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
53
Armani Ads Accused of Promoting Sexual Tourism
52
Toronto Tourism Ads
Edgy? Um, . . . . not quite!
51
Space tourism set to enter new orbit
50
Extreme Tourism Part II
Diving With Crocodiles
49
Voluntourism
Volunteerism + Tourism
48
China Tourism Music Videos
Beijing Welcomes You
47
Docked Cruise Ship Hotels
Vancouver 2010 Olympics Opt For Floating Tourism Solution
46
Tricky Tourism Campaigns
New ‘Vive Mexico' Ads Combat Swine Flu Fears
45
Ultra Luxurious Job Offers
Tourism Queensland Offers 'Best Job in the World'
44
Grief Tourism
When Travelers Seek Tragedy
43
Guerrilla Tourism Ads
Time to Thaw: South Carolina Tourism
42
Space Tourism
Virgin Galactic
41
Identity Swapping
Latest Las Vegas Tourism Ads
40
Tourist Radio uses Interactive GPS Technology
39
Tourism in MP3 Format
38
Extreme Tourism
Swimming With Sharks
37
Credit Crunch Tourism
Aerial Virtual Tour of NYC Lets You Check Out Manhattan for Free
36
Activist Eco-Tourism
Chilean Mountaintop Experience Revitalizes Lives of Rural Residents
35
Ancient War Tourism
Atlantis Travel Agency Ads
34
Bank Notes as Business Cards
Zimbabwe Hunter at Tourism Fair
33
Eco-Tourism Falls To New York
Olafur Eliasson Waterfalls Will Grace City
32
Environmentally Endangered Tourism
Places to Visit While You Can
31
Third World Tourism
Experience Poverty 1st Hand
30
Credit Crunch On Sports, Tourism
2010 Vancouver Olympics Tickets Sales May Hurt
29
Space Tourism Trials
Virgin Galactic Releases Test Flight Video of Spacecraft
28
Rocky Tourism
Earthy Destinations Like Natural Rock Formations Gain Popularity
27
Graphic Design for Tourism
'How Very Tokyo' Reflects Foreign Views on the City
26
Tourism is the New Cocaine for Sierra Nevada Villagers
25
Irrigation Channels as Tourist Spots
Jorge Rigau FAIA Orchestrates Tours of Isabela's Canals
24
Factory Phototourism
The World's Largest Toy Factory Is Free of Santa's Elves
23
Keyword-Based Virtual Tourism
Pastiche Lets You Explain NYC's Neighborhoods by Tag
22
Free Range People
London's Great Outdoors Tourism Ad
21
Blindfolded Sightseeing
The Blind Tourism Project
20
Shocking Tourism Ad
Controversial Eurostar Promo
19
Comic Illustrations for Tourism
Travel Book Shop Shows Importance of Reading
18
$1 Bus Rides
Megabus Takes Credit Crunched Tourists from Toronto to NYC (UPDATE)
17
Hollywood Inspired Tourism
Sex & The City Pilgrimages & More
16
Aggro-Tourism
Aggression Relieving, Stress-Busting Vacations
15
Tulip Trip Tourism
The Skagit Valley Festival Celebrates Spring Blossoms
14
Fake Tourism Products
The Made Up Pomegranate Phone Entices People to a Tourism Website
13
Riot Tourism
Political Activist Travel Breaks Down Geographic Barriers for Protesters
12
Space Tourism Suits
Orbital Outfitters
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
Beer-Sponsored Beach Concerts
Corona and Todo Mundo no Rio Partnered for a Free Concert
Toy-Doll-Starring Travel Spots
Expedia Debuts its 'Going Places with Ken' Campaign
Content Creator Development Programs
Sunwing Vacations Debuts Canada's Next Top Creators
BookTok Travel Experiences
EF Ultimate Break Launched Literature-Inspired Group Tours for Gen Z
Disaster-Resilient Hospitality Concepts
Margot Krasojević Presents an Emergency Hotel Concept
Reimagined Artwork-Based Travel Campaigns
Plaza Premium Group Debuts 'The Art of Travel'
DIY-Style Vacation Offerings
Marriott Bonvoy Lets Canadian Travelers Curate Their Escapes
Event-Inspired Luxury Spirits
Clase Azul Releases a World Cup-Themed Collectible Tequila
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Comprehensive Wellness Programs
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Has Elevated Its Offerings
Kid-Designed Travel Itineraries
Visit Anaheim Launched 'Imaginagency' with Tia Mowry
Rural Running Vacations
Airbnb and Strava are Motivating Gen Z to Book Run-Cations
Beach-Themed Mobile Tourist Centers
