In today’s digital world, a photo isn’t just a snapshot—it’s a chance to inspire wanderlust, generate thousands of likes, and maybe even lock in a few bookings! With people endlessly scrolling Instagram for travel ideas, it’s more important than ever for tourism marketers to spotlight the most photogenic spots in their destinations. By showcasing “Instagram-worthy” locations, you can attract travel influencers, inspire visitors, and give your tourism a meaningful boost. Here’s a guide with easy tips to help you uncover and promote the most picture-perfect places in your area.
Discover the Hidden Gems
While famous landmarks are nice, visitors often remember the off-the-beaten-path spots. Seek out unique, lesser-known places that show off your destination’s authentic charm—a cozy garden, a colorful backstreet, a quiet viewpoint where the world feels miles away. These hidden gems give travelers something different, adding depth and discovery to their stories and creating stunning photo opportunities.
Pro Tip: List these hidden gems on your website and social media. Use hashtags like #HiddenGems or #OffTheBeatenPath to help travelers easily find them.
Highlight the Scenic Views
Who can resist a beautiful view? Whether it’s an ocean sunset, a sweeping mountain range, or a still, mirror-like lake, scenic viewpoints have a way of capturing hearts and cameras alike. Encourage visitors to check out these spots and capture the natural beauty that practically begs to be photographed.
Insider Tip: Offer some local insight—like the best time of day to go. Early mornings often promise peaceful, empty spaces with beautiful lighting.
Promote Unique Experiences
Travelers are always looking for experiences that are as shareable as they are memorable. Highlight activities that don’t just look good but are fun and engaging, too—a vibrant food festival, quirky street art, or a hands-on cooking class featuring local ingredients. These experiences create connections with your destination and capture snapshots visitors will cherish and share.
Make It Easy for Travelers to Share
Set up backdrops that just beg for a photo! Create eye-catching displays, like vibrant murals, funky sculptures, or flower walls, that give travelers a ready-made photo op. These installations make capturing a memory effortless and offer visitors an irresistible invitation to snap and share.
Engagement Tip: Host a photo contest and encourage visitors to share their best shots at these backdrops. You can offer a prize or simply feature the winning shots on your social media (with permission from the photographer, of course).
Use Hashtags
Hashtags are essential for discoverability on Instagram. Encourage visitors to use specific hashtags tied to your destination and geotag their photos. This way, people can explore all the beautiful moments others have captured in your area and be inspired to visit.
Marketing Tip: Develop a unique, branded hashtag for your destination and promote it alongside popular travel hashtags to extend your reach and connect your posts to a broader audience.
Be Authentic
Sure, polished, perfect images look great, but authenticity is what really draws people in. So be authentic. Be you!
What makes your destination special? Share photos that show just how authentic you are, including the culture, local bites, hidden gems to visit, and unique things to do.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it. We live in a visual world, and images are at the heart of marketing.
The goal is simple. To inspire wanderlust by making it easy for visitors to share their special moments.
Whether you are promoting a cozy cabin, adventure tour, or epic sunrise view, let your destination’s unique charm shine through Instagram-worthy visuals! Here’s to happy promoting!