Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism’s Post

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Jessica Bernhardt, DMCA, our Director of Partnership & Development, attended the Burlington Travel and Tourism Summit and she definitely has something to share! Here are some of the learnings from this event: "Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Burlington Travel and Tourism Summit, and one key takeaway left a lasting impression: The power and positive impact of community marketing. It reminded me of when I attended a Governors Conference on Tourism a year or two after 9/11 and learned how the hotel and tourism industry in Philadelphia came together, aligned on a value proposition, took action, launched a campaign and became one of the only destinations in the country to increase occupancy during an awful time. All because of the power of strategy and working together as one destination and not competitors during a need time for all. The message was clear—bringing tourism to a destination isn’t only about your individual hotel, It’s about your destination story to attract visitors. For example: The town I live in is currently in the process of conceptualizing becoming a Christmas Village Destination, all because, keyword research results showed THAT is what comes up as one of the most searched long tail terms for Vermont... over 20 merchants have been asked to participate and they are all-in. The future benefits of local business, hotels, restaurants etc.. Exciting! One of the standout ideas was the importance of collaboration on social media and encouraging local audiences to share local hotel posts and their experiences at your hotel and destination. Individual hotel ads don't just promote the hotel, they attract more visitors, enrich experiences, and ultimately grow the local economy for everyone. For anyone in the travel and tourism industry, I encourage you to think about how you can work together. What strategic partnerships or joint value proposition in your community can you build ad campaigns around to promote your hotel/destination? Collaboration is key, and when a community thrives, all thrive. " About the event: https://lnkd.in/eQEqvGPU #Travel #Tourism #CommunityMarketing #helloburlington

If you wanted to know more about what I do, check out our latest blog post on why you should check out your local tourism office! #ChicagoNW #TheMoreYouKnow

Great article on why to follow your local CVB!

Encouraging people to travel differently is challenging and takes extra effort. But my team and I are determined. My goal is to establish niche events as the norm by: - discovering new locations, - diving into the local culture, - integrating educational activities unique to each destination.   Here are three practical steps we take when organising events in new destinations: 1. Did you know that Google Maps can propose the greenest route to your destination? Instead of choosing the fastest itinerary from point A to point B, we choose the most sustainable route for our events. It's a different way of approaching the concept of Slow Travel. It's better to take a bit longer to travel somewhere if you know it's better for the environment.     2. Once a destination is selected, our focus shifts to: - Reducing emissions, - Enriching the experience with local seasonal activities, - Ensuring the event contributes positively to the local community. For instance, our project 'Creando si impara' not only promotes sustainable tourism but also involves participants in revitalising the historic Feudo S. Pietro in Milazzo, Sicily. Through experiential workshops and courses, this initiative fosters a sustainable business model and innovative hospitality that benefits attendees and the local community.     3. By default, we distribute our reusable water bottles to our clients at every event. This way, attendees can refill at the event venue, at the hotel or around the streets, as Italy is full of drinking fountains with free fresh water!   -- I would love to hear about your experiences or ideas on how we can amplify our collective impact towards sustainability. Please share your thoughts! #SustainableEvents #EventPlanning #DMCProfs

Want to turn your next trip into an unforgettable journey? Experiential travel is the key to truly connecting with your destination. Here are some tips to dive deeper into local cultures Skip the big hotel chains and choose homestays or locally-owned accommodations. This supports the local economy and offers a more authentic experience. You'll connect with hosts and gain unique insights into the local way of life. Opt for tours led by local guides instead of generic ones. Local guides provide firsthand knowledge about their community's history, culture, and hidden gems, leading to more meaningful interactions and a richer understanding of the area. Try something new! Take a cooking class, learn the local language, or join a traditional craft workshop. Hands-on experiences with locals can be the highlight of your trip, creating lasting memories. Volunteering is a rewarding way to connect with your destination on a deeper level. Research reputable organizations to ensure your efforts benefit the local community directly. Experiential travel is not about checking places off a list. It's about feeling the pulse of a place, understanding its essence, and forming connections that will stay with you long after you return home. On your next trip, venture beyond the tourist traps and embrace the power of experiential travel!  #travel #experientialtravel #makeadifference #culturalimmersion

Another example of how the hospitality and tourism industry plays a vital role in shaping the future by actively supporting the next generation of professionals. Through partnerships, internships, scholarships, and hands-on learning opportunities, the industry provides students with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to thrive in their careers. By investing in the education and development of future leaders, the industry not only fosters innovation but also ensures a sustainable and resilient future for hospitality and tourism, where today’s students will become tomorrow’s changemakers. 💙💚

Why do so many incredible destinations remain overlooked? Online platforms offer a lot of information on hotels and transport. But niche insights are harder to come by. Often, this is due to a tendency to stick to familiar, easy-to-sell destinations. That's where a Destination Management Company (DMC) like Italian Special Occasions steps in. For example, I leverage our local knowledge and connections to: > Provide insider information on authentic venues and recommend the best season-region combinations to avoid overtourism. > Be an innovator, crafting out-of-the-box events in surprising places with experiences that reflect the true essence of the destination. This approach helps event planners and leisure travellers explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and promotes responsible tourism and event management. I believe the value of a DMC is enormous because it can be a time saver, a one-stop-shop and thus a money saver. If you are aiming for a quality and successful event, remember that the price of a DMC includes years of expertise, careful selection of products, and a deep connection with local communities, offering much more than standard services available online. -- Are you curious to learn more about what it takes to plan an event that stands out in Italy? I share practical ideas and case studies in my newsletter, you can subscribe via the link in my bio. #DMCProfs #AuthenticExperiences #EventPlanner

Check out our latest Top Incentive Destinations and Experiences report by The Collective! #bcdme

It's here! 🎉😍 🌟 The much anticipated Top Incentive Destinations & Experiences guide from The Collective is now live! 👏 👏 👏 Make sure you download your copy to find out what could be the perfect place for your next incentive. #incentives #incentivetravel #rewardingexperiences