Sharing My Passion for Digital Marketing in Alberta’s Tourism Industry

Attract, Engage, Book: Speaking at the David Thompson Country Business Tourism Forum

On November 6th, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to be the main speaker at the David Thompson Country Business Tourism Forum, presenting Attract, Engage, Book: Marketing Your Local Tourism Business.

As someone who loves exploring this region myself, from hiking the trails around Nordegg and Highway 11, to fly fishing the North Ram River, to discovering hidden gems tucked between the Canadian Rockies and Rocky Mountain House, I was deeply honoured to be invited to share my knowledge with local business owners who make this area such a vibrant destination.

Tourism has always been one of my favourite types of marketing because it’s truly a win-win. Travellers get to discover something awe-inspiring and new, while communities have a chance to grow, collaborate, and strengthen their local economies together.

A One-Hour Deep Dive into Digital Marketing for Alberta Tourism

My presentation focused on helping local operators understand how to attract visitors and turn attention into bookings through social media, sponsored ads, and SEO.

For one hour, we walked through what it takes to get found, get noticed, and get booked. From creating scroll-stopping reels and writing searchable captions, to building ad funnels that guide travellers from curiosity to confirmation.

I built this presentation specifically for tourism-based businesses, cabin rentals, outfitters, local restaurants, tour companies, and DMOs, and tailored every example to the David Thompson Country region. My goal was to make sure every person in that room walked away with real, actionable ideas they could implement right away.

Why Digital Marketing for Alberta Tourism Matters More Than Ever

Alberta’s tourism industry is more competitive and dynamic than ever, travellers are turning to online resources, specifically social media apps and ChatGPT, to plan their trips, discover hidden gems, and make booking decisions. Digital marketing allows tourism businesses to reach these audiences directly during their search, showcase unique experiences, and stay top-of-mind in an increasingly crowded online space. From search engine optimization and social media campaigns to high-quality visuals and engaging storytelling, a strategic digital presence helps Alberta’s tourism operators connect with potential visitors, inspire action, and ultimately drive bookings, ensuring the province’s rich landscapes and vibrant communities continue to attract travellers from near and far.

Reframing the Conversation: Standing Out Beyond Banff

One of the most exciting parts of the session was showing how businesses here can compete with larger destinations like Banff or Jasper by reframing how they show up online. I shared examples like:

“Mountain getaways don’t just happen in Banff: 5 Things to do in Nordegg, Alberta.”

“There's more to the Canadian Rockies than Banff: Things to do in David Thompson Country.”

These kinds of keyword-rich headlines not only capture the same search intent that drives travellers toward Banff, but also redirect that attention toward authentic, uncrowded, and equally stunning Alberta experiences.

It sparked a lot of “aha” moments, I could see attendees jotting notes and realizing how small wording changes can have a huge impact on visibility and bookings.

The Best Part: Questions about Tourism Marketing

My favourite part of presenting is always the questions. When someone connects with something I’ve said enough to ask how or why, that’s where the real growth happens.

Several business owners came up afterward, from a horse outfitter to a wellness retreat and a local wildlife tour operator, wanting to dive deeper into their digital strategies. Some even requested a free marketing evaluation, which I am always more than happy to offer!

Moments like that remind me why I love what I do: helping passionate entrepreneurs turn their stories into experiences that travellers can feel before they ever arrive.

Levelling the Playing Field for Local Tourism with Digital Marketing

If there’s one message I wanted everyone to take away, it’s this:

With the right strategy, effort, and storytelling, local tourism businesses in smaller areas can absolutely compete with larger tourist destination hubs.

Travellers are actively looking for authentic Alberta adventures, quieter trails, cozy cabins, and real community experiences. By investing in their online presence through social media, SEO, and digital storytelling, David Thompson Country businesses can capture that audience and build sustainable growth, season after season.

A Region Worth Showcasing

The David Thompson Country region is truly special, wild, scenic, and full of local heart. Whether it’s the sound of the North Saskatchewan river at sunrise, an introspective cabin coffee moment, a friendly campfire gathering, or a family discovering their first mountain hike, these experiences are what inspire people to travel.

As a marketer, and as someone who’s personally explored this area for over a decade, it was a privilege to help local businesses see just how much potential they already have, and how digital marketing can amplify it.

Let’s Grow Tourism Together Through the Right Digital Marketing Strategies

Tourism marketing isn’t just about bookings. It’s about connection, between people, places, and stories worth sharing. And I can’t wait to keep sharing more of them, right here in our own backyard.

If you’re a tourism operator, guide, or small business owner in Central Alberta looking to attract more visitors and build your brand online, I’d love to help. Book a free marketing evaluation with Rogue Marketing.

And if you haven’t yet, go explore this incredible region yourself: David Thompson Country

For even more insights on how digital marketing is shaping tourism across Alberta, check out Travel Alberta’s Industry Hub, a great resource for trends, funding, and growth opportunities.