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Struggling with Digital Marketing for your Tourism Business?

10 Must-Have Features in a Tourism Website - A DIY Guide to Design Like the Pros

Creating a tourism website that works isn’t just about throwing together pretty pictures and hoping for the best.

It’s about designing a site that drives bookings, builds trust, and makes visitors excited about choosing your business. If your site isn’t working hard for you, you’re leaving money on the table. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or deciding whether to hire a professional, here’s the ultimate checklist to get your website right the first time.

The Do-It-Right Guide

1. Clear Navigation

  • Make it easy for visitors to find what they need—tours, pricing, or booking info—in three clicks or less.
  • Use a clean menu structure with intuitive categories (e.g., Tours, About, Contact, Book Now).

2. Mobile-Friendly Design

  • More than half of all web traffic is mobile, so your site must look great and function perfectly on any device.
  • Test it yourself: load your site on a smartphone and check for glitches, slow load times, or hard-to-read text.

3. Eye-Catching Photo Galleries

  • Tourism is visual—your site should showcase high-quality photos of your experiences, accommodations, or destinations.
  • Pro tip: Include people enjoying your tours or stays, not just empty spaces.

4. Online Booking Functionality

  • Add a booking widget to make reservations seamless. Look for integrations like NightsBridge, Bokun, or Viator.
  • Display availability calendars, pricing, and confirmation options upfront.

5. Outstanding Offer or CTA

  • Your site needs a clear call to action (CTA): "Book Now," "Explore Our Packages," or "Contact Us Today."
  • Highlight special offers or limited-time deals to nudge visitors toward action.
  • Ask Us How to Build and Offer

6. SEO That Actually Works

  • Optimize your site for keywords like “Cape Town safari tours” or “Hoedspruit eco-lodges” to rank in Google searches.
  • Include meta titles, descriptions, and keywords for every page and regularly update your blog with relevant content.

7. Trust Signals and Reviews

  • Showcase guest testimonials, star ratings, and certifications (e.g., TripAdvisor Excellence Awards).
  • Add badges for affiliations, such as memberships with tourism boards or eco-certifications.

8. Fast Load Times

  • A slow site will make visitors bounce faster than you can say “wildlife safari.” Compress images, optimize code, and test your site speed.
  • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix issues.

9. Easy-to-Find Contact Information

  • Display your contact details—phone, email, and physical location—prominently on every page.
  • Add a contact form that’s simple and quick to fill out.

10. Local Flavor and Personalization

  • Highlight your unique selling points—whether it’s Cape Town’s stunning views, Hoedspruit’s Big Five safaris, or Plettenberg Bay’s pristine beaches.
  • Use language and visuals that reflect your brand personality and the vibe of your destination.


The Bottom Line

A tourism website isn’t just a digital brochure; it’s your business’s most powerful sales tool. By focusing on the 10 features above, you’ll create a site that looks professional, builds trust, and converts visitors into paying customers. But if DIY sounds overwhelming, WildBeest Media specializes in crafting websites that do all this—and more.


When you’re ready to turn browsers into bookers, contact us for a tourism website that actually works.

Frequently Asked Tourism Website Questions

  • Do I need professional photos for my tourism website?

    Yes! High-quality photos (especially with people) are essential for showcasing your offerings and building trust.


    But use real photos. Do not use Stock Photos

  • What’s the best booking widget for my site?

    Popular options include NightsBridge, Bokun, and Viator. Choose one that integrates seamlessly with your operations.

  • How do I optimize my website for SEO?

    Use relevant keywords (e.g., “Cape Town tours”), write detailed meta descriptions, and keep your content updated with blogs or new pages.


    For Serious SEO advice, see more of our Tip & Tricks 

  • How important are reviews on my site?

    Very important. Guest reviews and trust badges like TripAdvisor ratings significantly influence booking decisions.


    For more Socila Proof ideas, see this page

  • Should I hire a professional or DIY my website?

    If you’re confident in your skills and have time, start with DIY. For a polished, high-performing site that converts, hiring a professional is worth it.

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