What is a Tourist Board?

A Tourist Board (also known as a tourism board or destination marketing organization) is an organization, typically funded by a government or private sector, that promotes and develops tourism in a particular region or destination.

The primary goal of a tourist board is to increase the number of visitors to the region or destination and to enhance the visitor experience by providing information and services that help visitors plan their trips and enjoy their stay.

Tourist boards typically undertake a range of marketing and promotional activities, such as advertising, public relations, events, and social media campaigns, to attract visitors. They also work closely with tourism businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions, to develop and promote tourism products and services.

In addition, tourist boards may provide visitor information services, such as visitor centers, maps, and guides, to help visitors navigate the destination and find activities and attractions that interest them.

How are tourist boards a benefit to vacation rental businesses?

Tourist boards can play an important role in helping vacation rental businesses by providing a range of services and resources that can help these businesses reach new customers and improve their operations. Here are some ways that tourist boards can help vacation rental businesses:

Promotion and Marketing: Tourist boards often have large marketing budgets and established promotional campaigns to attract visitors to a region or destination. By partnering with a tourist board, vacation rental businesses can benefit from this marketing and promotion, gaining increased exposure to potential customers.

Industry Research and Insights: Tourist boards often conduct research into the tourism industry, providing valuable insights into consumer trends and travel behaviors. This information can be used by vacation rental businesses to tailor their offerings to meet the needs and preferences of visitors.

Networking and Collaboration: Tourist boards often host industry events and workshops, providing opportunities for vacation rental businesses to network and collaborate with other tourism industry professionals. These events can be a valuable source of knowledge and ideas for improving operations and customer service.

Visitor Information and Services: Tourist boards typically provide a range of visitor information and services, such as visitor centers, maps, and guides. Vacation rental businesses can benefit from this by providing their guests access to these resources, which can help enhance the visitor experience and encourage return visits.

Training and Development: Tourist boards may offer training and development programs for tourism industry professionals, including vacation rental businesses. These programs can help improve business operations, customer service, and overall business performance.

By working with tourist boards, vacation rental businesses can benefit from increased exposure, industry insights, networking opportunities, and access to valuable resources and services.

Are there different kinds of tourist boards?

Yes, there are different kinds of tourist boards, each with its own focus and goals. Here are some examples:

National Tourist Boards: These are typically government-funded organizations that promote a country as a tourist destination. Their focus is on marketing the country as a whole and attracting visitors from around the world.

Regional Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote a particular region within a country as a tourist destination. Their focus is on marketing the unique attractions and experiences of the region to potential visitors.

City Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote a particular city as a tourist destination. Their focus is on marketing the city’s attractions, events, and cultural experiences to potential visitors.

Industry-Specific Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote a specific sector within the tourism industry, such as adventure tourism, culinary tourism, or eco-tourism. They focus on marketing the unique experiences and opportunities within that sector to potential visitors.

Non-Profit Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote tourism in a particular area or region without seeking profit. Their focus is on promoting the destination for the benefit of the local community, rather than generating revenue.

Each type of tourist board has its own approach to promoting tourism, and businesses within the industry can work with these boards to gain exposure and support.

What are some tourist board examples?

There are numerous tourist boards operating around the world. Here are some examples:

VisitBritain

VisitBritain is the national tourist board for the United Kingdom, promoting tourism across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They focus on marketing the country’s rich history, diverse cultural experiences, and scenic natural landscapes to potential visitors. VisitBritain offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia is the national tourist board for Australia, promoting tourism across the country, including major cities, natural attractions, and cultural experiences. Their focus is on marketing the country’s unique wildlife, natural beauty, and outdoor activities to potential visitors. Tourism Australia offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

NYC & Company

NYC & Company is the tourist board for New York City, promoting tourism to the city’s iconic landmarks, museums, restaurants, and cultural events. Their focus is on marketing the city as a vibrant, dynamic destination for travelers from around the world. NYC & Company offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Costa Rica Tourism Board

The Costa Rica Tourism Board is the national tourist board for Costa Rica, promoting the country’s eco-tourism, adventure activities, and natural beauty. Their focus is on marketing the country’s unique biodiversity, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural experiences to potential visitors. The Costa Rica Tourism Board offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board is the national tourist board for Jamaica, promoting the country’s beaches, music, culture, and cuisine. Their focus is on marketing the country as a vibrant, welcoming destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. The Jamaica Tourist Board offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Dubai Tourism

Dubai Tourism is the tourist board for Dubai, promoting the city’s luxury experiences, shopping, and attractions. Their focus is on marketing the city as a world-class destination for travelers seeking opulence and luxury. Dubai Tourism offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is the national tourist board for Thailand, promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage, food, and natural beauty. Their focus is on marketing the country’s unique blend of history, religion, and modernity to potential visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is the tourist board for Orlando, Florida, promoting the city’s theme parks, resorts, and family-friendly attractions. Their focus is on marketing the city as a top destination for families seeking fun and excitement. Visit Orlando offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

These examples illustrate the range of tourist boards operating around the world, each with its own unique focus and approach to promoting tourism.

With iGMS, effortless vacation rental management is at your fingertips. Its intuitive platform handles bookings, guest communications, and team tasks efficiently. Ideal for solo hosts or large companies, iGMS transforms your rental operations while elevating the guest experience. Experience the iGMS difference.