How to Identify and Market the Culture of a Tourist Destination

The culture of a tourist destination is its soul. It’s what sets each place apart and gives it a unique charm, making it irresistible to tourists. From food and religion to entertainment, landscapes, and local businesses, these elements form the rich tapestry that is the culture of a destination. Here are nine ways you can market these through Digital Touch Kiosks and accompanying apps to attract new visitors.

How to Identify the Core Culture of an Area

Identifying the core culture of a tourist destination requires a multi-faceted approach, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of the area’s historical framework, traditions, and prevalent customs. Local culture experts, anthropologists, and historians can collaborate to uncover the essence of the community’s heritage through archiving oral histories, documenting traditional practices, and celebrating local legends. 

This process involves active community participation, where the voices of indigenous populations, local artisans, and elders are valued for their insights into the cultural fabric. Additionally, establishing forums for cultural expression gives a platform for local artists, performers, and craftsmen to highlight the region’s creative identity. 

When combining these elements, a cohesive and authentic narrative emerges, encapsulating the unique spirit of the destination and allowing it to stand out on the global stage.

1. Highlight Local Cuisine with Interactive Menus

Food is an integral part of any culture. Use Digital Touch Kiosks to showcase local cuisine with interactive menus.

For example, in Italy, a kiosk could feature a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza. The accompanying app could then offer discounts at local pizzerias for users to try the real deal.

2. Showcase Religious Heritage

Religious sites often hold historical and cultural significance. Create a virtual tour on the kiosk showcasing these sites with detailed descriptions. In Jerusalem, for instance, the kiosk could display a map tracing religious sites like the Western Wall or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Other ideas could include the following.

Provide the History of Native American Spiritual Sites

Kiosks could offer visual stories and historical backgrounds on sacred Native American grounds such as Mesa Verde or Bear Butte.

Explore the Roots of Gospel Music in the Deep South

Feature interactive maps that guide visitors through the birthplaces of gospel music, with samples and stories of influential artists.

Trace the Pilgrims’ Journey in New England

Profiles of historically significant churches and landmarks in Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay could be highlighted with virtual re-enactments.

Spotlight the Diversity of Faith in America

Use the kiosks to display the rich variety of religious sites in cities like New York and Los Angeles, including synagogues, mosques, and temples, encouraging exploration and understanding.

Commemorate Moments in Civil Rights Movements Associated with Churches

Programs that detail historical events linked to churches, like the Birmingham campaign, can be shown on kiosks with timelines and biographies of key figures.

3. Promote Local Entertainment

From traditional dances to local music, promoting local entertainment is a great way to showcase culture. In New Orleans, a kiosk could provide schedules of live jazz performances around the city, while the app sends reminders about upcoming shows.

4. Share Breathtaking Landscapes

Use stunning images and videos of landscapes to entice visitors. In New Zealand, a kiosk could display panoramic views of the country’s magnificent fiords, encouraging tourists to visit these natural wonders.

5. Support Local Businesses

Promote local businesses on your kiosks and apps. Whether it’s a small pottery shop in Greece or a family-run winery in France, highlighting these businesses not only supports the local economy but also gives tourists a more authentic experience.

• Organize Traditional Craft Workshops – Engage tourists by offering hands-on workshops that teach traditional crafts such as Japanese Origami, Native American pottery-making, or Indian block printing, providing them with a unique and personal connection to the cultural heritage.
• Curate Scavenger Hunts Around Cultural Landmarks – Create fun and interactive scavenger hunts that lead participants around different cultural landmarks, encouraging them to learn about the history and significance of each spot through puzzles and clues.
• Host Cultural Festivals and Fairs – Highlight local tradition by organizing festivals and street fairs that showcase cultural dances, music, artisan markets, and local cuisine, offering a festive atmosphere that celebrates the destination’s heritage.
• Offer Themed Cultural Tours – Develop themed tours that focus on specific aspects of the region’s culture, such as a ‘Gastronomy Tour’ for food lovers or an ‘Architectural Wonders Tour’ for those interested in design, providing a tailored and immersive experience.
• Launch Interactive Storytelling Sessions – Use storytelling sessions led by local narrators to recount folk tales, legends, and historical events of the area, allowing tourists to connect emotionally and intellectually with the destination’s lore.

6. Strategically Place Kiosks

Place kiosks at significant locations like popular landmarks, hotels, or tourist information centers. This keeps visitors engaged and informed, enhancing their overall experience.

7. Incentivize Locals to Invite Digital Contacts

Launch a program where locals can earn rewards for inviting their digital contacts to visit. This could be a discount at a local restaurant or a free tour. This not only encourages locals to promote their culture but also attracts tourists through personal connections.

8. Create a Calendar of Experiential Events

Host cultural events throughout the year and advertise them on your kiosks and apps. This could be a traditional festival in India or a wine tasting event in Italy. A calendar of such events gives tourists a reason to visit at different times of the year.

HootBoard is Here to Help You Promote Your Tourist Area’s Culture

Marketing the culture of a tourist destination is all about showcasing what’s unique yet relatable. With the right strategies, you can create a compelling narrative that not only attracts tourists but also gives them a deep appreciation of the local culture.