From Social Post to Sold Out: How to Use Instagram and TikTok to Drive Bookings
Short-form video is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox. Platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok have transformed how people discover and book travel experiences. For small Canadian tour operators, this is big news.
You don’t need a massive budget or influencer status. You just need the right story, a little creativity, and a smartphone. In this blog, we’ll show you how to turn simple video posts into real bookings—without burning out.
Why Short-Form Video Works for Tourism?
Today’s travellers want to see the vibe before they book. And video gives them a taste of what it’s really like to walk with you through the forest, laugh on your boat tour, or taste bannock cooked over open flame.
Short videos are:
Authentic – Raw, real moments perform better than overly polished ads.
Snackable – Quick to watch and easy to share.
Searchable – TikTok and Instagram are becoming search engines for Gen Z and Millennials.
Emotional – Video captures the feel of your experience—something photos and text can’t always do.
And the best part? Your future guests are already scrolling.
🛠️ Step 1: Choose What to Film
Start by showing what your guests love most. No need to script an Oscar-worthy clip. Think short, engaging, behind-the-scenes moments:
A timelapse of your scenic trail or viewpoint
A guide sharing a cool local legend
A guest’s first reaction on a wildlife sighting
A clip of bannock cooking over the fire
A moody foggy morning before your ghost tour
“3 Things to Know Before Your First Kayak Tour”
Keep it simple. 15–30 seconds is perfect.
📱 Step 2: Film With What You Have
No fancy equipment needed—your phone is enough. Just keep these tips in mind:
Film vertically for Instagram Reels and TikTok
Use natural light when possible
Focus on steady shots (use a tripod or lean on a stable surface)
Add subtitles or captions – many viewers watch on mute
Capture ambient sound – birds, water, footsteps—it all adds vibe
Don't worry about perfection. Authenticity beats polish on these platforms.
🧠 Step 3: Add Value, Not Just Vibes
Yes, video should be fun—but it should also serve a purpose. Here’s how to create content that leads to action:
Educate: Share tips like “What to wear on a fall forest tour”
Answer FAQs: “Can kids come on the tour?” “Is it dog-friendly?”
Highlight what makes you unique: Local stories, secret spots, cultural knowledge
Use trends wisely: If a trending sound fits your vibe, use it—but make it your own
Think of each post as a mini ad that builds trust and curiosity.
📢 Step 4: Write Captions That Convert
Your caption is your pitch. Keep it friendly, clear, and action-driven:
Start with a hook: “You won’t believe how close we got to the moose…”
Add context: “Our eco-tour in Northern Ontario brings you face-to-face with the wild.”
End with a CTA: “🎟️ Link in bio to book your September adventure!”
Use emojis, hashtags, and line breaks to keep it readable.
🔁 Step 5: Post Consistently and Reuse Your Best Content
One video won’t fill your calendar—but a few per week can start serious momentum.
Batch film once a week and schedule posts
Reuse clips across Instagram, TikTok, and even your website
Turn reviews into reels
Keep an eye on analytics to see what performs best
Tip: The algorithm rewards consistency over perfection.
Bonus: Turn Viewers Into Bookers
Don’t forget the bridge between video and sales:
Add a link in bio to your booking page or website
Use a Linktree or Milkshake page for multiple links
Mention availability: “Just 4 spots left for the August tour!”
Encourage DMs for quick questions—then close the sale there
If someone’s commenting or saving your video, they’re halfway to booking. Make it easy for them to take the next step.
Real Operators, Real Wins
Tour guides, boat captains, and cultural storytellers across Canada are using video to grow:
A wildlife photographer in Yukon books out her bear-viewing trips after a clip of a playful cub went viral.
A ghost tour operator in Quebec City saw bookings jump after posting dramatic alleyway footage set to spooky music.
A canoe guide in Manitoba gets most of his summer bookings from Instagram alone.
It’s not about being viral. It’s about being visible.
Let Roamlii Help You Go From Scroll to Sold Out
Need help building your video strategy, planning your content calendar, or making your booking process smoother? Roamlii has the tools to help small tourism operators like you turn content into customers.
👉 View our Marketing and Digital Growth Plans or book a Discovery Call today to see how Roamlii can support your tourism business today. You bring the magic—we’ll help you market it.
Short-form video is the modern-day brochure, and it lives right in your audience’s pocket. With a little planning and a lot of passion, your next Instagram Reel or TikTok could be the reason someone books their dream adventure—with you.
