Cities spend millions of dollars to attract tourists. But what happens when visitors are on-site and they are looking for ways to remember their experience?
One simple yet effective strategy is to install camera holding infrastructure at popular photo spots. These poles or stanchions can transform how visitors capture their memories, making group photos easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
The Current Problem
Take the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, for example.
This iconic landmark draws thousands of visitors daily, all eager to snap a photo. However, without a camera holding stanchion, one person often has to step out to play photographer, leading to long waits and a frustrating experience. Many visitors mistakenly think the person taking photos is employed by the city, but in reality, they work for tips.
This misunderstanding can make visitors feel pressured to tip, adding unnecessary stress to what should be a fun moment. Additionally, large crowds can make the wait times unpleasant, detracting from the overall experience.
The Solution
Imagine if everyone could easily take a group photo without any hassle. Installing camera holding stanchions can make this a reality, significantly enhancing the tourist experience. Happy visitors are more likely to share their perfect group photos on social media, providing free marketing for the location.
This organic exposure can attract even more tourists. Plus, properties can use these stanchions for subtle branding or sponsorship, adding a new revenue stream or marketing channel.
Success Stories
Several places have already seen results with similar ideas:
- Niagara Falls: With the abundance of visitors in the same position, it’s easy to do a photo for a photo, as a large percentage of people passing will know how to take a photo with an iPhone.
- New York City’s Charging Bull Statue: A popular spot where stanchions could help reduce the hassle of getting everyone in the shot. High-traffic locations that are publicized as a “must-see” often see large groups, even buses, dropping off to get a basic selfie before heading on to the next.
- Disney World: Disney Photopass Photographers are set up at major backdrops like Cinderella’s Castle and the Tree of Life. They offer a seamless photo-taking experience as part of the Disney Memory Maker package. Even if visitors don’t buy the package, they can still get their photos taken, ensuring everyone is in the shot and creating lasting memories.
Simple Steps to Implement
Installing camera holding stanchions is straightforward:
- Pick Key Locations: Identify the best spots for stanchions to maximize their use and impact.
- Choose the Right Type: Decide between manual or automated stanchions based on the location and expected usage.
- Ensure Durability: Consider factors like weather resistance and security to ensure the stanchions are robust and reliable.
- Partner with Tourism or Local Industry: Work with companies that could use the extra exposure to visitors in order to potentially fund the program.
The Takeaway
By adding camera holding stanchions to popular tourist spots, cities and properties can greatly improve the visitor experience.
This simple addition ensures everyone can be part of the memory, creating picture-perfect moments that will be cherished and shared widely. Property managers and city planners should consider this easy and effective way to make tourist experiences more enjoyable and memorable. Not only will it boost visitor satisfaction, but it will also increase social media engagement and overall exposure.
By embracing this innovative approach, cities and properties can stay at the forefront of tourist experiences, making every visit memorable and every photo share-worthy.
