Guest Post: What top tourism boards can teach us about digital

Combining user experience with engaging and inspirational content is key, says Smartvel chief executive, Inigo Valenzuela

Combining user experience with engaging and inspirational content is key, says Smartvel chief executive, Inigo Valenzuela

There are an unlimited number of online resources travellers can use to plan and book their holidays. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TripAdvisor are great sources of information and inspiration, but with so much potential coming from digital channels, destinations should be able to provide the perfect solution to their potential and current visitors.

Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) need to highlight the great things their exciting city has to offer and make it as welcoming as possible and their website is fundamental to their marketing strategy. In most cases it’s the travel bureau’s first point of contact for the traveller so they need to make the biggest impact.

A great user experience, together with engaging and inspirational content is key. There is so much we can learn from the most visited destinations in the world when it comes to web performance. Smartvel, the leading destination content technology provides, has published the report Digital Best practices from top tourism boards, that DMOs should follow if they look to ramp up their website.

1. Language

Very important. English is the international language of course, but offering a variety of languages on your website is key to delivering a better experience. Searching in your native language makes it easier for users to find what they are looking for.

2. Images and videos

It’s all about the visuals. High quality beautiful images and videos are what grabs people’s attention. Yes, you need some copy in there too but keep it short. Users want great pictures and inspirational videos. Blurry or poor quality images will turn people away.

3. Mobile and App Versions

Travelport Digital’s Mobile Travel Trends 2019 report focused on the ‘Battle for the Phono sapien’ – the mobile-first customers who look at their phone every 12 minutes. According to eMarketer, by 2021 mobile will represent nearly half of all digital travel sales.

Travellers are looking for a joined-up experience wherever and whenever they engage, and this includes apps. DMOs who are not investing enough in mobile will fall behind. Invest in a mobile version of your site. It enables users to navigate smoothly and easily on a small screen. Apps enable users to be one click away from the information you provide, being able to access it as their own guide.

4. Trip Planner

Travellers want to facilitate their trip planning. A simple tool will simplify the process and make itinerary planning an enjoyable experience. Go Tokyo. is a great example. They have a trip planner that enable users to select their favourite experiences and build their own travel itineraries.

5. Dynamic Content

Many DMO sites contain content that is static – sites, attractions, restaurants and so on. Travellers want up to the minute information on local events, concerts, theatres and much more. By including dynamic information on your site users are able to add unique experiences to their itineraries.

An events calendar is a great way to display this information and the City of Buenos Aires website is a great example. The site provides a complete Trip Planning solution and app for all citizens and visitors. It includes an option to create personalised itineraries, booking tours and activities directly on the platform, sharing content via email or across social media.

6. Guides

Every traveller needs inspiration at some point, so by developing your own guides you can help visitors explore all of the great things your destination has to offer. Themed guides such as “Like a local guide” can help to promote the local market and share a unique experience with the traveller. Seoul does this very well, sharing guides and maps in different languages

7. Categories

Make your content clear and easy to navigate. Users can easily get lost when having to navigate through many groups of content, so divide it. Create the most suited categories for your destination to help them find what they are looking for in just a few clicks.

8. Geolocation

Include an online map by adding geolocation to your content. Travellers want to guide themselves with a map, not just stare at an extract. It saves them time and adds to their overall experience.

Download the full report The Smartvel Digital Best practices from top tourism boards.