And then COVID
Do you remember way back in March 2020 when we were told this virus was spread on contact? Were you one of the people that left packages outdoors and wiped down your groceries? At that time it was all about minimizing contact. We have since learned that this virus is caught via airborne transmission, but people are still wary about touching objects outside their homes.
QR codes are a perfect solution.
For those of you not familiar with QR codes, you just point the camera on your smartphone at the shape and it will take you to a document, video, or website. When they first became popular, you needed to hire someone with graphic design skills or a techy background to create one for you. Not anymore, There are free QR code generator websites. If you can cut and paste, you can create a QR code. Click here for the free QR code generator I use.
How can Tourism professionals use QR codes today?
Our industry can often be slow to adopt new technology, but now is the time to embrace new ideas. Here are how some businesses are using QR codes. What methods might work for your business?
QR codes can share information that you otherwise would have had to print.
I have been to a few restaurants that have QR codes posted at the hostess stand. Scan the code to upload the menu to your phone. You don’t have to touch a menu and the business can cut down on disinfecting menus or printing up new ones for every customer.
As a way to share additional information.
Many museums and attractions are adding QR codes to their display content. What a great way to share a behind the scenes video or a link to information that is in other languages, appropriate for children, or part of a scavenger hunt.
It is an easy way to update changing rules and regulations, operating hours, etc
If we have learned nothing else in 2020, it is that we have to be nimble. Changing government regulations may cause changes to admission, hours of operation, and masking rules. Having a QR code available to scan on your brochure or print information can lead to a page on your website that can be updated quickly. No need to reprint when rules change.
As a payment method. Check out this receipt.
I recently had lunch and when the check was presented, there was a QR code on the bottom. I could scan the QR code and pay from my phone. Brilliant.
Online ticketing
Attractions ticketing platforms like Viator and Rezdy are using QR codes for ticketing. A local winery developed a drive-through light show ( with a stop at the tasting room) and our ticket was a QR code scanned at the entrance. Easy!
As a way to appeal to younger demographics
QR codes are used more frequently by great travel demographics:34- to 44-year-olds leading the pack at 27%, followed closely by those 44-54 at 21% and 24-34 at 20%. Read more below on marketing with QR codes.
Additional Resources on QR codes:
QR Codes Make a Marketing Comeback
What Tourism Trends are you seeing?
I would love to know. Share your thoughts by clicking on this short survey– or use the QR code!
How Can I help you in January 2021?
DMOs/Tourism Organizations:
Are you looking for a way to provide value to your partners during this challenging time? Check out the Online Tourism Training Program with this link. I can help you provide monthly virtual training for you to offer to your partners/members.
Here’s a recent testimonial from Sarah Anne Rhodes of the Georgia Department of Economic Development: Sally was wonderful to work with to support our Georgia Tourism partners. We were able to have two education group sales webinars with Sally as our presenter. We received fantastic survey results mentioning her approach and the action items they were ready to get working towards.
We found Sally to be a great trainer and speaker to work with on our educational sessions. During discussions of content, she was always aiming to make content actionable, accessible, and inclusive for all tourism partners. She spoke about the reality of the markets and helped prepare our partners whether brand new to group sales or having focused on it a long time. Many thanks and kudos are in order for Sally Davis Berry.
My team will take care of registration, reminders, and even a post-webinar survey! Let me know what topics your partners need help with and we will develop impactful training. I am booked through the end of March but am booking new clients starting in April 2021. Prices start at just $995 for each training. Click here to email me and we can set up a time to talk!
Looking to increase your Tourism knowledge and skills?
Then check out Tourism Pro Academy. I created this platform in 2019 as a one-stop-shop for Tourism Professionals like you! You can check out free resources, courses, and other ways to work with me. I am adding new offerings this month. Click here to see what’s available.