Going Global with the Right Tech

"Going global" isn't just reserved for large corporates! The rise of digital tools and tech-driven marketing means that even the smallest tourism operator in the most remote corner of Aotearoa, Australia or the South Pacific can attract travellers from across the globe.

Using modern digital marketing tools and tourism-specific technology to remove the barriers between your business and the international traveller opens up significant opportunity to grow your bookings tapping into global demand, without needing a champagne marketing budget! 

Let's look at the key ways you can achieve this.

1. Be Found by Global Travellers

The first step to international bookings is visibility. Most travellers are starting their research on search engines, OTAs (Online Travel Agents), or social media - all digital platforms with global reach.

Here’s how you can make sure you're discoverable:

• Invest in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) for your website so you appear in the right search results for your location and tourism offering. View our SEO packages!
• Use Google’s free tools like Google Business Profile, Google Hotels and Google Things to Do, which are powerful for getting found by international travellers planning their itineraries.
• Be bookable on key global OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, or niche platforms aligned to your offering. Find out more below!

2. Use a Booking System That Gives You Global Connections

Your booking system is the engine behind your business and choosing the right one can open up the world to you.

A Property Management System (PMS) like ResBook, paired with Channel Management via ResChannel, makes managing your bookings simple, scalable and globally integrated. These tools allow you to:

• Connect with global OTAs so your availability and rates sync across all platforms in real time. This reduces double bookings and saves admin time. View our ResBook Guide on How to Work with Online Travel Agents
• Centralise your bookings from all sources into one dashboard.
• Offer a seamless booking experience on your own website, reducing reliance on commission-based channels.
• Adjust rates and availability easily based on seasons, or promotions, with updates automatically pushed to all connected channels.
• Integrates with payment gateway providers who accept multiple currencies and payment methods

Using a PMS with OTA integration gives you the ability to receive bookings 24/7, in every time zone, with total control and visibility.

3. Lean Into Digital Marketing for Global Reach

Your ideal guests may be browsing Instagram in Germany, watching travel YouTube videos in the US, or reading blog guides in Singapore. Smart digital marketing allows you to meet them where they are.

• Run targeted social media ads or Google Ads by location and interest to promote your business and destination. You will expand your brand awareness and drive traffic to your own website for those more lucrative direct bookings.
• Collaborate with international content creators who align with your brand. Proactive influencers may even contact you if your offering does align. Your regional or national tourism marketing organisations may also provide "influencer" opportunities.
• Use email marketing to re-engage past guests and reach new ones through referrals or travel industry partnerships.

4. Use Strategies to Convert Bookings 24/7

A modern booking system like ResBook PMS will provide potential guests with the ability to book 24/7 no matter what time zone they are in. But if they have questions they need answered before they book there could be a roadblock. Go an extra step with technology that supports their decision-making process:

• FAQ's on your website are an incredibly well-used resource by prospective customers to help them decide when they are in the booking phase. Make sure your website has the right content to answer those most common questions, and even some of the odd-ball ones! All ResBook tourism websites come with an FAQs module built-in!
• AI-powered chatbots can answer questions 24/7, and they will use content from your website to provide accurate and more human-like responses to answer questions in a timely way when you can't.
• Encourage traveller reviews on key platforms to endorse your business. Think Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Google Reviews. Highlight your most recent reviews on your website so they can see them at a glance when browsing.

5. Digital Storytelling That Stands Out

While tech enables your reach, it's your experience that wins the booking. Use digital storytelling to showcase what makes your experience unique and irresistibly authentic:

• Tell your story with video and photos that highlight your local people, place and hospitality (manaakitanga). Investing in professional photography and video for your website ensures your digital presence entices and converts, while for your social media posts you can use mobile phones for reels and regular content.
• Create bookable packages that combine accommodation with experiences and promote these across all platforms.
• Use your booking system for easy add-ons or upsells, so guests can personalise their stay (and you can boost your revenue).

Posted by ResBook Team on June 23, 2025