In today’s digital age, it’s easy to think print media is dead. But regional visitor guides show print is far from over. While general-interest newspapers and magazines struggle, these guides remain vital to the tourism sector.

The Unique Role of Regional Visitor Guides

Regional visitor guides offer unique benefits digital media can’t match in a format visitors are familiar with. These handy tools are packed with info about attractions, accommodations, dining, and activities. You’ll find them in hotels, visitor centers, airports, and tourist spots, ready to help tourists explore.

• Always Accessible: No batteries or Wi-Fi needed, making them reliable even in areas with poor internet.
• User-Friendly: Clear maps and directories, and easy to flip through without pop-ups or difficult menus.
• Local Insights: Created by locals, offering authentic recommendations and hidden gems, showcasing local culture and traditions.

Despite the rise of smartphones and travel apps, print media remains valuable in tourism:

• In-Destination Visitor Experience: High-quality materials with beautiful photos and engaging content. Tourists often keep them as souvenirs.
• Effective Advertising: Local businesses benefit from ads in print guides, which tourists refer to multiple times.

Trust and Credibility: Guides from reputable local tourism authorities carry trust and reliability.

Print and digital can work together – the best regional visitor guides combine print and digital media:

• Complementary Content: Print guides often include QR codes or links to digital content like interactive maps and event calendars, mixing reliability and versatility.
• Cross-Promotion: Print and digital media promote each other, driving traffic to websites and social media pages while boosting the reach of print publications. Special offers and updates can be communicated through both channels.

While the broader print media industry faces challenges, regional visitor guides prove print is still valuable. Their accessible, user-friendly, and trustworthy information makes them essential for travelers and key to local tourism strategies. As long as travelers seek authentic experiences and reliable info, print visitor guides will thrive alongside digital counterparts.

Check out some of the visitor guides WISDOM has worked on: