Make Your Town’s Stories Unmissable (with Digital Storytelling Tourism)
- Andrew Applebaum
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Ever feel like you’re sitting on a goldmine of local stories, but getting people to truly engage with them feels like an uphill battle? You’ve poured your heart into amazing exhibits, incredible collections, or preserving vital history—but visitors often breeze through, snap a few photos, and move on.
You want them to linger, connect, and truly feel the stories behind your cultural site. That’s where digital storytelling tourism comes in.
What is Digital Storytelling Tourism for Cultural Sites?
Simply put, it’s using mobile-friendly technology to bring your location’s narratives to life. Think beyond static plaques—use audio tours, interactive maps, AR, videos, or gamified experiences. Imagine a visitor standing at a landmark when their phone shows a photo from 100 years ago or plays a firsthand account of someone who lived there.
And yes—most modern tools now support offline access, making them viable even in low-connectivity areas.
Quick Fact: 85% of Canadian travellers use mobile devices to plan and experience trips (source: Destination Canada). If your stories aren’t on mobile, you’re missing out.
3 Digital Tours to Try First:
Local Food Tour: Highlight 5 must-visit eateries with stories from owners or chefs
Local History Tour: Spotlight 5 iconic buildings or landmarks with rich backstories
Public Art Tour: Feature 5 murals or sculptures and artist audio clips
Why It Works for Small Towns and Big Institutions Alike
Digital storytelling isn’t just for large museums with big budgets. With platforms like Driftscape, getting started takes 2–3 weeks (part-time), not months of development. You bring the stories—we help you make them accessible.
Real Examples of Impact
Thunder Bay’s Haunted House Tour saw 25,000 views—a 1,000% spike in engagement after going digital.
ArtworxTO in Toronto created 50+ audio tours, turning public art into interactive journeys.
Carleton Place launched a Hardy Boys-themed tour that brought in over 1,300 participants in one month, including schools and locals.
Community Engagement Beyond Tourism
Digital storytelling also creates space for community connection. Local challenges using Driftscape’s contest tool—like voting for the “Best Burger in Town” or school-led scavenger hunts—help locals engage with their own history and culture.
Benefits of Going Digital:
Deeper Engagement: Let visitors explore what interests them most, at their own pace
Wider Reach: Connect with global audiences through online access
Accessibility: Offer content in multiple formats (audio, text, visual)
Personalization: Visitors can choose topics they care about
Trackable Insights: See which stories or stops resonate most
Mini FAQ
Q: Is digital storytelling only for large institutions? A: Not at all! Small towns and local orgs see some of the biggest impact. It’s more about your stories than your budget.
Q: How do I know where to start? A: Try a 5-stop food, history, or art tour. Keep it simple, then grow from there.
Q: What about areas with poor connectivity? A: No problem—tools like Driftscape offer offline access, so visitors stay connected to your stories no matter what.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Just Tell Stories—Let Them Be Experienced
Your stories deserve more than a quick glance. Digital storytelling makes them come alive—engaging visitors, supporting local culture, and connecting your community in new, powerful ways.
Ready to turn local stories into can’t-miss mobile experiences?
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