Today, digital technology is infused throughout nearly every aspect of the tourism ecosystem. From online booking platforms and virtual tours to social media and community building, most tourists now use multiple digital tools to book, plan, and share their travel experiences.
In this article, we’ll review how digital technology is transforming the tourism space; specifically, how teams within the hospitality and tourism industry can leverage digital technology to engage customers and optimise experiences. Our conversation will cover three key areas: digital marketing and promotion, digital experiences and blended spaces, and data analytics and insights.
Digital marketing and promotion
There is no question that, in today’s marketplaces, digital advertising is the primary way for tourism professionals to connect with customers. Digital advertising covers a wide range of channels and mediums, including websites, digital ads and commercials, social media, and emails. Not only does digital marketing make it possible for hotels, airlines, restaurants, museums, and other tourist attractions to reach a wider audience, it gives them flexibility to curate their messaging for different groups or regions, and it enables them to interact with their customers in real (or near-real) time.
And aside from so-called ‘owned channels,’ where tourism-dependent businesses can advertise their services, the rise of peer reviews and online communities have revolutionized the way that people plan and experience tourism. Now more than ever, tourists are relying upon reviews and forums to research, compare, and book their travel experiences. It’s incredibly important, therefore, that tourism-dependent businesses remain active and engaged with their communities online.
Digital experiences and blended spaces
Many tourists expect a digitally enhanced and decidedly modern travel experience. Digital screens, kiosks, projections, and augmented or virtual reality are becoming increasingly common across many of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. For example, tourists can now utilise virtual reality technology to explore ancient ruins, and see what they would have looked like hundreds or thousands of years ago.
But blended experiences aren’t always so obvious, sometimes they’re subtle: think of a screen on a bus or a boat giving you information about the sites you’re passing, or an interactive kiosk at a museum or gallery that allows you to engage with an exhibit. Digital experiences are everywhere, and it’s up to teams operating within the tourism industry to decide how to leverage them to create the most engaging and memorable experiences for visitors and guests.
Data analytics and insights
One major benefit of digital tourism is the data and insights that it generates. Digital tools for booking travel or excursions, planning trips, and sharing experiences are constantly collecting and analyzing data about customer patterns and preferences. With the right platform, teams can harness these insights and use them to make data-driven decisions about how to best engage their customers.
Some digital tools even offer integrations with other business platforms, to empower a 360-degree view into your tourism ecosystem. By integrating and understanding data from different channels and platforms, you can more meaningfully explore the interconnectedness of your wider activities, making it possible for you to further optimize your offerings.
Doing digital tourism well with purpose-built, intelligent technology
Doing digital tourism well depends on the quality of the technology that you choose. By opting for intelligent tools and platforms, you’re ensuring that your teams and customers will enjoy a digital experience that’s seamless, engaging, and memorable.
Yodeck is the first and only intelligent digital signage platform. Cloud-powered and built for frictionless adoption, it’s been designed to make curating digital experiences fast, easy, and flexible. With free apps and templates and features like remote content scheduling and management, it’s a critical piece of your digital tourism strategy.
Whether you’re relying upon digital signage for marketing and promotions, for creating blended experiences, or for data and analytics, Yodeck offers an industry-defining platform that ensures quick, easy adoption and maximum return on your investment in digital screens.
To learn more about the features and capabilities of Yodeck, just visit this page.
And when you’re ready to try Yodeck for yourself, just sign up for free.
*Katie Rose Hester is a senior content strategist and writer working with product-led businesses bringing interesting, helpful innovations to market.