DMOs can leverage International Day of Happiness in several ways to attract tourists and promote their destinations as happiness hotspots:
Here are some AI-generated tips on how to maximise the potential in your marketing calendar.
Pre-Event Buzz:
- Happiness-themed contests and giveaways: Encourage user-generated content by running photo contests on social media platforms like Instagram, showcasing unique local experiences that spark joy. Offer prizes like free flights, accommodations, or tours to incentivize participation.
- Partner with influencers: Collaborate with travel bloggers or social media personalities to share their "happiest moments" in the destination. They can create engaging content highlighting joyful activities, hidden gems, and the overall positive vibe of the place.
- Create shareable happiness guides: Develop online or printable guides featuring "Top 10 Happiness Boosters" in the destination, recommending joyful experiences like scenic hikes, cultural events, or volunteer opportunities.
- Host virtual happiness webinars: Partner with experts on positive psychology or happiness research to host online sessions, discussing the science of happiness and how the destination fosters joy. Offer viewers exclusive deals or discounts to book their happy escape.
On-Event Engagement:
- Organise happiness-themed events: Host free public events like flash mobs performing happy dances, community yoga sessions in scenic locations, or laughter workshops. Partner with local businesses to offer special discounts or happy hour deals throughout the day.
- Create shareable moments: Set up interactive photo booths or "happiness walls" where visitors can take pictures and share their joy on social media with branded hashtags. Consider offering small giveaways like postcards or souvenirs for participation.
- Run happiness scavenger hunts: Organise playful scavenger hunts around the city, sending participants on a quest to discover hidden happy places, local traditions promoting joy, or historical anecdotes about happiness in the destination. Offer prizes for completed hunts.
- Partner with local charities: Donate a portion of proceeds from tourism activities or special offers on International Day of Happiness to local charities that promote well-being or support vulnerable communities. This aligns with the day's message of collective happiness and showcases the destination's commitment to social responsibility.
**Post-Event **
- Share user-generated content: Compile and share the best photos, videos and stories from social media campaigns or contests, showcasing the real joy experienced by visitors on International Day of Happiness.
- Offer happiness-themed travel packages: Create special travel packages highlighting experiences known to boost happiness, like spa treatments, mindfulness retreats, or eco-tourism activities. Promote the packages with the International Day of Happiness theme extending the positive association.
- Run retargeting campaigns: Target users who participated in pre-event activities or viewed happiness-related content with post-event promotions and special offers. Remind them of the joy they experienced at the destination and entice them to book their happy escape.
By strategically implementing these ideas, DMOs can leverage International Day of Happiness to connect with potential visitors on an emotional level, showcase their destination as a source of joy, and ultimately drive tourism and economic growth.