Wasaga Beach Debuts a 1970s-Inspired Unit for Tourist Info
Vibrant Luxury Theme Parks
BON Luxury Theme Park Aims to Transform Worldwide Travel
Nature-Centered City Campaigns
Visit Seattle Launches 'Mother Nature’s City'
Destination-Inspired Shampoos
SHAMPOOHOTEL Recreates Hotel-Quality Experiences at Home
Wellness-Focused Luxury Hospitality Partnerships
Lumati Collaborates with Hotel Del Coronado
Longevity-Focused Hotel Initiatives
Novotel Longevity Everyday Upgrades the Guest Experience
Wellness Brand Experiences
Pilates and Influencer Events Are Shaping Lifestyle Marketing in Peru
Wellness Hospitality Series
The 'Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025' will Span Across Asian Cities
Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns
Polaroid Launched 'The Camera for an Analog Life'
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
Immersive Tequila-Inspired Getaways
Cuervo x CheapCaribbean Launch 'Ultimate Margarita Season’
Global Hospitality Expansions
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Announces New Plans for Its Business
Livestreamed Travel Campaigns
IShowSpeed and Expedia are Engaging and Inspiring Gen Z Travelers
Kindness-Focused Travel Campaigns
Global Child: Travel & Purpose Debuts a Qatar Episode
Culturally-Inspired Travel Campaigns
Louis Vuitton’s New Travel Campaign Spotlights China
Collectible Art Fairs
Unique Design x Mexico City 2026 is an International Design Fair in Mexico
Destination-Driven Travel Pieces
The Ritz-Carlton x Kilometre Paris Reimagines Iconic Places
Adventurious Luxury Furniture Campaigns
Louis Vuitton's 2025 Travel Campaign is Visually Appealing
Next-Gen Mexican Retreats
The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe is an All-Inclusive Mayan-Inspired Resort
Women-Led Travel Journeys
Geographic Expeditions Launched its 'Women of the World Collection'
Summer Camp-Inspired Travel Experiences
EF Ultimate Break Debuts Camp Ultimate, Targeting Gen Z
Integrated Travel Wallets
Samsung Wallet Organizes Bookings, Tickets and Itineraries in One Place
Luxury Medical Tourism Partnerships
Three Companies Partner to Boost Miami Medical Tourism
Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Intrepid Offers a Diverse Range of Food Tours for Curious Travelers
Luxury Designer Travel Guides
Louis Vuitton Introduced a New Format for its City Guide Resorts
Business Traveler Wellness Guides
Corporate Traveler Partners with Sweat for a Wellness Guide
Tourism Energy Villages
Goa Government Pilots Net Positive, Low-Impact Tourism Clusters
Waffles-Centric Travel Experiences
Choice Hotels International Conducts a Nationwide Survey
Satirical Destination Marketing Videos
The Viral Switzerland is Fake is Cheeky and Tech-Driven
PTO-Themed Vacation Competitions
siggi’s Debuts the PT-YO Challenge to Help Consumers Use Up PTO
Soccer-Inspired RV Platform Initiatives
RV Rental Platform Outdoorsy Targets Soccer Fans
World Cup Travel Solutions
Kindred Built Its Home Swap Collection for World Cup Host Cities
Accessible Tourism Training Programs
TravelAbility and VisitAble Boast Disability Inclusion
Literary Tourism Innovations
Jane Austen Festival Launches Character Trail Through Bath Streets
Adventure Destination Platforms
Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors Connects Travelers to Activities
Travel Story Visuals
Travel Wrapped Turns Your Annual Journeys Into Shareable Infographics
Travel-Focused Regional Websites
Tourism Authority of Thailand Debuts a Dedicated Online Portal
Spontaneity-Inspired Travel Campaigns
Wyndham Debuts 'Where There's a Wyndham, There's a Way'
Holiday-Themed Hospitality Experiences
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Announces Its Holiday Plans
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Underrated Travel Locations
Intrepid Travel Has Released Its Annual Not Hot List
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Travel Community Platforms
