How To Use ChatGPT For Tourism Marketing

If you’re looking for help making sense of ChatGPT for digital tourism marketing, we’ve got you covered. The rise of this new chatbot promises to offer a lot of benefits to early adopters.

It’s simple to use, it can reduce our time spent researching, and can make tourism marketing more efficient. 

And when our marketing is more efficient, our adventure businesses run better. After all, many of the joys of working in tourism are connected with the people we meet. From travelers who are coming to see us from hundreds or thousands of miles away to the fellow tourism entrepreneurs we collaborate with, tourism is an inherently human endeavor.

Digital marketing, though, often has us hiding behind our screens. Still, it’s important to do it – and to do it right. Travelers spend more time online looking for and booking their adventures than ever before. If we want to spend more time exploring and adventuring with our ideal tourists, we’ve got to learn how to play the game.

In the past, that meant rolling up our sleeves and doing it ourselves. Writing out all our blogs, coming up with ideas for newsletters, dreaming up draft upon draft of itineraries… While it’s important work, it can start to feel repetitive.

However, with the rise of artificial intelligence – including language learning models like ChatGPT – digital marketers and travel entrepreneurs alike have a new tool in their marketing kit to help cut down on repetitive tasks. 

Because when you spend less time doing what you don’t like, you get to spend more time doing what you love.

Today, we’re here to help you liberate some of those marketing hours with the use of ChatGPT, a new artificial intelligence tool by OpenAI. We’re going to see just how effective it is at several core areas of marketing, including:

• Tourism market research
• Content development
• Digital ads
• Itinerary creation
• And more

Our goal? To develop all of the digital marketing material for our (fictitious but awesome) new ecohotel on Lake Kivu in Rwanda. 

One word of caution before we begin: these ideas are all fun and theoretical, but none should be used without proper consideration and revision. To me, artificial intelligence is the best tool against a blank page. It provides us with an interesting first draft that we can mold and make our own.

With that said, let’s dive in and develop marketing materials for our new ecohotel!

7 Steps To Build  Your Digital Tourism Marketing Plan With ChatGPT & Artificial Intelligence

1. Use AI to conduct tourism market research to identify target audience demographics, preferences, and behaviors

We’ll start by using ChatGPT to do some preliminary market research. Though we likely have an idea of who we’d like our audience to be, getting all those ideas on paper can take a long time.

Q: Who is the ideal audience for an eco hotel at Lake Kivu? What are their preferences and behaviors? Where do they spend time online?

A: The ideal audience for an eco hotel at Lake Kivu may include travelers who are interested in eco-friendly tourism and are looking for a peaceful and natural setting for their vacation. Some potential characteristics of this audience could include:

• Interest in environmental sustainability and conservation
• Desire for authentic and immersive travel experiences
• Appreciation for natural beauty and outdoor activities
• Willingness to pay a premium for high-quality accommodations and services

As far as preferences and behaviors go, the ideal audience for an eco hotel at Lake Kivu may value comfort and convenience, and may be interested in activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and cultural excursions. They may also be interested in learning about and supporting local communities and businesses.

In terms of where they spend time online, the ideal audience for an eco hotel at Lake Kivu may be active on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and may use search engines like Google to research and plan their vacations. They may also be members of online travel communities or forums, where they can ask for recommendations and share their own travel experiences. By having a presence on these platforms and leveraging targeted online marketing campaigns, you can help to reach and engage with this audience effectively.

Q: Can you add more details about demographics? Maybe age ranges? Salary? How often they travel?

Age: While travelers of all ages may be interested in an eco hotel at Lake Kivu, this type of vacation destination may be particularly appealing to younger travelers (e.g. millennials and Gen Z) who are more environmentally conscious and seek out more immersive and authentic travel experiences.

Salary: Again, travelers of all income levels may be interested in an eco hotel at Lake Kivu, as the cost of a vacation can vary widely depending on factors such as the length of stay, the type of room booked, and the activities chosen. However, travelers who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality accommodations and services may be more likely to choose an ecohotel over other types of lodging.

Frequency of travel: Some travelers may visit an eco hotel at Lake Kivu as part of a longer vacation to Rwanda or the surrounding region, while others may choose to stay at the ecohotel for a shorter, more focused trip. The frequency with which travelers visit an eco hotel at Lake Kivu may depend on their personal preferences and travel budgets, as well as their available time and resources.

2. Identify keywords to plan our content and develop our website’s SEO

Now that we have a general idea of who we might want to target and what kind of trip they take, we should start building out our website.

