Canada Day, presents a fantastic marketing opportunity for DMOs to attract international visitors. Here are some ways a DMO can leverage this event:
Here are some AI-generated tips on how to maximise the potential of Canada Day in your marketing calendar.
Pre-Canada Day Excitement:
- Create themed content: Develop blog posts, social media campaigns, and email newsletters highlighting Canadian culture, iconic landmarks, and must-try experiences. Share stories of past Canada Day celebrations in your destination to pique viewers' interest.
- Partner with travel influencers: Collaborate with Canadian travel influencers or those with a large Canadian audience to showcase your destination. Organize familiarization trips or host influencer contests around Canada Day activities.
- Offer special Canada Day packages: Design travel packages that bundle flights, accommodation, and entry to Canada Day festivities or local attractions. Promote these packages through targeted advertising and partnerships with travel agencies.
- Run social media contests: Organise contests on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook,encouraging users to share their favorite Canadian memories or photos using a designated hashtag. Offer prizes related to travel or Canada Day merchandise.
Canada Day Festivities:
- Organize unique Canada Day events: Host live music performances, cultural shows, food festivals, or sporting events with a Canadian twist. These events can attract both locals and tourists, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- Partner with local businesses: Collaborate with restaurants, bars, and shops to offer Canada Day-themed menus, decorations, and promotions. Encourage them to showcase Canadian hospitality and culture.
- Promote social media sharing: Set up photo booths or designated selfie spots at your events and encourage visitors to share their experiences using your destination's hashtag. This creates organic reach and user-generated content.
- Offer exclusive Canada Day experiences: Partner with local tourism operators to offer unique experiences like guided tours, cooking classes, or wildlife viewing activities that celebrate Canadian culture and nature.
Post-Canada Day
- Capture leads and retargeting: Encourage visitors to sign up for your email list or newsletter during Canada Day events. This allows you to retarget them with future promotions and special offers.
- Share Canada Day memories: Compile photos and videos from your Canada Day events and share them on your website and social media channels. This keeps your destination fresh in visitors' minds and encourages them to book future trips.
- Track and measure results: Analyze the engagement and reach of your Canada Day marketing campaigns to understand what worked well and what could be improved for future years.
By implementing these strategies, DMOs can effectively leverage Canada Day as a marketing opportunity to attract international visitors and boost tourism during the peak summer season. Remember to tailor your approach to your specific destination's unique offerings and target audience for maximum impact.
