South African Tourism has some advice for small tourism businesses as it helps them to capitalise on the coming Easter season when locals love to travel and enjoy the last of the summer.
SA Tourism’s local travel campaign, Sho’t Left, is encouraging South Africans to explore the country as they make their way back to their hometowns to reconnect and relax with friends and family. Many of these towns have some of South Africa’s most enchanting hidden tourism gems, which means this is a significant opportunity for tourism businesses to tap into the peak travel season market and wow locals with amazing offerings.
South Africans deserve to be rewarded with good experiences (even when it’s close to home) and small-town tourist partners must make sure their offerings stand out.
Below are ways tourism businesses can attract more local travellers this Easter holiday.
1. Create local packages
One of the most effective ways to attract local travellers and residents is to create packages that cater specifically for them. We all know that South Africans love a good deal and Sho’t Left is known for good deals. This opens opportunities for businesses in small towns to load their deals for customers to find and explore. This could be anything from hot air ballooning to a township tour, an afternoon of wine tasting, or a quad-biking adventure through the fields. A wildlife lodge could offer a package with a guided bush walk, a local cooking class, and a visit to a nearby cultural village. Since South Africans travel with family during the Easter break, having a family package that includes fun activities for the kids and adults without breaking the bank is a great way to attract local visitors.
2. Partner with local businesses
Partnering with other local businesses to attract local travellers and residents to your tourist business can be a beneficial business move. For example, a winery could partner with a local restaurant to offer a wine and food pairing experience.
3. Showcase local culture
Small towns are usually rooted in culture and tradition, and many local travellers and residents are looking for authentic experiences. Tourism partners can incorporate local culture into their offerings. This could include traditional dances, music, art, and visits to local cultural sites and museums.
4. Engage with the local community
Another way your tourist business can attract more local travellers and residents is by engaging with the local community. This could include hiring staff from the local area, sourcing products and services from local businesses, and supporting local charities and initiatives.
5. Market your packages
This is a critical tip. Make sure travellers know about your deals, discounts and packages. Upload packages to tourism platforms such as www.shotleft.co.za and advertise them on social media to raise awareness.
