If you only run paid ads, you are renting a business. If you also run email and SMS, you are building one. Email and SMS routinely deliver 30 to 50x return on cost for tourism operators, because the audience already raised their hand.
The 5 flows
1. Pre flight welcome (3 messages)
Confirm the booking, set expectations, send what to wear, drop a 20 second hype video the night before. Reduces no shows by 30 percent.
2. Post flight review and referral (4 messages over 14 days)
24 hours after flight: photo reel + review request. 5 days: referral offer (20 percent off for a friend). 14 days: testimonial request.
3. Anniversary win back
11 months after their flight, send a personal note inviting them back for their anniversary. Drives 18 to 25 percent re book rate.
4. Weather waitlist
Capture email and SMS for visitors who do not book. Send when seats open after a weather cancellation. Fills off peak days.
5. Abandoned booking
If a visitor started a booking but did not complete, hit them with email and SMS within 1 hour, then 24 hours, then 72 hours. Recovers 12 to 25 percent of abandons.
Want the playbook applied to your operation?
We build the funnel, the ads, and the offer for you. Book a free 30 minute strategy call and walk away with a plan even if we never work together.
Book my free strategy callAction plan
- Pick one of the 5 flows and ship it this week.
- Use Klaviyo, ActiveCampaign, or Postscript depending on email and SMS mix.
- Track revenue per recipient as your north star metric.
Ready to own your demand instead of renting it from Viator?
We work only with hot air balloon operators. Book a free strategy call and we will map a direct booking engine to your specific market, offers, and margin targets.
Book my free strategy callFrequently asked questions
+How big should my email list be?
Aim for 3000 contacts in year one, 10000 plus by year three. Operators we work with at 10000 plus contacts regularly generate 15 to 20 percent of total revenue from email and SMS.
+Is SMS worth it?
Yes. SMS open rates sit at 95 percent. For time sensitive offers (weather slots opening, last seats), SMS outperforms email 3 to 5x.