As Mexico tempts tourists south of the border after the swine flu fiasco with ads that emphasize Mexico's great deals and rich culture, I couldn't help thinking of the other ways cities and countries promote tourism.
We've covered a number of such innovations in tourism at Trend Hunter, and this slideshow features some of the most viral. From $1 bus rides to space tourism, everything under the sun is featured--perfect for planning a last-minute summer vacation!
60 Innovations in Tourism
From Mexico's Swine Flu Quagmire to Credit Crunch Virtual Vacations:
Marissa Brassfield — Jun 14, 2009 — World
57
Danger Tourism
World's Most Dangerous Tourist Route
56
Floating Car Park
When Parking Lots Become Tourist Attractions
55
Armani Ads Accused of Promoting Sexual Tourism
54
Toronto Tourism Ads
Edgy? Um, . . . . not quite!
53
Space tourism set to enter new orbit
52
Extreme Tourism Part II
Diving With Crocodiles
51
Voluntourism
Volunteerism + Tourism
50
China Tourism Music Videos
Beijing Welcomes You
49
Docked Cruise Ship Hotels
Vancouver 2010 Olympics Opt For Floating Tourism Solution
48
Tricky Tourism Campaigns
New ‘Vive Mexico' Ads Combat Swine Flu Fears
47
Ultra Luxurious Job Offers
Tourism Queensland Offers 'Best Job in the World'
46
Grief Tourism
When Travelers Seek Tragedy
45
Guerrilla Tourism Ads
Time to Thaw: South Carolina Tourism
44
Space Tourism
Virgin Galactic
43
Identity Swapping
Latest Las Vegas Tourism Ads
42
Tourist Radio uses Interactive GPS Technology
41
Tourism in MP3 Format
40
Extreme Tourism
Swimming With Sharks
39
Credit Crunch Tourism
Aerial Virtual Tour of NYC Lets You Check Out Manhattan for Free
38
Activist Eco-Tourism
Chilean Mountaintop Experience Revitalizes Lives of Rural Residents
37
Ancient War Tourism
Atlantis Travel Agency Ads
36
Bank Notes as Business Cards
Zimbabwe Hunter at Tourism Fair
35
Eco-Tourism Falls To New York
Olafur Eliasson Waterfalls Will Grace City
34
Environmentally Endangered Tourism
Places to Visit While You Can
33
Third World Tourism
Experience Poverty 1st Hand
32
Credit Crunch On Sports, Tourism
2010 Vancouver Olympics Tickets Sales May Hurt
31
Space Tourism Trials
Virgin Galactic Releases Test Flight Video of Spacecraft
30
Rocky Tourism
Earthy Destinations Like Natural Rock Formations Gain Popularity
29
Graphic Design for Tourism
'How Very Tokyo' Reflects Foreign Views on the City
28
Top Secret Tourism
Add a Little Danger to Your Itinerary
27
Tourism is the New Cocaine for Sierra Nevada Villagers
26
Irrigation Channels as Tourist Spots
Jorge Rigau FAIA Orchestrates Tours of Isabela's Canals
25
Factory Phototourism
The World's Largest Toy Factory Is Free of Santa's Elves
24
Keyword-Based Virtual Tourism
Pastiche Lets You Explain NYC's Neighborhoods by Tag
23
Free Range People
London's Great Outdoors Tourism Ad
22
Blindfolded Sightseeing
The Blind Tourism Project
21
Shocking Tourism Ad
Controversial Eurostar Promo
20
Comic Illustrations for Tourism
Travel Book Shop Shows Importance of Reading
19
$1 Bus Rides
Megabus Takes Credit Crunched Tourists from Toronto to NYC (UPDATE)
18
Hollywood Inspired Tourism
Sex & The City Pilgrimages & More
17
Aggro-Tourism
Aggression Relieving, Stress-Busting Vacations
16
Tulip Trip Tourism
The Skagit Valley Festival Celebrates Spring Blossoms
15
Fake Tourism Products
The Made Up Pomegranate Phone Entices People to a Tourism Website
14
Riot Tourism
Political Activist Travel Breaks Down Geographic Barriers for Protesters
13
Space Tourism Suits
Orbital Outfitters
12
Space Tourism in 2008
EADS Astrium Reveals New Space Jet
11
Earthquake Tourism Games
Laser Taggers Play Around Destroyed Homes in China
10
Rome Bridge Overwhelmed by Tourists Due to Cult Novel
9
GPS Tourism For Lost Landmarks
Mauerguide For Fallen Berlin Wall
8
Medical Tourism
Rising Medical Costs Send Patients On Heath Care Vacations
7
Strictly Female Tourism
Organized Travel Tours For Women-Only Adventures
6
Architectural Photo Tourism
Serge Freeman Takes You To the Peaks of Moscow
5
China Creates Woman Town
Will It Be A Tourist Magnet?
