In the hospitality game, strategic partnerships have long been part of the playbook.
You’ve seen them in the form of everything from the swapping of business cards and a handshake to the in-your-face coffee vendor exclusivity.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve never booked a hotel based on their mattress or linen partnerships.
That’s not to say these partnerships don’t matter, but comfortable beds, linens, and palatable coffee are the baseline. And trends in the travel industry make it clear that the strategic partnership landscape is evolving and it’s time to look a little closer to home.
As guests increasingly seek out more authentic experiences and demonstrate a growing concern for responsible tourism, your local partnerships can become an integral piece in creating the memorable experiences guests are searching for.
But it’s not just about having the right partners; it’s about creatively leveraging these relationships to deeply connect with today's travelers.
Tapping Into Your Local Network
When it comes to identifying strategic local partners, it's all about diving into the off-the-beaten-path, authentic experiences your guests crave.
How about partnering with that bohemian art gallery down the street, the family-run trattoria loved by locals for its century-old recipes, an eclectic antique shop, or an urban adventure group that organizes offbeat city tours?
And, as you forge these partnerships, consider your wide range of guests. You have the family seeking adventure, couples on a romantic getaway, cultural enthusiasts, treasure-hunting antiquers, or the foodies looking to make their gastronomical dreams come true. The list goes on.
For you, these strategic partnerships have the potential to boost business and help you stand out in a crowded market. And for your guests, they have the potential to become the story they take home to tell for years to come, taking them far beyond the typical tourist path.
Dynamic Ways to Highlight Your Partners
Connecting your guests with your partners is where the real magic happens. You can elevate your game by moving beyond the basic brochure or a starred spot on a foldable map
Let’s take a look at how you can transform how guests interact with your partners.
Customized Itineraries: Tailor-made travel plans featuring your partners plotted out for a day can cater to various traveler types. It can allow your guests to set out for a day of discovery that aligns with their interests, without extensive research.
Unique Selling Points: Highlight what makes each partner stand out. Is it their dedication to locally sourced ingredients, a pet-friendly ambiance, or their bustling late-night vibes? Make these details shine so your guests can easily find what they’re looking for.
Exclusive Perks: Work with your partners to offer special deals or packages exclusively for your guests, adding a layer of value to their stay. And, of course, make it seamless for guests to find the perks they would actually care about.
Leverage Storytelling: Lean into authenticity and cultural experiences by bringing storytelling into the mix. Imagine if your guests could head out to the diner down the street with an understanding of the many generations it's been passed down or why it's so significant in your community.
Bringing Local Connections to Life
When you think about this in terms of pamphlets, brochures, or even conversations with your front desk staff, it feels like an impossible task.
But breathe easy, we’re not suggesting you ramp up your printables or overwork your staff.
In fact, with the right technology, it’s not nearly as overwhelming as it seems—with custom, interactive maps you can seamlessly showcase the intricacies of your partnerships.
Having the flexibility to create a map that meets your unique needs allows you to highlight everything from the stories behind each location, filters for selling points your guests care about, exclusive offers, and even create personalized experiences through tailored itineraries.
Think of it as offering a dynamic, interactive guidebook right in the palm of your guest’s hands. Great for guests, great for partners, and even better for you.
But don’t take our word for it, see for yourself…