Nowadays, it seems like every day is an unexpected national holiday! From Paper Bag Day to Talk Like a Pirate Day (Arr, Matey), there’s always a reason to celebrate – no need to wait until the end of the year. With so many holidays out there, it should come as no surprise that many of them are travel and tourism themed.
If you’re looking for unique marketing initiatives year-round and want to bring a fresh approach to your promotions in 2021, don’t miss the chance to celebrate these practical and playful travel and tourism holidays.
Add them to your 2021 calendar today and start brainstorming fun ways to create new experiences for your guests – who knows, one of them may even become a new annual tradition!
January to March
SHOP FOR TRAVEL DAY | January 12
Shop for Travel Day is all about planning that next trip and taking advantage of travel deals. This day is a great opportunity to promote your gift cards. Learn how to make the most of gift cards and gift certificates in this guide.
PLAN FOR VACATION DAY | January 26
After shopping for the best travel deals, Plan for Vacation Day serves as a reminder for working adults to plan their days off and map out their vacation time for the rest of the year so they can be sure to get the R&R they deserve. Post a reminder on social media encouraging people to plan their vacation and request time off work ahead of schedule!
VIRTUAL VACATION DAY | March 30
Calling all operators who put together a virtual tour in 2020 (or already had one up and running)! Virtual Vacation Day encourages people to relax and unwind even if they’re not on a traditional vacation. Take this opportunity to promote your virtual tours on social media or through email marketing.
WEIRD & WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS THIS QUARTER
DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY | January 14 . A day to get our furry friends involved! Take pictures, post them on social media & encourage your followers to share their costumed pet photos as well. Bonus if you offer a prize for the best photo - perhaps a discounted tour or a free t-shirt or hat!
HAVE FUN AT WORK DAY | January 28 . This is a great opportunity to show off your staff loving what they do every day - and it helps to personalize your business.
MOM & POP BUSINESS OWNERS DAY | March 29. If you’re a mom & pop operation take some time to share your company's origin story on social media or in a blog.
April to June
READ A ROAD MAP DAY | April 5
Time to put away our smartphones (with their convenient navigation apps) and unfold a road map! Take advantage of the road trip trend by encouraging your audience to go old-school. Design a map showing common routes to your location and points of interest around town, or remind people to visit for a tour or activity during their next road trip.
WALKING DAY | April 7
If you offer walking tours, this day is for you! Celebrate with a discount on your walking tours or any other booking special that comes to mind. Even if your business doesn’t run walking tours, you can celebrate this holiday by posting a blog with tips on visiting your city/location on foot.
TOURISM DAY & NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK | May 2-8
A whole week dedicated to travel and tourism! No matter what kind of experiences you offer, this week is the perfect time to draw new eyes to your business. Here are just a few ways to celebrate:
Feature a different tour guide or staff member each day on social media. Share their name, time spent working at your business, favorite food, dream travel destination, and other fun facts to create a personal connection with your audience.
Create promos that guests can take advantage of all week long.
Send an email newsletter sharing how your business plans to celebrate the week.
Partner with other local businesses to create shared experiences.
WEIRD & WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS THIS QUARTER
WEAR YOUR PAJAMAS TO WORK DAY | April 16 . Encourage your staff to work in their comfies (as long as safety & weather allows!).
PIZZA PARTY DAY | May 21 . Surprise your staff or guests with a pizza delivery during their tour, or partner with a local pizza joint for the day and cross-promote each other.
NATIONAL SELFIE DAY | June 21 . Everyone loves a good selfie. Bring a selfie stick along on your tours today and encourage guests to use it to document their experience with you - then share on social media.
July to September
BOATING DAY | July 1
Boating tour operators of all kinds - from pontoon boat rentals to sightseeing cruises - should take advantage of this wonderful holiday. What better way to entice people to spend some time on the water than by creating fun social media posts about boating in your area? Or you could share a blog with a list of the best spots in your area to spend some time on the water.
WILDLIFE DAY | September 4
Chances are, if your experiences take place outside, guests might catch a glimpse of local wildlife! Share photos from past tours of some of the animals people can see on a tour with your business, or host a social media contest asking past guests to share their own photos of the animals they saw on a tour.
WEIRD & WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS THIS QUARTER
WORLD EMOJI DAY | July 17 . Ask your staff & guests to share the emoji that best represents how they felt participating in your tour, and reply with your own.
INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY | August 6 . There’s a beer for pretty much every occasion - consider partnering with a local brewery to offer specials to your guests before or after their tour.
KIDS TAKE OVER THE KITCHEN DAY | September 13 . Do you offer food tours or cooking classes? Use this day to encourage parents to bring the kids along or offer a special youth-centric offering to help inspire the next generation of chefs & foodies.
October to December
FOOD DAY | October 24
Foodies rejoice! From cooking classes to food and wine tasting tours, today is your day. Get creative by sharing unique recipes or updating readers on a new tour offering. Even if your business is not focused on food, consider sharing a blog or social post about the best places to eat in your area and share it with your guests before or after their experience with you.
TAKE A HIKE DAY | November 17
If you offer hiking or walking tours, be sure to promote your business leading up to Take a Hike Day to get people excited to get outside. Share packing lists, your top favorite hikes in the area, or give people a deal when they book, such as free trail maps or a branded water bottle.
WEIRD & WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS THIS QUARTER
INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY | October 1. Who doesn't enjoy a good cuppa joe? Make sure your guests are well caffeinated so they can make the most of all your tour or activity has to offer.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY | October 21 . Customers are at the heart and soul of everything you do. Ask each of your guests to share some of their favorite travel memories with you and kick off what's sure to be an inspiring conversation for all.
These unusual and lesser celebrated holidays are only some of the many special days to promote each year. No matter what type of experiences you offer, you’re sure to find a day dedicated to doing what you love.
Depending on the types of activities you offer, keep an eye out for Art Day , Haunted House Da y, Axe Throwing Day , Horse Day , and more. A quick Google search will give you the date and details so you can start planning your outreach strategy well before your holiday of choice.