4
Tourism-Boosting Mascots
Fun Characters Created to Augment Regional Development
3
Interactive Tech Tourism
NYC and Google Create NYCGo.com and Tourist Info Center
2
Ultra-Clean Hotels
No-Swine-Flu Guarantee to Revive Mexican Tourism
1
Bummer Tourism Ads
Promoting Australia as Cure-All for Urban Life's Woes
Related Ideas
AI-Created Luggage Campaigns
LANCEL's New Voyage Ai Campaign Launched on June 7th
Multifunctional Transport Buses
The Bubblic Public Imagines the Future of Public Transit
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
Ingenious De-Influencing Ads
Cuyana's De-Influencing April Fool's Campaign Highlights Greenwashing
Fashion-Inspired Luggage Campaigns
Samsonite's Jet Gala Event Fuses Fashion and Travel Essentials
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
AI Post-Apocalyptic Cities
Top10Casinos Explores the Future, Inspired by the Dune Universe
Regional Travel Apps
Freedomverse & Tourism Authority of Thailand Debut the Freedom World App
Icon-Led Travel Experiences
Airbnb Icons Offers Experiences Hosted by Icons in Music, Film, & More
Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts
Marriott Hotels Launched Its First All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun
Personalized In-Flight Ads
United Airlines Kinective Media Offers Curated Travel
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Insightful AI Travel Planners
Tripadvisor's 'Trips' Platform Unveiled Themed Itineraries
Box-Office-Themed Travel Pop-Ups
Intrepid x TIFF Host an Experiential Travel Activation
AI-Powered Travel Campaigns
Samsonite's Bring It 2024 Campaign Exudes Timeless Style & Durability
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Open-Air Medi-Spa Services
The Scene Medical Beauty Bar Rides the Wave of the Beauty Market
Digital Travel Retail Experiences
Clarins Debuted an Initiative at the Airport in Hainan, China
Young Travellers-Targeting Campaigns
Progressive Insurance Has Introduced a New Campaign
Terrace Brand Endeavors
Louis Vuitton Features its Latest Collection at a Beachfront Pop-Up
Tourist Destination Predictions
BonusFinder Canada Used Technology to Predict the Future
Personalized AI Holiday Planning
Planitly Learns Users Interests to Curate the Perfect Getaway
Solo Dining Guides
OpenTable and Kayak Created Resources for Traveling & Eating Alone
Nostalgia-Inspired Experiences
Bubble Planet Creates a Sensory Journey with Distinct Bubble Rooms
Traveling Luxury Retail Events
The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour is a Unique Concept
Interactive Video Game-Themed Tours
The Play Nintendo Tour Runs from June 13 to September 2, 2024
Environment-First Tourism Festivals
Paradise City Festival in Belgium Won Sustainability Awards
AI Travel Planners
Travel Wiz Creates Personalized Travel Itineraries in Minutes
AI-Powered Storytelling Travel Apps
Journi is an App for Tour Guides to Share Exciting Narratives
Revitalized Culinary Efforts
Moroccan Hotel Takes Food Localization to New Heights
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Audio Guide Tourism Apps
Tourly Uses AI and Audio to Make Every Landmark Speak
Eclipse-Inspired Beer Campaigns
DAVID Miami Creates the Global Corona Lime Light Campaign
Shoppable Travel Storefronts
Expedia Travel Shops Make It Easy to Book Recommended Getaways
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Lavish Ecotourism Resorts
Saudi Arabia's 'Zardun' Resort Lets You Experience Local Flora & Fauna
Eco-Friendly Hotel-Home Hybrids
SH Hotels & Resorts Debuts 1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel De Allende
Traveler-Focused Pet Hubs
Mars Unveils a New Pet-Focused Hub in Collaboration with TripAdvisor
Car-Branded Basketball Giveaways
Canada Basketball & Turo Debut Unforgettable Fan Experiences
Photo-Based Travel Sharing
Mano is a Community Travel App That Lets You Pin Polaroid-Style Moments
QSR Travel Sweepstakes
SONIC's 'Fun on the Menu' Sweepstakes Feature Dreamy American Getaways
Solo Travel Bundles
Priceline's Solo Explorer Curates a 5-Day Itinerary with an AI Assistant
Playful Creativity-Focused Campaigns
Sharpie® Launches the World is Your Canvas Tour
Unique Rotating Art Galleries
