotels. Seasonally, haunted tourism often stretches beyond the summer months into the fall, where Halloween generates an uptick in infatuation with all things eerie. And there’s nothing to fear about visitors coming back. Both domestic and international visitors who enjoy dark tourism frequently return to attend annual events each year.

Turning Ghost Stories into Opportunities

Other bright sides to dark tourism include the creation of jobs. Think tour guides, local historians and storytellers. Also, because haunted legends often surround old buildings, prisons, battlefields, hotels and mansions, visitation in these areas can lead to renewed interest in revitalization and preservation. Haunted tourism is also very beneficial on an educational level, giving visitors a deeper understanding of real-life historical events. For instance, battlefields, hospitals and homes associated with the American Civil War and American Revolutionary War are popular sites for legendary hauntings.

Destination branding and marketing also get a boost. Haunted stories give these locales a unique identity and narrative that can be spun into a variety of creative marketing opportunities. Niche activities like ghost walks and supernatural festivals keep the local folklore alive. If done well, it can also develop a sense of shared cultural heritage and community spirit rather than just some old stories.  More good news: haunted locations often receive a lot of free publicity via social videos, YouTube and travel influencers, which is always a win-win.

Haunted Tourism Hotspots

Haunted tourism hotspots span the globe. Among the more well-known areas is Salem, Massachusetts, known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.  Salem hosts an annual month-long Halloween festival that runs through October, which draws more than a million visitors who want to learn about the events and see where accused “witches” lived, died or were tried. Walking tours, parades, people in costume and stops at places including the Salem Witch House and the Old Burying Point Cemetery, located next to the Witch Trials Memorial, cast a spell of wonder and fascination throughout the crowds.

New Orleans is also renowned for many things, including its scary side — French Quarter haunts, voodoo-rich traditions and historic cemeteries with tombs above the ground. The spectral ambiance is woven into the culture of this charming city. Whether you’re going for Mardi Gras or a leisurely vacation, expect enigmatic tales, ghostly streets and a city alive with magical energy around every corner.

The bottom line: if your destination has a mysterious past or present, consider highlighting it. Team up with historians or storytellers, host seasonal happenings, develop a ghost tour and promote local lore with mindful, responsible storytelling. Of course, while the goal is ultimately to entertain, being respectful of somber historic events and being cautious when touring older structures are essential best practices. Happy haunting!

Take the fear out of navigating today’s marketing landscape. Team up with the award-winning experience of ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř — named 2025 Travel Marketing Agency of the Year by Hospitality Business Review. Let’s talk tourism. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117.

The post Happy Hauntings: The Bright Side of Dark Tourism appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

Hearing the Silent Traveler

Go Au Naturel

Silent vacationers want to unwind during their trip. They want to connect with the outdoors and focus on wellness activities that benefit their body and relax their mind. Now is the time to promote the aspects of your destination where guests can connect with nature — maybe it’s your resort’s pristine, secluded beaches, bicycling paths or serene nature trails ready to explore.

Stress Places to De-Stress

Offer defined low-noise spaces (indoors and outdoors) for reflection and renewal where silent travelers can delve into a novel, meditate and decompress. Call attention to reading rooms, courtyards, lounges, even rooftop retreats. In addition, point out areas guests can visit nearby, such as parks, museums, libraries and botanical gardens.

Put Big Thought into Small Groups

Make guests aware of curated experiences they can enjoy in less crowded, more intimate groups. Private guided tours of nearby attractions and workshops for cooking, painting or photography are immersive and meaningful ways quietcationers can engage in a calm, focused environment.

Dive into Digital Detox Opportunities

We all want to kick back and unplug sometimes. Silent travelers may crave disconnecting from tech-heavy activities more than most, and especially while on vacation. Emphasize non-digital experiences available at your destination like stargazing, journaling and spa treatments — no apps required.

Remember, Less is More

Many times, quietcationers are not only into lower volume but also into making less of an impact on the environment. Spotlight slow-tourism opportunities, as well as the sustainability and eco-friendly aspects of, or near, your destination, things like sustainable seafood, preserved forests, restaurants that feature locally grown ingredients and more.

Tell Stories, But Make Them Pretty

Get social. And when you do, be sure to showcase your destination’s natural beauty. Nothing leverages marketing efforts quite like a great story — and a great image that supports it. Sunrises, cascading dunes overlooking the ocean, lakes, misty morning landscapes — anything that evokes serenity.

Show a Little Shoulder

Given their desire for fewer crowds and a slower pace, off-peak promotions are a strategic way to dial in on the wants of the silent traveler. Offering special rates or wellness packages during the lesser-traveled shoulder season? Let your audience know about it. Fewer crowds, lower prices and still-pleasant weather are a win-win.

Turn up the volume on your destination with the award-winning team at ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř — named 2025 Travel Marketing Agency of the Year by Hospitality Business Review. Let’s talk tourism. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117.

The post Shhhh, Quietcations Are Here. Is Your Destination All Ears? appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

First, is SMS marketing effective?

Absolutely! Industry studies and surveys have unveiled these compelling statistics:

• 90-98% open rates
• 45% response rates
• 21-35% average click-through rates
• 20-45% conversion rates
• 90% of messages are read within three minutes

Trends to hop on right now

Destination and hospitality brands can and should target travelers at every stage of the customer journey. Here’s how current trends can play into your SMS marketing strategy:

Dreaming

This is your opportunity to inspire wanderlusters before they’ve decided where they’ll be vacationing.

