Need a Last-Minute Tourism Boost? Launch a Discovery Passport in 30 Minutes

I know the feeling. It’s peak season, or maybe an off-season dip just hit, and you're looking at your visitor numbers thinking, "We need something more, and fast!" Traditional marketing takes time, print runs are expensive, and staff are already stretched thin (trust me, I’ve been there).

The immediate need is engagement: the kind that pulls people off the highway and into your local shops. This vital need can feel impossible to meet without a massive budget or six weeks of lead time. You want to offer a compelling incentive, a clear reason for visitors to explore, spend, and stick around, but you don't have the luxury of waiting.

Imagine launching a proven, engaging campaign—a digital passport to savings—in the time it takes to grab a coffee. That’s the solution we need: turning an engagement gap into an instant, actionable rewards system that works right now.

What is a Digital Passport and Why Launch It Now?

A digital passport to savings is a mobile-based rewards program that encourages visitors to check in at various locations (local businesses, historic sites, or attractions) to earn points, unlock discounts, or win prizes. It’s a low-friction way to offer an immersive travel experience across your destination.

The main benefit? Speed and simplicity. You don't need a custom app, paper punch cards, or complicated POS integration. Because the platform uses simple, location-based check-ins via a self-guided tour app like Driftscape, the setup is incredibly fast. You can quickly add 10-20 local businesses, design a reward, and launch it in an afternoon.

Digital discovery passports use mobile check-ins to create an instant, low-effort rewards program, making them the fastest way to drive off-season or last-minute foot traffic to local businesses.

How Digital Passports Drive Foot Traffic (The Data)

Digital passports are a direct support system for Main Street by gamifying foot traffic and encouraging the shop local movement. Instead of just listing a business in a directory, you're giving visitors a challenge: "Visit these five spots to get a reward."

This approach works exceptionally well for BIAs and DMOs focused on cultural tourism and heritage tours.

For example, during a seasonal activation in The Municipality of North Perth, they engaged over 80 local businesses with a simple, prize-based town-wide tour and contest. The businesses saw guaranteed new faces walking through their door with the intent to participate and spend.

Feature	The Old Way (Paper Passports)	The New Way (Digital Passport)
Setup Time	Weeks (Design, Print, Distribution)	Hours (Digital POI mapping)
Tracking	Manual counting of submitted cards	Automatic, real-time analytics
Cost	High print costs (Crescent Heights Village BIA saved $6,850)	Low subscription fee; zero print cost
Flexibility	Static; impossible to update prizes	Instant updates; prizes can change hourly

3-Step Action Plan for a Quick Launch

Launching your passport to savings program doesn't require a committee meeting—it just takes focus.

1. Define the Challenge: Choose 10-15 key points of interest (POIs) that align with your goal (e.g., “Downtown Eateries,” “Historic Landmarks”). These are the locations the visitor checks in at.

2. Set the Reward: Determine the incentive. This could be an instant digital coupon, an entry into a grand prize draw, or a branded sticker. Making the reward clear and easy to attain is the most important step.

3. Launch and Promote: Use your social media and visitor center to promote the single, compelling call to action: "Explore, Check In, Win!" Since it's mobile-first, the barrier to entry is extremely low.

Why Gamification Works

Traditional "shop local" campaigns often rely on general awareness, which can feel flat and doesn't compel action. Gamification, however, adds a layer of fun and motivation that drives results.

Look at what Bruce County achieved using the digital tourism platform. They ran a region-wide gamified exploration campaign offering branded rewards for checking in at different POIs. They generated 18,000+ visits and won a national award for the program—all with their existing team.

Adding a contest element dramatically increases visitor engagement and creates organic buzz. People inherently love to discover new places, and they love a chance to win something for doing it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Passports

Q: How much staff time does it take to manage a digital savings passport?

A: The initial setup is the most time-consuming part—about an hour to map the POIs and add the content. Once launched, management is minimal. The platform handles the digital check-ins and tracking automatically. You only need staff time to fulfill the occasional physical reward (like mailing out a sticker or a coupon).

Q: What kind of prizes work best for these programs?

A: The best prizes are branded and experiential. Think local experiences (dinner for two, tickets to an event), local goods (a gift basket of regional products), or branded merchandise (a "Discover [Your Town]" hat). Grand prizes work well for the initial hook, but small, instant rewards (like a digital coupon or "badge") keep users engaged.

Q: Can a self-guided tour app work in areas with poor cell service?

A: Yes, this is critical, especially for remote destinations or older buildings. Some platforms, like those used by Visit Sitka in Alaska, offer offline map and tour functionality. The app can be pre-loaded, allowing visitors to access maps, POIs, and even check in without a constant cell signal.

Q: Are digital passports accessible to non-tech-savvy visitors?

A: Absolutely. A good digital passport uses a browser-based link, so there is no app store download required, lowering the hurdle for engagement. Clear, simple instructions and a friendly, conversational tone in the content ensure that the experience is welcoming to all age groups.

Start Building Your Tourism Boost Today

The reality is, a true passport to savings is less about the discount and more about the discovery it unlocks. It’s the mechanism that brings the fun of a scavenger hunt to your economic development goals. If you need a fast, proven way to drive last-minute, measurable engagement and support local businesses, the digital passport to savings is your best solution.

Start your 30-minute discovery journey and launch your own digital passport for free at https://www.driftscape.com/free-trial

Or book a demo at https://www.driftscape.com/marcia-nykamp-product-demo