NUMU Boutique Hotel Features an Exhibit by David Troice
Pet-Friendly Travel Hubs
Mars and Tripadvisor Launched a Helpful Hub for Pet Parents
Sunset View-Inspired Campaigns
Corona Canada Has Launched Its First National 'Sunset Spots' Guide
Unknown Destination Travel Packages
EF Go Ahead Tours Features Mystery Tours for 2025
Luxurious Mexican Resort Packages
Cirque du Soleil Dream Escape is a Tropical Vacay Experience
Summer-Specific Canadian Campaigns
Que Pasa Launches its 'Summer Bummer Insurance' Event
Accessible Fashion Tours
The Walmart Style Tour Shares Personalized Color Analysis & Styling Tips
Multilingual AI Travel App
Traveluh Accounts for Different Cultural Nuances When Planning
Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals
Airbnb Unveils the New 'Icons' Experiences for Short-Term Guests
Comfort-Focused Wellness Experiences
Hotel X Toronto Now Offers Spa Services Inside Guest Rooms
Personalized Guided Audio Tours
WeGoTrip Slows Travel Down with Personalized Audio Guides
Sustainable Luxury Hotels
Hotel Juana's Sustainable Transformation: Upcycling Luxury in Antibes
Travel-inspired Brand Campaigns
Michelin Launches the On the Road and Beyond! Campaign
Collaborative Travel Planning Tools
Hollihopper Offers Live Collaboration to Organize Itineraries
Adventurous Tourism Campaigns
Saudi Tourism Debuts its 'This Land is Calling' Campaign
Late-Night QSR Vehicles
The Student Tour Campaign Shortens the Trip from the Club to Taco Bell
Co-Branded Digital Travel Hubs
The Corona Global Hub Spotlights Experiences Rooted in Nature
Caribbean Cultural Celebrations
Carnival Oasis 2024 Transforms Toronto into a Caribbean Haven
LATAM Airport Retailer Sweepstakes
Avolta Hosted a Series of Raffles and Prize Contests Last Year
Organized Travel Planning Templates
Notion Travel Itinerary Planner Has Navigation and Expenses
Travel Influencer Initiatives
Klook Unveils a New Travel Influencer Program for Micro-Influencers
Anxiety-Alleviating Election Campaigns
The Election Escape Powered by Sensible Weather is Clever
Sustainable Bikini Fashion Shows
Space Swap Promotes Eco-conscious Fashion with Its Fashion Show
World Tourism Day Promotions
PLAY Airlines Celebrates Travel and Cultural Exchange
Singer-Songwriter-Inspired Hotel Lounges
1 Hotel Toronto Introduces the 'Folklore Lounge'
Multi-Generational Travel Deals
easyJet Holidays' Grans Go Free Supports Affordable Family Travel
Accessible Tourism Applications
Vacayit Incorporates Audio Experiences into Its Platform
Sporty Solo Travel Platforms
SurfYogaBeer is a New York City-based Active & Social Travel Company
Naturally Inspired Tourism Campaigns
The Slovenian Tourist Board Launches a New Campaign
AI Road Trip Planners
Huuk Describes Itself as "Canva for Road Trip Travelers"
Travel Sector-Focused Payment Tools
Nium and HyperGuest Streamline B2B Payments in Travel
Efficient Travel Planners
Travel Stash Enables Users to Plan Trips in Under a Minute
Luxury Adventure Travel Platforms
UNCHARTED Recently Introduced the EVOLVE Multimedia Platform
Itinerated Travel Experiences
Shangri-La Toronto Offers Concierge-Led Walking Tours
Detailed Travel-Planning Apps
80days.me Will Design a European Adventure in Minutes
Activity-Based Travel Tours
EF Adventures is a Tour Operator Focused on Wellness Initiatives
AI City Travel Planners
Travelicious is an AI Travel Planner Specifically for Cities
Unique Destination Initiatives
Intrepid Travel Unveiled its 'Not Hot List' for 2025
Language App Pop-Ups
Duolingo Hosted an Interactive Street Society Event in Soho
Immersive Language-Learning Apps
Travel Echo Helps Travelers Engage With Locals Abroad
Grand American Tours
Natural Light Beer Launches American EuroTrip Sweepstakes
Travel-Themed Book Recommendations
Belletrist Curated The Reading Route for Trainline
Portable Toothbrush sanitizers
Biu Biu Designs the Clea Toothbrush Sanitizer for Traveling
Contemporary Hacienda Stays
Tropicana Los Cabos is a Boutique Hotel in San Jose del Cabo
Travel Stroller Rentals
Joolz & 1 Hotels Launched a Relax & Stroll Rental Package
Unique Regional Experiences
Icelandair Boasts Activities that Celebrate Iceland's Fall Offerings
Localized Destination Campaigns
