Website Case Study: 2300% ROI on website PDF print email

 

Whistler Gulch RV Park and Campground

The Challenge: The tourism industry is a highly competitive industry that has evolved tremendously even in the past ten years. Advertising is slowly transitioning from traditional media outlets, such as print and television, into digital mediums like the internet and social networking sites. While an all-encompassing marketing approach is still the most effective, businesses with limited budgets are trying to find ways to create the best return on investment by targetting their marketing efforts. This was exactly the case for Whistler Gulch RV Park and Campground in Deadwood, SD.

The Plan. Before 2009, Whistler Gulch didn't have an effective web presence nor the ability to easily take reservations in the "off-season." Through the help of TDG Communications, Whistler Gulch was able to establish a strong web presence by developing a cohesive website and implementing a third party online booking system through Black Hills Central Reservation. This resulted in a 24-hour "sales person" that could easily book camping spaces at a moments notice. This is particuarily important as consumers are relying heavily on the internet to plan and book vacations. In fact, nearly 70% of all travelers use the internet as their primary research tool for planning vacations.

The Result. In February of 2009, Whistler Gulch launched their website and booking engine. Remarkebly, by December of that same year, Whistler Gulch had realized a ROI of 2300% on their website investment. In addition, total sales for 2009 increased 10% over the previous year, despite other tourism destinations seeing a large drop off in visitation.