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Boost Your Tourism Business with These Proven Social Media Strategies

  • Writer: Kirsty Dryburgh
    Kirsty Dryburgh
  • Jul 20
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 23

In today’s digital-first world, travelers no longer wait for brochures or billboards to plan their next escape—they’re scrolling through Instagram, watching YouTube travel vlogs, and browsing Facebook reviews. If you’re in the tourism business and not actively using social media, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools to reach and convert your audience.

Here are proven social media strategies to supercharge your tourism business and turn followers into loyal guests.


1. Highlight Unique Experiences, Not Just Locations

People don’t just book destinations—they book experiences. Social media is your stage to showcase what makes your tourism offering unforgettable.

  • Use Instagram Stories or Reels to highlight behind-the-scenes moments.

  • Share immersive videos of cultural tours, food adventures, or wildlife encounters.

  • Feature user-generated content to show authentic guest experiences.


Pro Tip: Start a hashtag for your business and encourage guests to tag you. For example, #ExploreWithBothy could promote user stories you reshare.


2. Leverage the Power of Video Content

Video content is dominating every social platform—from Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and YouTube. For tourism businesses, this is a goldmine.

  • Create short, engaging reels (15–30 seconds) that showcase a day in the life of a traveler at your destination.

  • Use time-lapse videos for sunrises, hiking trails, or bustling markets.

  • Feature travel vlogs and testimonials from influencers or happy customers.


Pro Tip: Add subtitles to every video. A majority of users scroll without sound!


3. Use Facebook & Instagram Ads to Target the Right Audience

Organic reach is great, but if you want to scale up, paid social ads are your best friend. Meta’s powerful targeting tools let you reach people by:

  • Location (targeting international or local tourists)

  • Interests (like travel, hiking, beaches, or adventure)

  • Behaviors (frequent travelers, travel booking patterns)

Run campaigns to promote seasonal packages, early bird discounts, or exclusive experiences.


4. Optimize Your Google Business Profile and Encourage Reviews

While this isn’t technically “social media,” platforms like Google and TripAdvisor have a huge impact on customer decisions—and they’re often linked or visible through social platforms.

  • Claim and update your Google Business Profile with accurate info, images, and operating hours.

  • Ask happy guests to leave reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, then reshare these testimonials on Instagram Stories and Facebook posts.

Social proof is one of the most effective forms of marketing in the tourism sector.


5. Partner with Micro-Influencers and Travel Bloggers

You don’t need celebrities—micro-influencers (with 5K to 50K followers) often have better engagement and more trust from their audience.

  • Invite them for a stay, tour, or meal in exchange for exposure.

  • Let them “take over” your Instagram Stories for a day.

  • Collaborate on giveaways that increase your followers and reach.

Make sure their audience aligns with your ideal guests.


6. Run Social-Exclusive Promotions

Encourage bookings and engagement with limited-time offers promoted only through social media.

Examples:

  • “Book through our Instagram bio link and get 10% off your stay.”

  • “Flash Facebook offer: Free guided tour for bookings made this weekend.”

Not only does this drive sales, but it also makes your social pages feel dynamic and valuable to follow.


7. Use Local Hashtags and Geotags

Want to be discovered by travelers planning trips? Use strategic hashtags like:

Also, geotag your posts with specific locations. When people search places on Instagram or Facebook, your posts will appear in local feeds.


8. Engage, Don’t Just Post

Social media is a conversation—not a billboard.

  • Reply to comments and direct messages promptly.

  • Thank users for tagging your business.

  • Comment on other local tourism pages or community accounts.

This builds relationships and trust—and could even lead to business collaborations.


9. Use Instagram Guides and Highlights

Instagram Guides allow you to curate posts around themes like “Top Things to Do in [Your Location]” or “Best Local Eats.”Highlights let you categorize Stories (e.g., Guest Reviews, Tours, FAQs) so new visitors can easily learn about your business.

These tools increase the value of your profile and keep users engaged longer.


Final Thoughts: Social Media Is Your Digital Travel Brochure

At Social Bothy, we believe tourism businesses thrive when they share stories, not just services. With the right social media strategy, you can build an active community of travelers, create consistent brand awareness, and convert followers into customers.

Need help managing your strategy, content, or ad campaigns?

📲 Contact Social Bothy – Let’s take your tourism business to new heights!

 
 
 

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