Rosewood Hotels & Resort Debuts 'Discovered at Rosewood'
Star-Studded Family Travel Campaigns
Dolly Parton Works with Tennessee Tourism on Playcation
Tech-Enhanced Travel Planning
Travvit is a Travel Discovery Platform to Inspire Better Vacations
Sustainable DMO-Focused Initiatives
Expedia Group Debuts Two Innovative Programs for DMOs
Sustainable Travel Methods
Intrepid Unveils a Sustainable Travel Service to Incentivize Rail Usage
Social Media-Based AI Travels
Let’s Trip AI Simplifies the Process of Crafting Memorable Trips
Sustainable Earthy-Toned Hotels
Delek Tulum in Mexico Features Mayan-Rooted Wellness Rituals
Enchanting Beachside Stays
Hotel San Cristóbal Features Mezcal Tastings and Off-Road Excursions
Visually Immersive Global News
Newsflask Offers a New Perspective on Current Events
Exceptional Travel Healthcare Campaigns
MHTC Debuts Experience Malaysia Healthcare Stories
Pet Travel Concierge Services
GlobalVetLink Simplifies International Travel for Pet Owners
U-Shaped Atrium Hotels
JSa Designs the Hotel Volga in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Regionally Inspired Cocktail Kits
This Summer Cocktail Kit Shares a Taste of San Diego
Backpacker-Connecting Travel Apps
Cotravel Brings Backpackers from Around the Globe Together
AI Travel Planners
Chonki.ai Lets Users Browse Curated Travel Experiences from Experts
Private Investigator Curated Trips
Go2Africa Unveiled ‘The Designer Honeymoon’ Package
Personalized Honeymoon Booking Platforms
Honeymoons.com Streamlines Romantic Getaway Planning
Social Trip-Planning Apps
TripMap Makes Trip Planning Easier with Expense Tracking and More
Solar Cell Cycling Paths
These Dutch Cycling Paths Are Sheathed In Photovoltaic Cells
Bespoke Wellness Trips
Naya Traveler Specializes in Crafting Bespoke Journeys Across Latin America
Student Travel-Entertainment Experiences
LVIN Offers Spring Break Adventures for 2025
Renovated Airport Upgrades
Upgrades to Turkey's Kayseri Airport Could Triple Its Annual Visitors
Luxe Culinary Experiences
W Toronto's Limited-Time Tasting Menu Boasts a Blend of Flavors
Filipino-Perspective City Campaigns
'Of Course, Hong Kong' Features Four Local Filipino Creators
All-in-One Travel Planners
Traveleva Keeps All Bookings and Itineraries in One Place
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Carefully Vetted Homestays
Adventure Homestay Connects Travelers to Host Families
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Virtual STEM Fieldtrips
Panasonic, Katie Ledecky & Discovery Education Spotlight STEM Innovations
Engaging Travel Maps
BrokenMap Helps to Visualize a Traveler's Global Adventures
Winter Ice Sculpture Festivals
Mongolia's Snow and Ice Festival Runs Until the End of January
Solo Travel Apps
Bunji Connects Like-Minded Travelers to Enrich Authentic Experiences
Interest-Specific AI travel
With Itinerary.today, travelers can create bespoke travel itineraries
Hotel-Led Vintage Markets
The MOB Hôtel Hosted a Vintage Market, an Eco Conference and Workshops
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Traveler Marketing Platforms
Koflluence Introduces the Rare Travel Platform for Travel Influencers
Food-Focused Travel Guide Platforms
'FoodieTrip' Connects Hungry Travelers to Experienced Guides
Cost-Saving Hotel Promotions
Beach Town Travel Offers the Fourth Night Free on Bookings
Festive Hotel Decor Campaigns
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches the Seasonal Winter Chalet Campaign
Instant Accommodation Bookings
Travly Debuts its New Online Travel Agent
Connective Economic Travel
Swapper Helps Business Travelers Use Hotel Budgets to Stay with Friends
Digital International Move Support
Country Out Helps People Get Organized Before a Big Move
Renovated Luxe Resort Hotels
Tara Bernerd & Partners Redesigns the Tranquil Maroma Hotel
Sustainable Hotel-Supporting Airlines
Jet2Holidays Offers a Certified Sustainable Hotel Package
Proposed Spanish Speed Trains
A New Train Could Whisk Passengers from Malaga and Marbella
Social Travel Exploration Platforms
Roame.io Lets Users Swipe Through Curated Recommendations
Viral Baby Hotel Partnerships
The Four Seasons Hotel Partners a Viral Baby for a Weekend