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Stop the drop-off: How to design self-guided tours people actually finish
Most self-guided tours feel forgettable because they are built like information dumps instead of real visitor journeys. In this post, Andrew explores why some routes lose momentum and offers a practical framework for designing experiences that people actually finish. Using lessons from the Michigan Heroes Museum, we look at how focusing on pacing and flow can improve visitor engagement and provide better data for your tourism stakeholders.

Andrew Applebaum
Apr 145 min read


Tours Meaning: Guided vs Self-Guided vs Audio Tours (and When Each Wins)
What is the true tours meaning for your BIA or DMO? This post breaks down the critical differences between guided, self-guided, and audio tours. Learn why digital-first experiences are helping the Downtown Carleton Place BIA and the Town of Riverview reach thousands of visitors without increasing staff hours. We explore the ROI of gamification, how to choose the right format for your community, and why 24/7 accessibility is the new gold standard for local tourism engagement.

Andrew Applebaum
Feb 173 min read


How to build a self guided walking tour that boosts local business
Tired of "shop local" flyers that don't work? The secret to boosting foot traffic and sales for your BIA or town is an interactive self guided walking tour. Learn Andrew's 3-step formula: 1) Map for discovery, not just history, by placing POIs near or inside businesses. 2) Gamify with digital coupons and rewards to drive conversions—like the Crescent Heights BIA saved over $6k in print costs. 3) Make it effortless with a mobile-first platform. Give people a fun, guided advent

Andrew Applebaum
Nov 11, 20255 min read


10 New Holiday Self Guided Walking Tour Ideas for BIAs
The holiday season is a massive opportunity for small towns and BIAs, but the pressure to drive foot traffic is real. The solution isn't a bigger budget—it's a smart, self guided walking tour that leverages your existing charm. We’ve collected 10 fresh, engaging ideas—from 'Elf Hunts' to 'Ugly Sweater Showcases'—to help you launch a rewarding, low-staffing campaign that gets people shopping local and exploring your main street this winter.

Andrew Applebaum
Nov 4, 20255 min read


Visitors Keep Asking These Questions: Your Historical Site App Can Answer Them All
As a historical site manager, cultural centre curator, or Indigenous tourism planner, you're passionate about the stories your site holds. You want every visitor to walk away feeling truly connected, like they've stepped back in time or deeply understood a significant narrative. But doesn't it often feel like you're answering the same questions over and over, or that visitors are missing key details because they're on a tight schedule? (I hear you; it’s tough to be everywhere

Andrew Applebaum
Oct 15, 20255 min read


How to Boost Tourism This Halloween: 20 Self-Guided & Spooky Ideas
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.

Andrew Applebaum
Sep 19, 20254 min read


How to Boost Fall Tourism: 20 Self-Guided Tours, Hunts & Ideas That Work
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.

Andrew Applebaum
Sep 10, 20254 min read


Choosing a Mobile Tour Platform That Turns First-Timers Into Fans
Ever felt like you're playing a guessing game with your visitors? You've got amazing local stories, beautiful natural spaces, or vibrant downtowns, but how do you make sure every single person truly discovers them, beyond a brochure or static map? As a DMO marketing manager, BIA director, or parks officer, you're constantly looking for that "aha!" moment for your guests. The challenge is, how do you deliver a personal, engaging experience at scale without stretching your team

Andrew Applebaum
Aug 15, 20255 min read


Build a City Tour App That Feels Local—And Gets Used Like It’s Global
Have you ever scrolled through a big city's sleek tourism app and thought, "That's exactly what we need... but how on earth could we pull that off?" As a DMO marketing manager or BIA director, you dream of giving visitors and locals an engaging way to explore your community. But the reality of limited budgets, small teams, and zero in-house developers often makes building a custom city tour app builder feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. (Trust me, I've seen that

Andrew Applebaum
Aug 13, 20254 min read


Explore the Magic of the Silver Screen: North Bay’s Self-Guided Film Tour on Driftscape
Did you know that North Bay has served as the backdrop for some of the most beloved holiday movies and television productions? From...

Driftscape
Dec 9, 20242 min read
Creating unique visitor experiences - A Partnership between Elliot Lake and Driftscape
Leveraging the power of smartphone technology, Elliot Lake plans to use the Driftscape app to establish a digital tourism pillar.

Driftscape
Apr 15, 20233 min read


CTV Features the Six Nations Tourism & Driftscape Partnership
In their recent segment, CTV featured the launch of Six Nations Tourism and Driftscape's Partnership.

Driftscape
May 17, 20211 min read


Discover Toronto’s Hidden Stories with a Travel Storytelling App
Discover how Cooks Bay Marina used a travel storytelling app to turn Toronto’s hidden gems into unforgettable, self-guided tours. With immersive audio, local legends, and real-time engagement tools, Driftscape helps destinations like yours boost visitor engagement—without extra staffing or complex tech. Perfect for tourism pros looking to modernize without losing authenticity.

Andrew Applebaum
Jun 15, 20202 min read


Discover Ottawa’s Rich Heritage with a Tourism App Built for Storytelling
Discover Ottawa’s rich history through the Driftscape tourism app—a mobile-first tool that turns streets into story-filled adventures. With self-guided tours, interactive maps, and AR experiences, visitors can explore heritage sites, local legends, and hidden gems on their own terms. Whether you're strolling past Sparks Street or diving into museum content, Driftscape helps you experience Ottawa like never before.

Driftscape
Jun 18, 20193 min read
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