Driftscape News  & Blogs

The biggest shift in travel industry technology for 2026 is moving the visitor experience entirely to their pocket. DMOs don't need to chase large smart city projects; they need accessible tools like AI-curated directories and mobile gamification. This playbook shows how small-to-midsize destinations can implement low-cost, high-impact tech to solve real problems: limited staffing, low engagement, and the need to prove local business impact.

The key to successful destination marketing in 2026 isn't chasing every tech fad, but embracing five core trends that prioritize visitor engagement: hyper-local interactive tours, foot-traffic-driving gamification, AI-powered admin relief, multilingual storytelling, and the digital integration of events. Learn how destinations like Carleton Place and Bruce County are using these methods to achieve measurable success, drive foot traffic, and future-proof their visitor experien

Ever feel the pressure of the changing seasons, wondering how to keep your town buzzing year-round, not just during peak times? As a small-town tourism marketer or a BIA communications manager, you know that visitors often have specific interests tied to the time of year. But translating that into concrete, engaging tourism marketing strategies that actually work can be a real head-scratcher, especially with limited time and resources.

Ever feel like your visitors are just skimming the surface of your destination, missing out on the real heart of the community? Or worse, that your local residents aren't truly engaging with the unique stories and businesses right in their own backyard? It's a common challenge for DMOs and BIAs: how do you foster deeper connections and create a lasting impression with limited resources? Often, they're looking for an immersive travel experience that's just not easy to find on

As an event coordinator or festival planner, you pour your heart into creating unforgettable moments. You dream of every attendee feeling truly immersed, discovering new artists, and staying connected long after the last curtain call. But how do you extend that magic beyond the physical event space, especially when your audience is on the go and hungry for more? (It’s a real challenge, making an ephemeral event leave a lasting digital footprint!)

DMOs can now launch a custom digital tour guide in minutes using Driftscape’s free trial. Just enter your top places — our AI fills in the photos, hours, and descriptions automatically. Map mode, directions, and even AR included. It’s fast, shareable, and built to show what your destination could look like with smart tourism tools.

The holiday rush is coming. Don't get bogged down in manual updates! Learn how a smart AI business directory automates listings, saving you time and ensuring visitors have accurate info. This tool helps you support local businesses, drive foot traffic, and focus on strategic community engagement during the busiest season.

You want visitors to experience your community's unique heart, not just the chain stores. Learn 10 ways a discover visitor app can help tourists find and support local businesses, turning a casual visit into a memorable, community-building experience that boosts your local economy and creates a lasting connection.

Don’t let visitor engagement end at your museum's doors! Learn how to use a museum tour app to create self-guided, outdoor experiences that connect your institution to the community. From seasonal scavenger hunts to historical walking tours, discover six creative ways to leverage the autumn season and keep visitors engaged with your stories long after they've left your exhibits. It's a simple, powerful way to extend your reach and show that the best stories are found right ou

Looking to attract more visitors this Halloween? This guide shows how to boost tourism this spooky season by using a self-guided tour app. Get 20 creative ideas for spooky tours and scavenger hunts that engage both locals and visitors, while also supporting local businesses and generating valuable buzz.

Looking to create a spooky Halloween experience? This guide shows how a walking tour audio app is the perfect low-cost solution for a self-guided haunted tour. Learn how to transform your community's spooky folklore into an engaging, self-guided adventure that drives visitor engagement and provides valuable data.

Looking to attract more visitors this Halloween? This guide shows how to boost tourism this spooky season by using a self-guided tour app. Get 20 creative ideas for spooky tours and scavenger hunts that engage both locals and visitors, while also supporting local businesses and generating valuable buzz.

As summer winds down, you're probably already thinking about the next season. The big question is: How do you keep the tourism momentum...

Have you ever felt like creating an amazing self-guided tour means you need a massive budget and a dedicated tech team? As a tourism pro,...

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

As a museum exhibit coordinator or cultural centre manager, you pour your heart into creating incredible displays. But doesn't it sometimes feel like your most captivating exhibits whisper secrets only a few truly hear? It’s tough to make every visitor feel a deep, personal connection to a silent display, especially when they’re rushing through. You want them to have that profound immersive travel experience, but how do you achieve it when staff are stretched thin?

Struggling to share your destination's stories effectively? The right tourism storytelling platform can turn hidden gems into must-see attractions and boost engagement dramatically. Discover five essential features—like mobile-first experiences and gamified tours—that make your storytelling impactful and effortless.

A tourism app helps DMOs and BIAs connect visitors with what makes your destination unique. Learn five practical ways to use digital tools like self-guided tours and audio clips to start telling your destination's story, even with a small budget.

Boosting visitor engagement is a consistent challenge for tourism professionals today. As visitors increasingly rely on their screens for information, destinations, events, museums, and historic neighbourhoods must find effective ways to bridge the digital and physical worlds. Engaging visitors meaningfully requires immersive digital solutions. However, it takes more than a basic map; visitors need to experience your destination authentically, interactively, and emotionally.

Modern travelers seek authentic connections. Discover how providing an explore like a local app allows DMOs and cultural sites to scale unique experiences, manage visitor flow, and fuel community prosperity.