Travel today is all about curating unforgettable experiences. Think ziplining through jungles, unlocking hidden culinary gems, or diving deep into a new culture with a local guide.

Today’s audience seeks authenticity, immersion, and stories that go beyond traditional norms. This is the era of experiences, and it presents a powerful opportunity to turn your social media content into a new stream of income while truly connecting with your audience. 

This guide explores the rise of travel experiences and equips you to:

• Discover why experiences are taking center stage
• Learn how to seamlessly integrate unique activities and tours into your existing strategy
• Gain the knowledge to position yourself as the go-to source for inspiring and unforgettable travel adventures

Why experiences?

Travelers today crave deeper connections. They want to learn new skills, explore hidden gems, and create memories that go far beyond flights, hotels, and good food. Experiences tap into this desire, allowing you to:

• Boost Your Brand: Experiences create lasting positive associations with your brand, leading to happier and more loyal customers.
• Attract New Audiences: By offering unique experiences, you cater to the growing segment of travelers seeking authenticity and immersion.
• Unlock New Revenue Streams: Expand your offerings beyond traditional services and tap into a massive and growing market. (We’ll get to the size in a sec!)

The Power of Experiences

Unlike that dusty snow globe in the attic, experiences create lasting memories that your audience will cherish forever. These memories become the stories they share with friends and family, fueling their wanderlust and inspiring future adventures. By promoting experiences, you’re not just selling a service, you’re selling a feeling: the thrill of discovery, the joy of connection, and the satisfaction of personal growth.

The Experiences Market Boom

The experience market is growing! Travelers are craving more than just souvenirs; a recent Tripadvisor report highlights a massive shift in consumer spending. Two-thirds of travelers surveyed now prioritize enriching experiences over material possessions. This presents a huge opportunity for content creators like you to become a trusted resource and capture a slice of this booming market.

Nearly three-quarters of travelers regard travel as a top priority, and 95% would even cut back on other expenses to save for their next adventure. 

The Viator Advantage

Here are just a few of the many reasons to choose Viator as your partner in sharing experiences:

• Unmatched Selection: We’re the largest experiences marketplace in the world, boasting the widest variety of tours and activities imaginable. Think ziplining through rainforests in Costa Rica, learning to make pasta from a Nonna in Italy, or exploring hidden temples in Cambodia – we have something for every traveler and every budget.
• Quality You Can Trust: Quality is paramount at Viator. We have a rigorous selection process, ensuring every experience on our platform meets the highest standards. With 1,000,000+ traveler reviews, you can be confident you’re recommending exceptional activities that will leave your audience raving.
• Global Reach: With experiences in over 2,500 destinations around the globe, we offer adventures in virtually every corner of the world. Whether your audience craves the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps, we have the perfect adventure to fuel their wanderlust.

Positioning Experiences to Your Audience

Let’s delve into how to share experiences with your audience in a way that ignites their wanderlust and makes them crave those unforgettable moments.

• Become a Storyteller. Travel is all about creating stories, so use your social content to paint a picture of the experiences you’re recommending Instead of listing features, focus on the emotions and sensations:
  • For the Foodie: “Imagine strolling through bustling markets in Marrakech, sampling exotic spices and learning to cook an authentic meal with a local chef.”
  • For the History Buff: “Step back in time with a private tour of the Colosseum, picturing gladiator battles and crowds watching from the stands.”
  • For the Adventure Seeker: “Feel the adrenaline as you kayak through hidden lagoons in Thailand, surrounded by lush rainforests and exotic wildlife.”
• Let Your Passion Shine Through. Your enthusiasm for travel is contagious! Share your own experiences – what you did, what you loved, and what you didn’t. This authenticity builds trust and makes your recommendations more relatable.
• Focus on the Benefits, Not Just the Sights. Don’t just list landmarks; talk about what makes each experience special. Will they learn a new skill? Connect with a local culture?

Remember, you’re not just sharing tours, you’re sharing stories, emotions, and experiences that will create lasting memories. By mastering the art of talking experiences, you’ll become a trusted travel resource and inspire your audience to transform their travel dreams into reality.