• Send video using RCS (Rich Communication Services) — read up on the tech with explainers from and — to promote visually irresistible spots across your destination or resort.
• Got influencers? Have them share exclusive dispatches from your destination or resort as they are experiencing it. These texts should be written in a casual friend-to-friend style.
• Leverage interest in major events that will be hosted in your destination by having travelers opt in for early access alerts.

Planning

Now that you’ve won over the traveler, you need to ensure their upcoming trip will be all they dreamed of to earn those all-important recommendations and repeat visits. SMS marketing can do the heavy lifting in this stage too:

• Travelers can tap into the power of Agentic AI to seamlessly find and book accommodations, admission to attractions, tours and more.
• Marketers can share snackable content through SMS. Rather than sending a link to a full itinerary or blog post, you can “drip” snippets of the content through a series of texts.
• Or have travelers tell you what interests them by texting, “Ready for your trip? What are you most excited about: A) outdoor recreation, B) dining or C) arts & culture?” When they respond, you can direct them to inspirational content on your website.

Experiencing

Once visitors have arrived in your destination or guests have checked in to your property, there are several ways to boost their spending through text communications:

• Employ RCS to send a scrollable carousel of activities, events or attractions for visitors to plan their days.
• Using zero-party data, Agentic AI can serve a traveler or guest with a triggered text that promotes things to do based on their proven personal interests.
• Share a digital passport that allows visitors to check in to participating attractions and collect points that can be redeemed for rewards.

Sharing

After travelers return home, they are ripe for messages reminding them of the amazing experience they just had. This is the time to lock in those positive feelings through SMS marketing:

• As they’re leaving, send an RCS message that allows the traveler to share a digital postcard with family and friends.
• Make the memories last by sharing a link to a curated playlist.
• Stay top-of-mind with milestone messaging along the lines of “It’s been a year since you’ve visited, and we miss you.”

The future of SMS marketing

As you probably gathered by now, RCS is becoming the next-generation, more powerful alternative to SMS thanks to its ability to share higher-resolution, more engaging content. Agentic AI will also play a role in its all-in-one approach to searching and directly booking experiences. Brands will also have access to zero-party data that allows them to reach travelers with personalized targeting — even before the dreaming phase kicks back in.

If you’re feeling FOMO right now, relax. As the Hospitality Business Review , Dana has the know-how to quickly develop and execute a results-getting SMS marketing strategy for your brand. To start the convo, contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com today.

The post OMG SMS Marketing Trends: What You Need To Know Right Now appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.

Why Trigger Emails Work with Today’s Traveler

Today’s travelers live in a world where timely, tailored information is delivered to them multiple times a day. Unlike generic marketing blasts, trigger emails are based on and appeal to a traveler’s distinctive actions, behaviors and milestones. It’s like you’re speaking directly to them, which is exactly what this market is geared to respond to.

For example, if someone spends time viewing your destination’s site, a trigger email can send current package offers which may be enough to entice a booking. Basically, by showing up at the right moment with personalized nudges, savvy destinations increase the odds of moving visitors from inspiration to itinerary.

Relevance Equals Effectiveness

Emails based on what the traveler just did, whether it’s a just-booked getaway or a viewed vacation package, feel personal, not promotional. These are things that matter to them in the present moment, so it’s information that feels useful — not random or spammy. In the world of emails, a combination of relevancy and timeliness equals effectiveness.

Travel is also, for many, an emotional decision. Trigger emails show attention, recognition and care. They acknowledge the traveler’s actions, anticipate needs, and they feel one-to-one, not mass-sent. An email that makes people feel important is more apt to spur interaction. Triggers like anniversaries, birthdays or other milestones are ways to make your audience feel a little more special. They also offer chances to reward loyalty and reinforce trust with your destination or brand.

Because travel decisions are time sensitive, trigger emails that meet prospective visitors exactly where they are in the planning journey can be very effective. They can even reduce stress by offering timely information like hotel check-in details and packing tips. It’s no surprise that emails of this type have higher open and click-through rates than general marketing emails.

Some Examples of Automated Tourism Emails

• Trip planning and inspiration
• Custom reminders: Still dreaming of dipping your toes in the sand this summer?
• Welcome emails for new mailing list subscribers
• Limited-time offers or availability alerts for a viewed hotel
• Seasonal planning emails (spring getaways, holiday markets, summer vacations)
• Follow-ups to those who requested a guide or downloaded an itinerary
• Nudges toward events, attractions and eateries to enjoy near your destination
• A post-visit thank you with suggestions for things to do on their next visit

Best Practices to Trigger Bookings

A strong subject line is key to having the email opened. Speak to the reader directly. For the email itself, clear language and simple CTAs are usually best. No need to get too fancy. In addition to personalizing content by past behavior, tailoring according to travel interests — like outdoorsy adventurers, summer vacationers or city explorers — can increase relevance and engagement.

When it comes to the automated email arena, partnering with an experienced marketing agency that handles everything from strategy to execution is paramount. A well-designed plan would include copywriting, design, segmentation and personalization, automation triggers, platform setup, testing and optimization — from pre-planning to post-trip.

Boost your bookings with the award-winning team of ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř — named 2025 Travel Marketing Agency of the Year by Hospitality Business Review. Let’s talk tourism. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117.

The post Booked, Not Just Browsed: Email Marketing Automation for Destinations appeared first on ş¬Đ߲ÝÉçÇř.