Tripnation Travel Community Connects Through Stories, Groups, & Guides
Festive Home Exchange Opportunities
HomeExchange Promotes Canadian Stays for the Holiday Season
Ten-Day Culture Tours
Trafalgar's Travel Guide Features Curated Music and Cuisine Destinations
International Tourism Festivals
China Runs a Special International Tourism Festival
Storybook Travel Agencies
Dr. Seuss Travel Agency Turns Classic Books into Imaginary Destinations
Sensory Museum Experiences
The Museum of Illusions Features Immersive Attractions
Mexican-Inspired Afternoon Teas
Virgin Atlantic's Afternoon Tea-quila Celebrates a Top Destination
Customized K-Beauty Tours
NOL World's Personalized K-Beauty Curation Tour Helps Skincare Consumers
Colorful Promotional Travel Campaigns
Curaçao Tourist Board Marks First Chicago Nonstop Flight
Global Travel Hubs
NomadMania Helps Travelers Plan, Track, Map, And Connect Worldwide
European Food Tours
Air Canada Offers Curated Food Tourism Packages and Guides
Worldwide Service Marketplaces
Airbnb Services are for Booking Everything from Catering to Makeup
AI-Powered Tourism Guides
South African Tourism and GuideGeek Launch the Siyanda AI Assistant
Travel Planning Apps
Triply Helps Track Trips, Flights, And Explore Global Experiences
Carrier Pigeon Campaigns
The Travel Agency's Viral Project Pigeon Spiked Social Media Engagement
Ultra-Accessible Hotel Developments
Texas is Pioneering Disability-Conscious Travel Accommodations
Experiential Travel Campaigns
The China National Tourist Office in LA Seeks to Promote Travel
Gastronomy-Based Travel Adventures
Tourradar Features Cross-Continental Culinary and Food Tours
Haute Hotel-Branded Travel Experiences
The Latest Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is Luxe
Woman-Focused Travel Companies
Girls' Guide to the World Serves a Niche Market
Locally Inspired Cruise Experiences
Azamara Cruises Expands Its Destination Immersion® Program
Smart Travel Planners
CityOne Offers Real-Time Bookings And Seamless Trip Planning
Lie-Flat Night Bus Seats
Twiliner Reimagines European Night Travel with Hotel-Grade Sleeping Seats
Travel Package Marketplaces
Holicay Helps Travelers Build and Access Custom Travel Experiences
Influencer Travel Guides
EF Ultimate Break Launched an Influencer-Hosted Tour Program
World Cup Hospitality Kits
Newark’s ‘Stay & Play’ Packages Turn Hotels into FIFA 2026 Fan Hubs
Inspired Travel Planning
CloneMyTrips Turns Social Travel Inspiration Into Bookable Trips
Refreshing Spring Getaway Experiences
Tourism Nanaimo Has Launched the Break Spring Campaign
IP Theme Parks
iQIYI Brings Its Streaming IP into Immersive Real-World Theme Park Experiences
Conscientious Tourism Campaigns
Evaneos Advocates Against Overtourism in a New Campaign
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Customized Soccer Tournament Packages
Roadtrips Unveiled 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Packages
World Cup Travel Packages
Raffles Boston Offers a Luxury World Cup Stay with Helicopter Transfers
Faith-Compliant Tourism Experiences
Halal Holidays Launches HalalHolidays.asia to Assist Travelers
AI Travel Planners
CloneMyTrips Transforms Social Media Travel Inspiration Into Bookable Trips
VR Rail Carriages
The St Vincent’s Express Takes Senior Care Residents to 10 Countries
Festive Travel Getaways
Air Canada Vacations Launches Christmas Market Tour Packages
Alternative Travel Incentives
Roamr For Friends Incentivizes Employees To Reduce Travel Costs
Modern Travel Collaborations
American Express and STAUD Launch a Resortwear Collection
Community Travel Platforms
Discover Hidden Gems and Share Locations with TravelShare
Gamified Travel Companions
Make Travel an Adventure With the CountryQuest Gamified Travel App
Travel-Focused Holiday Promotions
Ricardo Beverly Hill is Running a Festive Promotion This Season
Strategic Urban Development Programs
The Yokohama Silk Renaissance Embraces Global Luxury
Global Healthcare Access