A big part of any web design plan is going to be SEO (search engine optimization), and the keywords that you build your site around. While this is a much bigger task (and one we can help you with, should the need come up), ChatGPT can also help you with a very strong first draft.

Q: What are keywords I should target online when developing my Lake Kivu Ecohotel website? Can you recommend a few long-tail keywords that would be good to target, too?

Some keywords that you may want to target when developing your Lake Kivu Ecohotel website could include:

• Lake Kivu Ecohotel
• Rwanda hotel
• Lake Kivu accommodation
• Eco-friendly hotel
• Lake Kivu resort
• Hotel near Kibuye
• Lake Kivu vacation
• Hotel in Rwanda
• Lake Kivu hotel
• Hotel at Lake Kivu

In addition to these main keywords, you may also want to consider targeting some long-tail keywords, which are more specific and tend to have less competition. Some examples of long-tail keywords for your Lake Kivu Ecohotel could include:

• Hotel with lake views in Rwanda
• Eco-friendly hotel near Kibuye
• Hotel with spa services at Lake Kivu
• Hotel with yoga classes in Rwanda
• Hotel with boat rentals at Lake Kivu
• Hotel with hiking trails in Rwanda
• Hotel with wildlife watching tours at Lake Kivu
• Hotel with cultural excursions in Rwanda
• Hotel with hot springs at Lake Kivu

By targeting a mix of main keywords and long-tail keywords, you can help to improve your website’s visibility and attract a wider range of potential guests.

3. Develop marketing content to reach and engage potential customers.

Now that we have some keywords to include on our website and in the content we create for that website, let’s dive a little deeper into creating that content.

Coming up with blogs to write about isn’t always easy. Yet a consistent blog presence can lift your site up in Google’s rankings and help more people find it. 

Let’s see what ChatGPT has to say about ideas we could write about for our new ecohotel. 

Q: What are 5 blogs I should write to help attract visitors to my ecohotel at Lake Kivu?

1. “5 Reasons to Visit Lake Kivu: Discover the Natural Beauty and Rich Culture of Rwanda”
   1. In this blog post, you could highlight the top reasons why travelers should visit Lake Kivu and your ecohotel, such as the stunning views, diverse wildlife, and fascinating local culture. You could include photos and descriptions of the attractions and activities available in the area, as well as testimonials from past guests.
2. “Eco-Friendly Travel: How Our Ecohotel at Lake Kivu is Protecting the Environment”
   1. In this blog post, you could describe the various ways that your ecohotel is working to minimize its environmental impact and protect the natural beauty of Lake Kivu. This could include information about your use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient practices, and conservation efforts. You could also talk about the benefits of eco-friendly travel and encourage visitors to consider the environmental impact of their vacations.
3. “Experience the Best of Rwanda’s Culture and Cuisine at Our Lake Kivu Ecohotel”
   1. In this blog post, you could showcase the rich culture and culinary traditions of Rwanda, and how visitors to your ecohotel can experience these firsthand. You could include information about local ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional dishes, as well as cultural activities and events that guests can participate in. You could also include photos and descriptions of the dining options available at your ecohotel.
4. “Relax and Recharge at Our Lake Kivu Ecohotel: The Perfect Destination for a Wellness Retreat”
   1. In this blog post, you could highlight the various wellness activities and amenities available at your ecohotel, such as yoga classes, massage treatments, and natural hot springs. You could describe the peaceful setting and serene atmosphere of the hotel, and how it provides the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. You could also include photos and testimonials from past guests who have experienced the wellness benefits of staying at your ecohotel.
5. “Adventure Awaits at Our Lake Kivu Ecohotel: A Guide to the Best Outdoor Activities in the Area”
   1. In this blog post, you could provide an overview of the top outdoor activities and attractions in the Lake Kivu area, and how visitors to your ecohotel can take part in them. This could include information about hiking trails, water sports, wildlife watching, and cultural excursions. You could include photos and descriptions of the activities, as well as tips for planning and preparing for them.

Now, these are just suggested titles and overviews of the blogs. If you were pleased with any particular one, you could also prompt ChatGPT to expand it to an outline, include more suggestions, and more.

To take your blog writing even further, check out our guide on creating travel blog posts with AI.

4. Create a welcome email campaign

Now that you’re getting search traffic to your website based on the keywords you’ve picked and the content you’ve crafted, let’s imagine visitors have started signing up for your newsletter or mailing list.

