Summer means traveling for many people. When out-of-towners come to your city do you have any recreation programs available for them?
I’m guessing that if people are coming to your area for vacation there are things to do for them. I’m also guessing that you don’t have programs for tourists. Why not? You are the parks and recreation department aren’t you? Or maybe you’re a YMCA or other recreation organization.
Here are 5 programs for tourists that you can run:
- A day-long program of games, crafts and more at the biggest hotel in your area.
- A van tour of the area with stops for some fun and recreation.
- An evening travelogue presentation of attractions in your area. A large hotel may pay you to do this for their guests or allow you to advertise at their hotel in exchange.
- Day passes to your camps as an option for visiting youth.
- Movies or music in the park, or other community event that will attract residents and tourists.
Here are 5 ways you can promote your programs to tourists:
- Send postcards to residents. They may have family visiting and you want your residents to know about the programs you have for their loved ones.
- Place ads in hotel rooms. Work with your local hotels to get your information in the rooms. You may be able to do the travelogue in exchange for ads in the room.
- Create a short video that can be viewed on the welcome channels at the local hotels.
- Place advertising at the front desks of the hotels.
- Pay a commission to front desk agents and bellman for referrals. Having worked in the hotel industry I know this one works. Front office staff are always looking for ways to make a little extra money. They will call certain cabs if they know the cab driver will tip them and they will push attraction tickets if there is a commission to be had. Don’t overlook this one. Get the staff to work for you.
