Think Like A Visitor

Sustainability Starts Here: Equipping CVBs to Protect What Makes a Place Worth Visiting Convention & Visitors Bureaus do more than bring people to a place—they help define what that place is, and why it’s worth the journey. In a world where destinations can rise or fall on the quality of their visitor experience and the health of their environment, sustainability is no longer a side project. It's central to the mission. But sustainability can feel like a vague concept. For a CVB that’s busy chasing leads and booking rooms, what does it look like in real terms? The answer begins with giving them the right kind of information. 1.   Map the Impact, Not Just the Footfall Most CVBs know how many visitors came, where they came from, and how long they stayed. That’s baseline. What they often lack is insight into   how those visitors affected the destination. Data partners and local universities can help measure environmental pressure points—like trail overuse, downtown congestion...

For many destination marketing organizations, the goal has always been clear: attract visitors. But what happens after the visit? Too often, the relationship ends at checkout or the final photo posted on Instagram. The missed opportunity isn’t just in return visits—it’s in the lasting impression your destination leaves behind. In an increasingly experience-driven world, the memories visitors carry home are part of your brand. If you’re not staying connected post-trip, you’re not just missing future visits —you’re losing advocates who could be telling your story for you. Here are a few strategies to keep the conversation going—after the moment has passed: 1. Create a Post-Trip Email Series That Feels Personal Don’t just send a thank you email—start a relationship. Within days of their visit, follow up with a short series of messages that includes: A recap of their experience (based on what they booked or did) A “hidden gems you might have missed” list to spark FOMO (fear of missing out)...

As tourism professionals, we know a visitor’s guide is more than just a brochure—it’s a storytelling tool, a first impression, and a cornerstone of many Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) strategies. But in today’s digital-first, user-review-driven world, it’s worth taking a fresh look at both the strengths and limitations of the traditional DMO-produced visitor guide. Here’s a breakdown that might help us t hink like a visitor— and refine how we approach this valuable but evolving resource.   What Works Well  1. Authority and Trust  When done right, a visitor guide serves as an authoritative source of truth about the destination. It provides curated content that reflects deep local knowledge, seasonal trends, and community assets—things that generic travel platforms often miss. Visitors trust this kind of content, especially when it’s presented in a polished, professional way.   2. A Beautiful, Unified Brand Message  DMOs have the advantage of ...