Working with Tourism Boards: A Travel Blogger's Guide

In the world of travel blogging, collaborations with tourism boards have become indispensable for aspiring and seasoned travel writers alike. These partnerships not only offer exposure to new destinations but also provide unique opportunities to connect with local cultures, experiences, and audiences. One of the trips that changed my view on the potential of blogging and made me decide to blog full time was a sponsored trip opportunity I had working with the Joshua Tree Tourism Board! Bloggers ask me questions about working with tourism boards and how to work with tourism boards all the time, so I’ve complied this guide for you!

How To Work With Tourism Boards

Let’s go over the significance of working with tourism boards, strategies for initiating and nurturing relationships, successful case studies, and invaluable tips for pitching to hotels as a blogger.

Whether you’re a novice blogger seeking to expand your reach or a seasoned influencer looking to refine your approach, this guide will equip you with the insights and tools needed to navigate the dynamic world of travel blogging.

The Importance of Collaborating with Tourism Boards:

Collaborating with tourism boards is a game-changer for travel bloggers looking to expand their horizons and create compelling content. These collaborations provide access to a wealth of resources, including destination insights, local expertise, and unique experiences that can enrich blog content and captivate readers. By partnering with tourism boards, travel bloggers can unlock opportunities for sponsored trips, press visits, and promotional campaigns, allowing them to showcase destinations in an authentic and engaging manner.

Working with tourism boards allows bloggers to establish themselves as trusted authorities on specific destinations, attracting a loyal following of readers and potential sponsors.

For example, Sarah Williams, the founder of “Adventures with Sarah,” collaborated with the New Zealand Tourism Board to create a series of immersive travel guides that garnered widespread acclaim and attracted a diverse audience of adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Similarly, Alex Thompson, the creative mind behind “Wanderlust Chronicles,” partnered with Visit Japan to produce captivating visual content that showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, earning him accolades from both followers and industry peers.

Approaching and Establishing Relationships with Tourism Boards:

When approaching tourism boards for collaboration opportunities, it’s essential to demonstrate professionalism, authenticity, and a genuine passion for the destination. Begin by researching the target destination and identifying key stakeholders within the tourism board or destination marketing organization (DMO).

Customize your outreach efforts by highlighting your blog’s unique value proposition, audience demographics, and previous relevant work. Consider crafting a compelling pitch that outlines your proposed collaboration ideas, including content formats, distribution channels, and expected outcomes.

For instance, instead of sending a generic email, personalize your pitch by addressing specific pain points or objectives outlined by the tourism board.

Additionally, leverage social media platforms and networking events to connect with tourism board representatives and build rapport organically.

Remember that patience, persistence, and professionalism are key when nurturing relationships with tourism boards, as successful partnerships often require time and effort to cultivate.

Successful Collaborations with Tourism Boards:

To illustrate the potential of collaborations with tourism boards, let’s explore a few case studies of successful partnerships between travel bloggers and destination marketing organizations.

In one case study, Emily Davis, the founder of “Wanderlust Diaries,” collaborated with Tourism Australia to create an immersive video series showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and indigenous culture.

Through strategic promotion on social media and partnerships with travel influencers, the campaign generated millions of views and inspired countless travelers to explore Australia’s natural wonders.

Similarly, Javier Rodriguez, the creative force behind “Nomadic Journeys,” partnered with the Costa Rican Tourism Board to curate a series of eco-friendly travel guides highlighting sustainable tourism initiatives and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

By aligning with the board’s sustainability goals and leveraging his expertise in responsible travel, Javier was able to amplify his impact and inspire his audience to prioritize ethical tourism practices.

Pitching to Hotels as a Blogger:

Dos and Don’ts: Pitching to hotels can be a lucrative avenue for travel bloggers seeking complimentary accommodations, sponsored stays, and collaborative opportunities.

Get my FREE email templates that show you word for word what I use when I pitch tourism brands here!

However, crafting a compelling pitch requires finesse, creativity, and a thorough understanding of the hotel’s target audience and brand values. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider when pitching to hotels as a blogger:

Dos:

Personalize Your Pitch: Tailor your pitch to each hotel by addressing specific amenities, experiences, or initiatives that align with your audience’s interests and preferences.
Showcase Your Value Proposition: Highlight your blog’s unique value proposition, audience demographics, and engagement metrics to demonstrate the potential benefits of partnering with you.
Provide Tangible Benefits: Clearly articulate the mutually beneficial outcomes of the collaboration, such as increased brand visibility, social media exposure, and positive reviews.
Offer Creative Collaboration Ideas: Propose innovative content formats, such as photo essays, video tours, or interactive guides, that showcase the hotel’s unique offerings in a compelling and authentic manner.
Follow Up Professionally: After sending your initial pitch, follow up with a polite and concise email or phone call to inquire about the hotel’s interest and discuss next steps.

Don’ts:

Send Mass Emails: Avoid sending generic, impersonalized pitches to multiple hotels simultaneously, as this can signal a lack of genuine interest and effort.
Focus Solely on Freebies: While complimentary accommodations may be appealing, prioritize building long-term partnerships based on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.
Overpromise and Underdeliver: Be transparent about your expectations, deliverables, and limitations to avoid disappointing the hotel and damaging your reputation.
Neglect Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor in all communications with hotel representatives, including emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings.
Burn Bridges: Even if a hotel declines your pitch or partnership proposal, maintain a courteous and respectful attitude to preserve the possibility of future collaborations and referrals. When I took my cross country road trip as a new blogger, I had a ton of hotels say no to me! I responded professionally and kindly, and I have since worked with to of those hotels that were originally nos!

In conclusion, working with tourism boards and pitching to hotels are essential strategies for travel bloggers looking to expand their reach, create compelling content, and establish themselves as trusted influencers in the travel industry.

By leveraging these partnerships effectively and adhering to best practices, bloggers can unlock new opportunities for growth, creativity, and success in their blogging journey.

Remember to approach each collaboration with professionalism, authenticity, and a genuine passion for exploration, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your blogging goals and inspiring your audience to embark on their own transformative adventures.