Travel Trade Marketing

What we do

Travel trade marketing at Explore Marketing is closely tied to sales and distribution. Rather than standalone campaigns, the focus is on supporting partnerships with tour operators, OTAs, and travel trade buyers to drive measurable bookings.

We help attractions and destinations turn travel trade partnerships into measurable demand. From OTA promotions and attraction-pass placements to co-op content planning and partner engagement, we guide you in building campaigns that make an impact, without unnecessary costs or busywork.

​

​This service can be delivered as part of a broader engagement or as a focused project, making it a practical option for smaller DMOs, new attractions, and tourism businesses entering new markets.

​

Supporting OTA & Distribution Performance

Travel trade marketing also plays a role in improving performance across OTA and reseller channels.

This may include:

• Optimizing product descriptions and positioning

• Aligning messaging with target markets and buyer expectations

• Supporting promotional strategies with key partners

• Ensuring consistency across distribution channels

​​

​

Who it’s for

​​

• Attractions & museums growing FIT and group sales

• DMOs building overnight stays with international tour operators

• Sightseeing & tour companies expanding reseller distribution

​

The buyers we activate

OTAs, attraction pass companies, receptive operators, international tour operators, student/youth operators, member-benefit platforms, and selected consortia. We also support international tourism businesses looking to align their marketing with outbound travel demand from the United States and other key international source markets.

​

How we work

​​

1. Assess: Audit current listings, visuals, messaging, and partner calendars.

2. Plan: Develop a practical, budget-conscious marketing plan aligned with seasonality and inventory.

3. Advise: Recommend updates to product copy, imagery, and positioning to improve buyer engagement.

4. Coordinate: Support inclusion in seasonal promotions, printed tour operator brochures, and OTA features.

5. Enable: Provide sales talking points, host informational sessions, and prepare partner reference materials.

​

What you get

• Partner marketing calendar with prioritized opportunities

• Reseller toolkit guidance (content checklist, imagery feedback, USPs, commissions, blackout dates)

• Placement recommendations for OTA sites, brochures, catalogs, and seasonal promotions

• Seller enablement materials (sales points, FAQs, and talking notes)

​

What we don’t do

This service is typically delivered alongside travel trade representation, OTA distribution, or project-based consulting, ensuring that marketing efforts are aligned with active sales channels and real booking opportunities.

​

We don’t act as an advertising agency: no ad buys, creative production, or SEO/SEM management. Instead, we focus on strategic direction and content guidance, working alongside your internal team or creative partners to get the best results for your spend.

​

​

FAQs - Travel Trade Marketing

​

Is travel trade marketing a standalone service?

It can be, but it is most effective when aligned with sales and distribution efforts such as OTA partnerships and travel trade relationships.

​

What kind of marketing support do you provide?

Support typically includes messaging, partner-facing materials, OTA content alignment, and promotional strategies tied directly to revenue channels.

Can this be done as a short-term project?

Yes. Many clients engage in project-based work focused on specific needs such as improving partner materials or preparing for new distribution channels.