November 13, 2023
5 Ways to Elevate Your Hospitality Game: How Merch Transforms Tourism
The award for host with the most goes to you! Consider this your straightforward guide to boosting team spirit, engaging customers, and creating memories that’ll keep people talking.
With BBHQ being located in the Niagara Region, one of the largest tourism hotspots in the world, it’s no surprise that we know a thing or two about the exciting and bustling industry of travel and tourism!
It’s no secret that in this industry, the competition is fierce and the challenges are many. Attracting and retaining customers, keeping employees motivated, and standing out in a crowded market are just a few of the hurdles these industries face.
Here's the good news – branded merch can be a game-changer!
This blog will explore some common challenges you may face and show you how merch can help you overcome them.
Shall we?
Employee Apparel: The Key to Elevating Your Team and Brand
In every area of hospitality and tourism, your business's success hinges on your staff's dedication and motivation.
Happy and engaged staff are key in creating memorable experiences for your guests that'll wow them into coming back again and again!
That said, high staff turnover rates and the constant quest to boost morale can be daunting challenges. These positions often require high energy, long days on your feet, and an ongoing commitment to going with the flow and adapting at the turn of a hat.
Branded merch is a stellar tool for tackling these issues head-on and helping your brand shine! When your team proudly wears your company's logo, it symbolizes professionalism, commitment and unity.
Our friends at Zoom Leisure Bikes in Niagara-on-the-Lake are a prime example of top-notch branding in every facet of business. This commitment is especially apparent in their staff uniforms: simple and comfortable pieces with the Zoom logo on the front.
These uniforms are perfectly suited for the physical day-to-day of a Zoom cycle team member while keeping a simple and easy-to-spot look for guests.
You can also take it further and offer incentive programs that reward outstanding performance with branded swag! Programs like this can be a powerful motivator, especially when customizing your merch to your staff, their lifestyles, and tastes.
Branded merch lifts staff's spirits and creates an enduring brand identity that makes a lasting impact on customers.
Strengthening Customer Engagement with Loyalty Programs and Clientele Gifting
In hospitality and tourism, customer engagement is the golden key to success. Whether you run a hotel or a travel agency, building strong connections with your clientele is the foundation for repeat business and glowing reviews.
Lucky for you, branded merch is a stellar strategy for boosting consumer engagement.
Picture this: welcome packages for your guests that include tasteful, branded items from picnic baskets to plush blankets. The great people at JW Marriott -The Rosseau Muskoka do a stellar job leveraging these little treasures that create fantastic memories, show their guests appreciation, and reward returning guests.
But that's not all.
Consider spicing up your customer engagement strategy with social media contests, offering exclusive branded merch as prizes.
Encourage your guests to share their travel stories on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X (previously Twitter), and give them a chance to win unique, exclusive branded stuff. This will excite your guests and spreads the word about your business far and wide!
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget the importance of loyalty programs.
Offering special branded items as loyalty rewards encourages repeat business and shows thanks for their ongoing support.
It's a win-win.
Your guests will feel appreciated, and your business wins their loyalty. In this competitive realm of hospitality and tourism, using branded merch and loyalty programs together can be your secret to lasting success.
The Art of Swoon-Worthy Souvenirs
When it comes to travel and tourism , what are the first few words that come to mind?
We'll betcha that souvenirs came up! In tourism, souvenirs are a no-brainer.
But we're not talking about tacky trinkets you bring home and barely look at or use; we're more into the idea of meaningful mementos that your visitors will cherish.
Consider providing a range of branded merch like locally-themed apparel, drinkware or other quality items that represent the unique aspects of your destination.
Local tourism hotspot and award-winning winery Fielding Estate in Beamsville does a stellar job stocking its successful retail store with items people want to buy. Trust us, it’s that good! They’ve got the classics like high-quality t-shirts and sweaters with cool graphics for guests to choose from, drinkware, and an array of other neat stuff.
Unique and unexpected items like this ensure that your brand stands out long after tourists have left and contributes to the authenticity and charm of their travel experience.
Stirring Up Excitement with Seasonal and Event Items
Seasonal and event merch enhances the excitement surrounding special occasions, creating even more memorable experiences.
Picture this: a beach resort coming alive with colourful beach towels and tropical-themed attire during the summer, or a cozy winter retreat decked out in festive mugs and cozy blankets during the cooler months.
Limited-edition seasonal merch is also a fun way to add exclusivity to your current offerings too!
Let's say you have a standard line of all-year-round merch, but come out with a few special holiday pieces. These special edition items stir up excitement for those loyal guests who've seen it all (and just in time for gifting season!).
Also, if your company runs any yearly events or community outreach endeavours, customized swag like t-shirts to commemorate the occasion is a fun way to expand your reach and offer a token of memorabilia.
So whether you're basking in the summer sun or cozied up in winter's embrace, let the world of seasonal and event merchandise elevate your experience and keep the memories alive!
Take Your Experiences to Exceptional with Custom Merch
And there you have it, folks.
It’s time to think of custom merch as your trusty sidekick in an industry where guest experience is everything.
Merch has proven to be as versatile as can be, ranging from employee apparel that boosts team spirit (and looks fresh), welcome packages, loyalty programs, and memorable souvenirs that make guests smile from ear to ear. And when it's time to celebrate? Seasonal and event-specific merch adds that bit of sparkle any special occasion calls for.
It’s all about creating fantastic memories, forging connections, and adding a massive dash of pizzazz to how you show up in this dynamic industry.
Now’s the time to get creative and have a blast!
Ready to Make Merch Magic?
That’s a brilliant idea you’ve got. Brand it and they will come.
We can’t wait to work with you. Let’s get started on your next project.
Let's design your swag.
Tell us your branding goals and we’ll have you looking good in no time.
Let's build your kits.
You don’t have time for logistics, but we do. Let us sweat the details so you don't have to.
Let's launch your store.
Connect your buyers to your brand with just a click. You're welcome.
Purveyors of quality branded merchandise.