The nature of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding travel restrictions and social distancing has seen the travel and tourism industry receive the biggest blow economically. However, digital marketing is playing a pivotal role in transforming the sector.
The availability of social media and digital marketing tools has undoubtedly changed the way the travel and tourism industry operates amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Through digital marketers such as Local Digital, many tourism companies are adopting digital marketing strategies to stay afloat and outdo their competitors. Here is how digital marketing has changed the travel and tourism industry during the pandemic.
Accessible online travel booking
The presence of digital marketing services in the tourism sector has made it easy for clients to access tourism company websites and make online bookings for their upcoming trips. A client can access different online booking services with only a few clicks and select the most suitable one for their needs, considering the current covid 19 guidelines.
Due to the need to avoid unnecessary movements during the pandemic, many travelers rely on online tourism websites to stay updated. Although physical travel agencies are still in the market, many have shifted their services online to conveniently provide online services to travelers as they also adapt to new market trends.
More reliance on social media as a customer service tool
The covid 19 pandemic has increased the need for travelers to have all the information at hand before traveling. Digital Marketing makes it easy for travelers to access all the information they need before traveling. Social media such as Facebook and Instagram have become beneficial customer service tools. If one plans to travel, they can open social media accounts of various hotels and browse for pictures and reviews written by previous visitors.
Moreover, social media allows clients to ask queries and interact with the staff via chats and have their questions answered. Through that, social media is clearly shaping the new face of the tourism business while replacing the outdated traditional customer service methods.
The rise of mobile-friendly tourism websites
When it comes to the tourism sector, digital marketing touches many aspects, especially with the rise of mobile use. Many tourism companies are increasingly making their websites mobile-friendly to allow clients to book hotel accommodations and plane tickets effortlessly.
Additionally, tourism websites provide covid 19 information and travel guidelines to enable clients to plan their travel conveniently.
Many tourism companies are focused on making their websites mobile responsive apps to allow clients to explore their business tourism features.
The development of personalized marketing strategies
The presence of digital marketing tools enables tourism companies to quickly collect customer information and feedback, which helps develop the best marketing campaigns. For example, travel companies use social media for marketing seasonal travel deals and discounts that attract more clients.
It is clear that the pandemic has slowed down the rate of travel and the tourism industry has to look for different ways to get clients back on board. With digital marketing, it is easy to analyze client’s behaviors and actions; hence it gets easier to think of ways to interest and entertain them. Personalized marketing is primary to the growth of the tourism sector.
Use of catchy videos to promote sales
With the growth of digital marketing in the tourism sector amidst the pandemic, tourist companies have shifted to the use of creative videos to attract customers and drive sales. Videos are one way through which tourism companies use to promote their brands. By capturing unique recreational activities in the video content, many tourism companies have captured travelers’ attention.
Growth of various types of content
Many travel companies are moving away from the traditional marketing methods to new marketing styles, for example, popular hashtags on social media that encourage people to tour specific places. Other tourism campaigns encourage travelers to upload photos of amazing moments of themselves in popular tourist destinations. Digital marketing in the tourism sector, which has increased during the pandemic, has given rise to different types of content as the industry strives to get back on its feet economically.
Conclusion
Many countries are coming up with new measures to reactivate the tourism industry and develop a more resilient travel sector post the pandemic. That includes promoting the digital transition of the tourism sector and keeping up with digital developments, especially in marketing.
