Written by Valentines Resort

As 2017 draws to a close, it’s clear that Experiential Travel, a form of tourism in which people focus on experiencing a particular place by connecting to its history, people and culture, was a trend that continued to significantly shape the landscape of the travel and hospitality industry.

A large segment of consumers have traded the traditional “lay by the resort pool” style vacation for one that includes a variety of experiences that resonate on a deeper, more emotional level. Many hotels and resorts throughout the Caribbean have taken notice of this shift and have found success by incorporating it into their overall marketing strategies, by not only promoting their specific properties, but the entire destination, be it an island or region, as a whole.    

Located in Harbour Island in The Bahamas, Valentines Residences Resort and Marina is capitalizing on this trend by highlighting activities unique to the island, instead of just simply promoting their onsite amenities. Offshore fishing, horseback riding on the beach and local conch stands have now become the focal points of their eblasts, brochures, and social media pages, where spa offerings and onsite dining options once belonged.

All signs point to experiential travel continuing to be one of the fastest growing segments within the tourism industry. Now is the time to begin incorporating this philosophy into your brand’s marketing if you haven’t already.