SafeMedicalTravel Connects Patients To Affordable Medical Care In India
Yucatán Sourced Seasonal Boxes
Flamingo Estate Unveiled a Mexico Edition Subscription Box
New Year Travel Experiences
Trip.com Group Spotlights 2026 Lunar New Year Travel
In-App Road Trip Planners
The Marriott Bonvoy App Features a Road Trip Planner for Summer Fun
Globally Inspired Sauna Destinations
The Sauna Summit Features a Diverse Sauna Collection
Scottish Tourism Campaigns
VisitScotland Used NYC Tartan Week to Drive Scotland Tourism In The USA
Inclusive Tourism-Focused Campaigns
Orange County Has Collaborated with Wheel the World
Seasonal Reservation Street Installations
Uber UK Launches 'Reserve' by Mother
Hotel Adventure Packages
NUMU San Miguel Launches an Adventure Package for Summer Cultural Escapes
Regional Travel Campaigns
Wego and Visit Qatar Partner for a Localized Campaign
Cocktail-Focused Collaborative Events
El Mayor Tequila & Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Partner
Eco-Friendly Tourism Campaigns
Dominica Launches a New Tourism Campaign Dubbed 'Nature of Love'
Holistic Wellness Travel Campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Participates in WTM 2025
Moon-Inspired Spain Tours
The Grand Tour of Spain: Total Solar Eclipse Has Beaches and Museums
Longevity Holiday Resorts
TheLifeCo St. Lucia Introduces Flexible Wellness-Focused Stays
Stadium Stay Experiences
Marriott Bonvoy Introduces a World Cup Final Sleepover Suite for Fans
Vineyard Trail Experiences
Yorkshire Wineries Unite to Offer a Multi-Stop Wine Tourism Journey
Italian Tour Collections
EF Go Ahead Tours Launched 'Made with Amore'
Multi-Benefit Wellness Bundles
Hotel X Toronto Introduces a New Experience Wellness Package
Localized Hotel Offerings
W Toronto Introduced its 'Live Local, Stay W' Package
Multinational Cultural Programs
Silk Road Week Marks the Closure of Its Exhibition in Brazil
Travel-Focused Audio Guide Apps
Vacayit Offers an Extensive Catalogue of Audio Guides
Travel Discovery Platforms
bestin.city Helps Travelers Discover Top Attractions And Nearby Gems
Personalized Travel Planners
Exploro Provides Tailored Recommendations & Streamlined Trip Planning
Immersive Art Travel Programs
Marriott launches artist residency stays
Virtual City Explorers
Citywalki Offers Immersive Virtual Experiences In Over 140 Cities
Convenience-Focused Vacation Bundles
Southwest Airlines Debuts Getaways by Southwest
Travel Collectible Platforms
World Traveler Lets You Share Adventures Through Custom Travel Cards
Personalized Travel Planning
Globe Tales Delivers Travel Tips, Tools, and Curated Recommendations
Adventurous Summertime Retailer Promotions
The Maverik Summer Deals Prioritize Cost Savings
AI Travel Planners
Travania Converts Videos And Images Into Complete Travel Itineraries
Domestic North American Adventures
EF World Journeys Launches 'Go Americas' Itineraries
AI African Tourism Guides
Siyanda Helps North American Travelers Plan Trips to South Africa
Interactive Traveler-Focused Campaigns
Tessan Will Spotlight the 100 Travelers Campaign
Tour Operator Travel Packages
Goway Introduces Four New Itineraries and Excursions for Travelers
Curated Travel Plans
Travely Provides Ready-to-Use Itineraries for Stress-Free Exploration
Travel Safety Platforms
Tourist Guards Helps You Report and Avoid Travel Scams Worldwide
Seasonal Hospitality Programs
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Announces the Seven Seasons Program
Smart Itinerary Builders
Planvel Instantly Creates Custom Travel Plans Based on Your Interests
Event-Centric Camping Experiences
Huttopia Hosts World Cup Viewing and Activities at Its Campsites
Luxurious Mexican Resorts
Sunwing Vacations is Accepting Bookings for the Riu Ventura Resort
Cultural Travel Stays
Connect With Local Families Abroad Through Adventure Homestay
A-Lister Vacation Getaways
Trainline x Deuxmoi Partner for Celebrity-Inspired European Itineraries