How to attract international tourists to your walking tours

Attracting international tourists to your walking tours is an exciting opportunity to share your destination with a global audience. With travelers coming from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, it can be helpful to adjust your marketing strategies to better meet their needs and expectations. 

Additionally, we have to consider breaking through the noise and competition that exists in your area.

To help you get started, here are some approachable tips—from optimizing your website to showcasing local culture—that can make your tours more appealing to international visitors.

Strategies to Attract International Tourists

Let your tour and activity been seen

Updating your website with new photos and posting consistently on social media can feel cumbersome, but in order to be booked, you have to be found. Sharing photos of your experience is key to breaking through the noise online. 

In other words, high-quality photos on your website and authentic videos on Instagram and TikTok can significantly expand your reach to a global audience. As the phrase “I saw this on TikTok,” becomes increasingly more popular, being present on these platforms is the first step to introducing your business beyond borders.

On social media, engaging posts and short videos showcasing the beauty, culture, and excitement of your tours help you stand out in the feed.

On your website, one photo of your tour is good, but more is great. It’s safe to assume bookers are doing their research. If they can get a better feel for what they’ll be seeing and experiencing on your website compared to another, the chances of them booking yours increases.

Master localized SEO

SEO (search engine optimization) can play a big role in helping potential guests discover your walking tours. 

Think about the phrases they might search for, such as “Walking tours in [your city],” and tailor your website content to include these keywords naturally. This makes it easier for search engines to connect the dots and put your business in front of the right audience.

It’s also worth considering regional keywords. For instance, while international travelers may search “Hawaii,” they might not think to include specific locations like “Oahu” or “Waikoloa.” Adding a mix of broader and more specific terms can increase your visibility.

Instead of overloading your site with keywords, focus on crafting helpful, engaging content that speaks to your audience’s interests—search engines tend to reward this approach anyway.

And if doing your own SEO feels like too much, explore FareHarbor Site packages which can include expert SEO services.

Speak your customer’s language

Even though web browsers often offer translation features, providing multilingual options directly on your website can create a smoother and more welcoming experience for non-English speakers. If your tours attract visitors from countries like Japan or Spain, adding translations to your site is a great way to show you’ve thought about their needs.

You might also consider using a messaging platform like WhatsApp, which many international travelers are already familiar with. Not only does it make communication easier, but it also supports quick, on-the-fly translations.

Highlight local culture

International travelers are often looking for immersive experiences that connect them to the heart of a destination. Your walking tours can go beyond pointing out landmarks by weaving in the rich history, traditions, and lesser-known stories of your area.

 

Think about ways to bring your city to life through engaging storytelling, unique perspectives, and even opportunities to try local customs or traditions. This personal touch can leave a lasting impression and encourage guests to recommend your tours to others.

 

Utilizing OTAs 

You don’t have to navigate international marketing all on your own. Collaborating with other companies can be a powerful way to extend your reach and connect with travelers from around the world. 

By leveraging partnerships, you can tap into established audiences and gain exposure in markets you might not otherwise access.

One way to do this is by partnering with OTAs (online travel agencies), traditional travel agencies, or influencers who can feature your walking tours in their promotions. Whether it’s through engaging content created by an influencer or a listing on a well-known travel booking site, these collaborations can help you stand out to international visitors.

At FareHarbor, we have a large team of talented individuals dedicated to making sure you have access to the most impactful OTAs and affiliate partners. 

FareHarbor supports OTAs and affiliates by streamlining partnerships through real-time integrations with major OTAs like Viator and GetYourGuide, ensuring accurate availability and reducing double bookings. To learn more, reach out to support@fareharbor.com.

Simplifying international bookings

For international guests, the booking process should feel straightforward and familiar. Platforms like FareHarbor can help streamline this experience:

• Multilingual Support: FareHarbor offers Google-powered translation tools, allowing you to make your booking dashboard accessible in multiple languages.
• Flexible Payment Options: Many international travelers use credit cards that handle currency conversion, but integrating Apple Pay and PayPal on your platform can add another layer of convenience for guests who prefer it.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: FareHarbor’s platform is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring your guests can book tours easily from wherever they are.

As destinations around the world continue to shift and change, now is a great time to prepare your walking tours for a global audience. 

By making small but thoughtful adjustments—like improving accessibility, showcasing your culture, and partnering with trusted platforms—you can attract more international travelers and provide them with memorable experiences.

Start implementing these strategies today and see how they can make a difference for your business! And if you’re ready to streamline bookings and reach a broader audience, explore FareHarbor’s tools to help you grow.