Which Vancouver Island Businesses and Industries Benefit From Tourism Marketing? 

1. Hotels: Whether a chain or a small boutique establishment, the hotel industry runs on people. You want to attract people to your hotel specifically and so tourism marketing is essential for hotel management and operations. 
2. Restaurants: Target your ideal client base, let your industry know about changes, specials, and what’s fresh at your establishment, all of this can be achieved with tourism marketing.
3. Activity-based industries:  Making sure your business is well talked about makes all the difference, and tourism marketing can absolutely achieve that. Make sure to have places for sign ups and interaction and spread the word about your business through word of mouth and well placed flyers.
4. Agriculture & farms: When it’s time for farmers and agriculture workers to offload their yearly crops, marketing is essential in today’s world. Gone are the days where a roadside stand will do the trick, and it’s best to make the most of the landscape of tourism marketing to bring foot traffic, and happy clients, to your doors. 
5. Wineries & breweries: An industry that you wouldn’t think would need much marketing, tourism marketing for breweries and wineries makes sure that your reservations are filled and your events are well attended and well thought of. 
6. Events & festivals: Having an organic reach to spread the word about your event is great, but tourism marketing can help skyrocket your attendance, lock in ticket sales, and spread the word to markets you might not have even considered. 

Our Favorite Things To Do on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and that’s a fact! Surrounded by crashing waves and expansive beaches, with cozy little towns nestled all across the beautiful landscape of this island that so many call home. You’ll never be low on activities in this bustling, active and vibrant corner of the west coast. From Tofino to Victoria, the island life is enchanting, and you can really only see why for yourself!

Rifflandia, Phillips Weekender, and all Music Festivals

Victoria is a musical city, and the variety makes it easy for anyone to find their groove all year round! Behind the legendary Phillips Brewery tucked away from prying eyes, you’ll find music festivals happening throughout the spring and summer months, from the Backyard Weekender, showcasing the best in Canadian rock, hip hop and indie music. This also serves as one of many venues for Victoria’s illustrious Rifflandia! Riff has cemented itself as a powerhouse in the west coast festival scene bringing artists like Macklemore, De La Soul, Current Swell, Cake, and even Mel B of the Spice Girls and Paris Hilton! The fun doesn’t stop there, with Victoria staples like the Ska & Reggae Fest, Symphony Splash, Jazz Fest, and annual Canada Day celebrations on the lawn of the legislature building, featuring past artists like Feist, Sarah Mclachlan, and more!

Hatley Castle & Memorial Gardens

With a rich history, lush gardens, and grounds that have served as, among other things, a military college, and backdrops for some of your favourite movies and TV shows including various X-Men movies and shows like Smallville and Arrow, Hatley Castle is a must see for visitors to Victoria. Boasting three unique garden areas to relax and take in scenery, and spanning 200 feet there is plenty to take in. 

The Palms Restaurant & Lounge

Looking for an elegant, sophisticated date night experience? The Palms Restaurant & Lounge is Victoria’s best date spot, with a unique cocktail menu and gourmet dishes to satisfy every palate. Located just inside the Hotel Rialto, with high ceilings and intricate furnishings. Just after something small? Uncork a bottle of local wine and dig into the signature pairings by Chef Kevin, designed to share!

Abigail’s Hotel 

Located three blocks from Victoria’s Inner Harbour and a stone’s throw from downtown, come experience the ultimate boutique experience at Abigail’s Hotel. The totally unique experience is open to adult’s only, and combines the old world charm and romantic luxury in a 1930s style Tudor Mansion complete with all the comforts you could ask for. Delight in a sumptuous breakfast experience in the morning, where the menu changes daily to offer only the best in local fare with dietary restricted options for all. With specials for mid-week stays, or extended stays, they have your comfort in mind first. 

Malahat Skywalk

Treat yourself to the ultimate island experience with the Malahat Skywalk, located between Mill Bay and Victoria right on the Malahat highway. Take in the breathtaking 360 degree views of some of the island’s most beautiful scenery as you walk up to 250 metres above sea level, soaking in views of Mount Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and see islands in two different countries at once. When you reach the top, take the exhilarating slide down to the bottom, making quick work of the trek up. Book online or drop in today!

Tourism Marketing Techniques That Work

• Print marketing and brochures:  Sometimes the old ways are there for a reason. Tried, true and proven to work, print marketing is a surefire way to maximize your foot traffic. Liaising with other local businesses that complement yours to share materials in common spaces is a great way to expand your footprint and let people know about you. 
• Fully optimized websites: Websites are the foundation of a good business, and in the tourism industry it can be the deciding factor! Make sure to have a fully integrated booking system, contact page, interactive maps and highlights of your services, easy to use on desktop or mobile on the go. 
• Coupons, referrals, and incentives:  Everybody loves a bargain, especially one they can share with their friends and family. Rewards, incentives and coupons are some excellent ways to showcase your business and drive clients in, and rewarding those existing clients for bringing in new business is key, a robust referral program can really make all the difference when onboarding new clients. 
• Social media management:  Your social media presence is gold, and that goes double in the tourism industry. A large chunk of your website traffic comes from a robust, fresh social media account, and sometimes that requires some help! A dedicated social media manager will make sure that aspect is being handled while you focus on the day to day operations.
• Newsletter marketing:  Sometimes social media just doesn’t have enough space! This industry is full of updates that sometimes need a bit more space and time put into it. Consider newsletter marketing! A weekly, monthly, or quarterly newsletter can keep your clients, prospective and current, abreast of the events, specials, and deals that you’re offering. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it works. 
• Google and Meta advertising: Your phone holds the key to so many markets you haven’t even thought of yet. Advertising is a fine art, and getting your name and face into as many markets as you can is a key strategy to getting you those clicks. Make sure it’s eye-catching, make sure it’s clear, and make sure it’s representative of your brand and services. 

Get A Quote on Digital Marketing for Vancouver Island Tourism Businesses

This all might seem overwhelming, and to be frank, it can be! So why not let the team at VDM give you a consultation about how digital marketing would be beneficial to your specific needs and clientele. Big or small, we can help your business thrive.