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A DMO Guide to Proving Tourism ROI
Destination marketing is shifting from "awareness" to "accountability." As boards demand proof of economic impact, DMOs must move beyond vanity metrics like impressions. This guide explores how to bridge the measurement gap by using digital tools to track visitor intent and strategic dispersal. Learn how to build a ROI-ready report that justifies your budget by connecting digital engagement to real-world local business support.

Andrew Applebaum
Apr 25 min read


How museums use labels, QR codes, and audio to improve visitor engagement
Many museums struggle to connect visitors with the stories behind their exhibits without cluttering gallery walls with text. This post explores a layered approach to exhibit storytelling by pairing physical labels with QR codes and focused audio tracks. We cover practical tips for audio length, common technical mistakes to avoid, and how to start a sustainable digital strategy by focusing on your most popular artifacts first to improve visitor engagement and dwell time.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 264 min read


Loyalty Card App: How Destinations Turn Visitors Into Repeat Spend
Stop guessing if your paper punch cards are working. Discover how a loyalty card app uses gamification and real-time data to turn one-time festival visitors into repeat local spenders.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 194 min read


15 Proven Ways to Attract Tourists and Drive Local Visitation
Stop relying on paper brochures and "hope-based" marketing. Andrew shares 15 proven, data-backed ways to attract tourists using digital tools, from scavenger hunts that boast 1,300+ completions to mobile rewards that save thousands in print costs.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 175 min read


Analytics in App: How to Set Up Dashboards That Stakeholders Trust
Stop guessing and start proving your ROI. Here's a practical guide on setting up analytics in app dashboards that turn skeptical stakeholders into fans. Learn how to translate digital clicks into physical foot traffic using real-world wins from the Town of Riverview and Crescent Heights Village BIA.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 123 min read


Mobile App Performance Metrics: A KPI Glossary for Tourism Teams
Stop guessing and start growing. Our 2026 KPI glossary breaks down the mobile app performance metrics that actually matter for BIAs and DMOs, helping you prove ROI and drive local business support.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 103 min read


App Store Analytics: What to Measure Before & After Launch (ASO + Conversion)
Stop guessing and start growing. Breaking down the world of app store analytics for BIAs and DMOs, showing you how to measure everything from ASO to real-world visitor interactions. Featuring a case study from the Town of Riverview, this post explains why POI views and engagement data are the real secret sauce for proving tourism ROI and supporting local businesses.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 54 min read


App Analytics for Tourism: The Metrics That Prove ROI (Not Vanity Stats)
Stop guessing and start growing. Learn how app analytics can transform your tourism strategy from "we think people like this" to "we know this drives ROI." Let's break down the metrics that actually matter for BIAs and DMOs, helping you ditch vanity stats for real economic data.

Andrew Applebaum
Mar 33 min read


Emerging Travel Tech: 5 Impactful Data Trends Reshaping Tourism
Ever felt like you’re drowning in data, but still thirsty for real, actionable insights that actually help your destination thrive? It’s a common frustration for many of us in tourism. As a tourism data analyst or insights coordinator, you know data is crucial. But turning raw numbers into smart strategies? That's the real challenge. You're looking for clear trends to truly understand your visitors and make a measurable impact.

Andrew Applebaum
Oct 29, 20254 min read


What Makes Visitors Stay, Explore, and Recommend? Your Platform Might Be the Key
As a DMO marketing manager or tourism data analyst, you're constantly asking: what truly makes visitors fall in love with our destination? We pour resources into incredible attractions and events, but how do we know what’s actually resonating, driving longer stays, and inspiring those valuable recommendations? It’s like trying to navigate a dense fog without a compass – you’re moving forward, but are you headed in the best direction? (I've definitely wrestled with vague visit

Andrew Applebaum
Aug 19, 20255 min read
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