Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Deep Seek, and Google’s AI-driven search are transforming how travellers discover and book tourism experiences. If you are a tourism business—let’s say in Cairns, Far North Queensland—and you would like to be recommended when people enquire about activities in Cairns or Far North Queensland, it’s crucial to optimise your online presence for AI-driven search results. Here’s how you can position your business to be suggested by these AI tools:
1. Optimise Your Website for Search Engines (SEO)
AI models frequently pull data from search engines like Google. Ensuring your website is well-structured and search-optimised increases the likelihood of being referenced in AI-generated recommendations.
- Use clear, structured content that highlights your services, location, and unique offerings.
- Include commonly searched keywords such as:
- Best tours in Cairns
- Cairns adventure activities
- Cairns reef tours
- Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and well-structured for search engines to index effectively.
2. Get Listed on Authoritative Tourism Platforms
AI tools often reference highly ranked sources when providing recommendations. To increase your business’s visibility:
- Ensure your business is listed on Google My Business.
- Register on TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking.com, and Viator.
- Get featured in Tourism Australia and Queensland tourism directories.
- Maintain up-to-date profiles on local business directories and review platforms like Trustpilot.
- Join the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) – One of the most trusted data sources for tourism, ATDW is a centralised database and distribution platform developed by Tourism Australia and all Australian State and Territory Government Tourism Organisations. Listing your business here improves visibility across multiple tourism networks and platforms.
3. Publish Informative, High-Quality Content
AI models learn from widely available informative and useful content. Regularly publishing high-quality content helps position your business as an authority in tourism.
- Write blog articles, FAQs, and destination guides that address common tourist queries.
- Answer popular questions such as:
- What are the best adventure tours in Cairns?
- How do I book a Great Barrier Reef tour?
- Use structured, long-form content that provides in-depth answers, increasing the likelihood of AI tools referencing your content.
4. Engage with Online Communities
AI tools sometimes surface business recommendations from public discussions and travel forums.
- Participate in TripAdvisor forums, Reddit (e.g., r/AustraliaTravel), and Facebook travel groups.
- Provide helpful, non-promotional answers in community discussions.
- AI models may learn from widely discussed businesses in these forums.
5. Implement Structured Data Markup (Schema)
To make it easier for AI tools to understand and display your content, use structured data markup on your website.
- Add schema markup for:
- Local businesses
- Tourism activities
- Event listings
- This helps search engines and AI models index your information accurately.
6. Encourage Media Coverage and PR
AI models often reference highly authoritative sources such as tourism articles, travel blogs, and news websites.
- Get featured in travel blogs, industry articles, and regional tourism websites.
- Use platforms like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to connect with journalists looking for expert insights.
- Collaborate with travel influencers to generate high-quality online mentions.
7. Stay Informed About AI Partnerships & Integrations
While businesses cannot currently directly add themselves to AI knowledge bases, OpenAI and other AI providers collaborate with third-party data sources.
- Stay updated on OpenAI’s partnerships and submit your business information when opportunities arise.
- Monitor how AI tools evolve to ensure you are always aligned with best practices.
8. Take Advantage of the 2025 Queensland Tourism Digital Business Adaption Program
In 2025, it has never been easier for Queensland tourism businesses to embrace digital transformation. With the launch of the $2,500 Tourism Digital Business Adaption Program, funded by the Queensland State Government and managed by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), businesses can receive support to implement digital strategies like AI-powered customer engagement, search engine optimisation, and online booking enhancements. Keep an eye out for this invaluable funding opportunity to enhance your tourism business’s digital presence and increase direct bookings.
📌 Find out more and apply here: Tourism Digital Business Adaption Program
How Chat2 Helps Tourism Businesses Capture More Direct Bookings
Attracting website visitors through AI-driven search is only the first step. Once potential customers land on your site, Chat2 ensures they are engaged, informed, and guided towards a booking—without needing to share personal details upfront.
Why Chat2 is Essential for Tourism Businesses:
✅ Engages Visitors Instantly – Chat2 actively interacts with website visitors in real-time, discovering their needs before they leave the site.
✅ Guides Visitors to Direct Bookings – Instead of letting potential guests drop off, Chat2 assists them through the booking process seamlessly.
✅ Captures Customers Early in Their Research Phase – With the booking window shrinking, travellers are making faster decisions. Chat2 engages them at the research stage, nudging them towards booking directly instead of using OTAs.
✅ 24/7 Lead Capture & Conversion – Unlike traditional contact forms or slow email responses, Chat2 ensures businesses never miss an opportunity by converting traffic into bookings round the clock.
✅ Expands the Sales Funnel – Chat2 widens your online sales funnel, capturing valuable customer interactions before they even consider competitors or third-party booking platforms.
By combining AI-driven search strategies with Chat2’s real-time engagement, tourism businesses can dramatically increase visibility, customer engagement, and direct bookings.
Take Action: Make Your Tourism Business AI-Ready Today
To position your tourism business for AI-driven search and boost direct bookings, start by:
✔️ Optimising your website for SEO and structured data
✔️ Listing your business on authoritative platforms like ATDW
✔️ Publishing content that AI models can reference
✔️ Engaging in travel forums and online communities
✔️ Leveraging Chat2 to capture and convert visitors in real time
✔️ Applying for the 2025 Queensland Tourism Digital Business Adaption Program to enhance your digital presence
Want to see how Chat2 can help your business turn website visitors into paying guests effortlessly? Get in touch today and let’s chat!
