From a young age, people are drawn to stories of pirates and princesses, dragons and sea raging monsters. As we grow up, fantastical stories are still enjoyable but passionate stories of heroism, entrepreneurship and adventure grab our minds even more because they are relatable. Destinations have the unique opportunity to tell stories of travel and adventure that make life worth living. 

The Digital Age of Stories for Destinations

When the digital age started booming, websites and blogs expanded the reach of stories to a worldwide audience. Destinations started utilizing the new technology to build a visual and virtual representation of the potential experience visitors could have. Websites became a required marketing tactic to have your audience experience your destination. 

Now, technology is seeing another surge in the creation of podcasts and audio-based content. Younger audiences especially are drawn to the podcast medium for it’s multi-tasking capabilities, the ability to passively listen to content on the move and the ability to listen to everything and anything imaginable. 

Relic CEO Adam Stoker said, “One of the main reasons that I recommend a podcast to destinations is because it provides content that can be consumed passively and allows newer audiences with different consumption habits to consume your content in the way they prefer to consume it.”

This new, powerful storytelling medium presents an attentive audience who listens to 80% of the whole episode and an audience estimated to double by 2023. So why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of this captive audience?

Relic’s Destination Marketing Podcast Story 

Two years ago with no previous experience beyond listening to story-based shows on his own, Relic’s CEO Adam Stoker started a podcast. 

Built to serve the tourism community, the Destination Marketing Podcast assists overworked and understaffed destinations to prioritize proven marketing activities and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technology. Going through case studies, hearing about campaigns and experiences from marketers all over the world accomplishes this. 

Equipped with the success and podcast knowledge, Relic created the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. The network has additional podcasts for marketing positions within the destination as well as destination-specific podcasts for consumers to learn about the various places they can visit across the country! 

For marketers, you can learn about beneficial, social media partnerships through the “Influencer Marketing for Destinations Podcast” or hear about the latest industry news on “The Travel Vertical Podcast.” Relic is also excited to announce the “Architects of Destination Advocacy” Podcast, a collaborative effort with Destinations International.

For destinations, joining the network means a podcast for your destination. Share what makes your destination unique similar to how “The Hola Laredo Podcast” verbally illustrates the bicultural blend of American and Mexican culture from food to fashion. Take a story from “The Inner Coastal Podcast,” as stakeholders each share their business’ contribution to the low-country lifestyle culture from historic landmarks to the movie filmed in the location.

The Inner Coastal Podcast

When “The Inner Coastal Podcast first started publishing episodes in early 2020, a 232% growth in listenership within the first 30-60 days was amazing to see. By the 100-day mark, over 800 listens marked a successful start to the podcast with listeners not only in the local area but also reaching North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky as well.   

Today, “The Inner Coastal Podcast” still sees wonderful organic growth that was showcased in two 2021 Communicator Awards: one award of Excellence in the category of branded series and one Distinction award in the category of individual episodes. 

Now, with over 3,500 total listens, the destination has shared anecdotal stories of emails received from visitors planning and visiting the area because of their exposure to the podcast. Top episodes are titled, “Finding your Inner Coastal,” “A photographer’s Guide to Beaufort,” and “Discovering Historic Beaufort.” 

Your Destination’s Podcast Story

“One of the things I love about a podcast is that if you’re consistent and do a great job of storytelling, you’re going to build your own audience and you no longer have to rent it,” said Stoker. “You own it.”

Your destination’s story can be heard. Your tales of trails and the roller coaster ride of adventure in your area have the same chance to plant desire and inspire your audience as your competitors. Even better, once the story is verbally shared, it takes flight to new opportunities such as blog posts with transcribed episodes, social media quote posts, stickers, and more! Think of updating your travel guide with the podcast episode stories, that like a virtual travel guide, can bring your destination to life.

“Storytelling will allow the visitor to have a more well-rounded view of what they want to do when they get to the destination,” said Stoker. “An additional benefit to being able to grow and nurture your audience is to engage and inform your stakeholders as well.”

Craft the creative narrative of your story with a podcast — Relic can help. Invest in a marketing tactic that can deliver to audiences dream excursions and adventurous anecdotes right into their ears. Because once they’ve heard the stories, they’ll want to experience it for themselves.