By creating a campaign to welcome them to your list, you can extend a warm (and automatic!) welcome to each person who signs up, helping them to understand your business, your goals, and why they should travel with you. 

Still, creating a welcome campaign from scratch can take hours. Can ChatGPT help us outline it?

Q: How should I structure my 5-part welcome email campaign for my ecohotel at Lake Kivu?

A: 

Email 1: Welcome and Introduction

In the first email of your campaign, you should introduce yourself and your ecohotel, and welcome the recipient to your email list. You should also provide an overview of what they can expect from your emails, such as information about special offers, local attractions, and upcoming events. You could include a photo of your ecohotel or the surrounding area to give a visual introduction.

Email 2: Special Offer or Discount

In the second email of your campaign, you should highlight a special offer or discount that is available to email subscribers. This could be a percentage off the regular room rate, a free upgrade, or a complimentary activity or amenity. You should provide details on how to redeem the offer, and encourage the recipient to book their stay as soon as possible.

Email 3: Local Attractions and Activities

In the third email of your campaign, you should provide information about the local attractions and activities that are available near your ecohotel. You should include photos and descriptions of the top sights and experiences, as well as any special deals or discounts that your hotel offers for these activities. You could also include a map or directions to help guests plan their trip.

Email 4: Hotel Amenities and Services

In the fourth email of your campaign, you should highlight the amenities and services that are available at your ecohotel. This could include information about the guest rooms, dining options, recreational facilities, and any other special features or offerings. You should include photos and descriptions of these amenities, as well as any additional information that guests may find useful, such as check-in and check-out times or pet policies.

Email 5: Upcoming Events and Promotions

In the final email of your campaign, you should provide information about any upcoming events or promotions that are happening at your ecohotel. This could include information about special packages, holiday deals, or events such as music performances or food festivals. You should include details on how to book or participate in these events, and encourage the recipient to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at your hotel by following your social media channels or newsletter.

5. Write a press release

You’ve got all your online systems in place. Now it’s time to let the world know about your new ecohotel!

While a press release may sound old-fashioned, they can still be a useful marketing tool. For one, they collect all your contact information and business information in one single document. It’s also great for any journalists who may be wanting to write about your exciting new venture.

What’s not always as exciting? Figuring out how to structure your own press release. Let’s see what ChatGPT can do for us.

Q: Can you write a press release about a new ecohotel opening on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda?
ChatGPT: 

New Ecohotel Opens on the Shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda – A new ecohotel has opened its doors on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, offering travelers a unique and sustainable way to experience the beauty of the region.

The Lake Kivu Ecohotel, located in the heart of Rwanda’s stunning natural landscape, combines luxury accommodations with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The hotel’s eco-friendly design incorporates renewable energy sources, locally-sourced materials, and water conservation technologies to minimize its impact on the environment.

In addition to comfortable and stylish guest rooms, the hotel offers a range of activities and amenities to help guests fully experience the beauty and culture of Rwanda. These include guided hikes and bike tours, cultural workshops, and a variety of outdoor adventures such as kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing on Lake Kivu.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer travelers a new way to experience the beauty and culture of Rwanda in a sustainable and eco-friendly way,” said hotel owner, John Doe. “The Lake Kivu Ecohotel is a testament to our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of this region for future generations.”

The Lake Kivu Ecohotel is now open for bookings and is expected to be a popular destination for travelers looking for a unique and sustainable way to explore Rwanda.

–

While there are plenty of spots here you’d want to revise (including swapping out the quote and the owner’s name, John Doe, which doesn’t sound like a very Rwandan name to me), you can see how the structure flows and how easy it would be to revise and get this out into the world.

6. Craft online advertising campaigns to reach targeted audiences

Alright, so the world knows about our new ecohotel. Now we’re interested in amplifying our sales a bit, so it’s time to start an online advertising campaign.

Facebook Ads are a great way to target specific audiences. Writing them, on the other hand, can be a little tedious. So, how can ChatGPT help?

Q: Can you write a Facebook ad promoting a new ecohotel on Lake Kivu in Rwanda?

“Looking for a unique and sustainable way to explore Rwanda? Look no further than the new Lake Kivu Ecohotel! Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, this eco-friendly hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, guided hikes and bike tours, cultural workshops, and a variety of outdoor adventures. Book your stay now!”

Q: Can you create 2 Facebook ads for this ecohotel aimed at families? 2 Facebook ads aimed at couples? and 2 facebook ads aimed at solo travelers?

“Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and bring your family to the tranquil beauty of Lake Kivu. Our eco hotel offers comfortable accommodations, breathtaking views, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Book your stay now and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

“Looking for the perfect family vacation destination? Look no further than Lake Kivu Eco Hotel! With spacious rooms, a variety of kid-friendly activities, and a peaceful setting, our ecohotel has everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Book now and start planning your dream vacation.”

Here are some ideas for Facebook ads for your Lake Kivu Ecohotel that are targeted at couples:

“Treat your significant other to a romantic getaway at Lake Kivu Ecohotel. With luxurious accommodations, stunning views of the lake, and a variety of activities to choose from, our ecohotel is the perfect setting for a memorable couples’ vacation. Book now and start planning your dream trip.”

“Looking for a serene and intimate vacation destination? Look no further than Lake Kivu Ecohotel! Our eco hotel offers comfortable and romantic accommodations, breathtaking views, and a variety of activities to enjoy together. Book your stay now and create lasting memories with your loved one.”

Here are some ideas for Facebook ads for your Lake Kivu Ecohotel that are targeted at solo travelers:

“Take a break from the daily grind and treat yourself to a solo vacation at Lake Kivu Ecohotel. Our eco hotel offers comfortable accommodations, breathtaking views, and a variety of activities to choose from, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing and rejuvenating trip. Book now and start planning your dream getaway.”

“Looking for a peaceful and serene escape? Look no further than Lake Kivu Ecohotel! Our eco hotel offers comfortable accommodations, stunning views of the lake, and a variety of activities to enjoy on your own. Book your stay now and treat yourself to a well-deserved break.”

Whenever possible, it’s good to cater your ads to speak to a specific audience. As someone who is stressed out, taking “a break from the daily grind” speaks to me more than “a unique and sustainable way to explore Rwanda.” Like with other marketing, online ads require regular adjustments and iterations, and ChatGPT can help set you up with successful first drafts.

7. Draft itineraries and organize experiences to attract tourists to a destination.

Now that you’ve got tourists booking stays at your ecohotel on Lake Kivu, some of them are asking for your help with itineraries around the country. 

If this isn’t your expertise – or you’re just looking to save time — ChatGPT can be a useful tool. Let’s see how well it can whip up three itineraries.

Q: Can you create a 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day Rwanda itinerary, each which includes one night at our new Lake Kivu Ecohotel?

3-day Rwanda itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. In the afternoon, explore the city’s vibrant markets and local neighborhoods.
• Day 2: Drive to Lake Kivu and spend the night at the Lake Kivu Ecohotel.
• Day 3: Visit the nearby Kibuye Market and take a boat ride on Lake Kivu. In the afternoon, go on a guided hike through the surrounding countryside.

5-day Rwanda itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. In the afternoon, explore the city’s vibrant markets and local neighborhoods.
• Day 2: Drive to Lake Kivu and spend the night at the Lake Kivu Ecohotel.
• Day 3: Visit the nearby Kibuye Market and take a boat ride on Lake Kivu. In the afternoon, go on a guided hike through the surrounding countryside.
• Day 4: Drive to the Akagera National Park and go on a game drive to see wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos.
• Day 5: Return to Kigali and spend the night there.

7-day Rwanda itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. In the afternoon, explore the city’s vibrant markets and local neighborhoods.
• Day 2: Drive to Lake Kivu and spend the night at the Lake Kivu Ecohotel.
• Day 3: Visit the nearby Kibuye Market and take a boat ride on Lake Kivu. In the afternoon, go on a guided hike through the surrounding countryside.
• Day 4: Drive to the Akagera National Park and go on a game drive to see wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos.
• Day 5: Drive to the Ruhengeri region and visit the Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary.
• Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Musanze Caves and visit a local tea plantation.
• Day 7: Return to Kigali and spend the night there.

–

Now, with each of these options you can customize and expand as much as you’d like. In fact, the first draft had Kigali somewhere in the middle. Logistically, it’s better to start a trip to Rwanda with its capital (unless you’re driving across the border), so I asked for a quick revision to place Kigali at both the start and end of the trip.

To get better results with any AI tool, it helps to learn how to prompt it, which we cover in our guide here.

How To Build Your Tourism Marketing Routine With Artificial Intelligence

Want to learn more about how to include A.I. and ChatGPT in your adventure business? We’re happy to share more ideas, including how to leverage artificial intelligence to cut down the time you spend marketing. Feel free to send us a message to talk strategy.