Boost Activity Bookings: Optimise Local Networking in Your Neighbourhood
Often, the potential for increasing activity bookings from your local area is underestimated. By focusing on building strong relationships and exploring opportunities right in your neighborhood, you can unlock significant growth. Here’s how to effectively network within your community to enhance your booking rates:
1. Partner with Local Accommodations and Restaurants
Travelers seek more than just a place to stay—they want memorable experiences and great dining options. Forge strong connections with local hotels, guest houses, and restaurants to tap into this market.
Action Steps:
- Collaborate on Promotions: Work together to offer joint promotions, specials, or packages, particularly during off-peak seasons.
- Referral Agreements: Set up a referral commission system for bookings made through these partners.
- Cross-Promotion: Feature each other’s brochures and links on websites and social media platforms to increase visibility.
We’ve developed ActivityBridge to streamline this process. By integrating with NightsBridge, local accommodations can now seamlessly offer your activities during their booking process, earning a commission for each activity booked.
2. Build a Local Referral Network with Activity Providers
Creating a referral network with other local activity businesses is a powerful way to boost bookings. This network allows you to recommend activities to customers and receive referrals in return.
Action Steps:
- Establish Agreements: Negotiate commission rates for successful referrals between businesses.
- Share Referrals: Recommend complementary activities to your customers and benefit from reciprocal recommendations.
3. Engage with Local Businesses
Identify and connect with local businesses that might require activities for their employees or guests. Business parks, corporate offices, and large franchises are prime targets.
Action Steps:
- Direct Outreach: Contact decision-makers responsible for booking activities and offer direct booking options through your website.
- Special Rates: Provide exclusive rates for local businesses or create a special login for tour operators to access discounted rates.
4. Leverage Local Media and Social Media
Utilize local media outlets and social media to promote your activities. Many towns have community websites and local listings that are cost-effective for advertising.
Action Steps:
- Update Local Listings: Ensure your business is featured on local tourism and community websites.
- Engage on Social Media: Regularly post updates, specials, and engaging content on local business and accommodation Facebook pages. Tweet about your activities and tag local businesses to create buzz.
5. Join Local Tourism and Business Associations
Membership in local tourism or business associations can provide valuable networking opportunities and keep you informed about key issues affecting local tourism.
Action Steps:
- Participate Actively: Engage in association meetings and contribute to discussions on improving local tourism infrastructure.
- Utilize Resources: Leverage association platforms to connect with other local businesses and stay updated on community issues.
Focusing on local networking and building relationships within your neighborhood can significantly increase your activity bookings. By partnering with local businesses, creating referral networks, and engaging with your community through media and associations, you set the stage for long-term success and increased visibility. Start implementing these strategies today to see a boost in your local bookings and enhance your tourism business’s growth.
Ready to take your local networking to the next level? Contact us to get started! 🚀