Yellowstone National Park marketing encompasses a range of strategies to promote this iconic destination. These efforts include targeted advertising, digital initiatives, and visitor engagement campaigns. The park’s marketing approach focuses on attracting diverse demographics, leveraging social media, and collaborating with local businesses. Successful campaigns have resulted in significant economic impact, with tourism generating millions in local spending and supporting thousands of jobs.
What Are the Key Advertising Strategies for Yellowstone National Park?

Targeted Marketing Approach
Yellowstone Country, the organization responsible for promoting the park and surrounding areas, employs a focused marketing strategy:
- Promotes outdoor recreation and hospitality to in-state and regional drive markets
- Targets family travelers and adventure seekers
- Emphasizes the uncrowded and safe nature of the region
Western Ski Audience Outreach
A significant portion of marketing efforts is directed towards western ski audiences:
- Utilizes print, digital, social media, and video campaigns
- Highlights accessibility and adventure opportunities in Yellowstone Country
Metrics and Engagement Focus
While specific metrics are not publicly available, the marketing strategy places a strong emphasis on:
- Social media engagement
- Email marketing effectiveness (generating $42 for every $1 spent)
How Does Yellowstone National Park Promote Tourism?

Target Demographics
Yellowstone’s tourism promotion targets various groups:
- Family travelers
- Motorcyclists
- History enthusiasts
- Western ski audiences
Successful Campaigns
The ‘Plan Yellowstone’ digital platform stands out as a notable campaign:
- Provides planning resources and inspirational content
- Offers a comprehensive guide for experiences, dining, lodging, and activities
- Includes focused content for gateway regions like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Jackson Hole
Measurable Outcomes
The impact of tourism promotion is evident in the economic benefits:
Year | Visitor Spending | Jobs Supported | Economic Contribution |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | $623 million | 8,560 | $828 million |
What Digital Marketing Initiatives Are Used for Yellowstone National Park?
Social Media Engagement
The National Park Service excels in social media marketing:
- Provides valuable content such as road condition updates and wildlife sightings
- Achieves high engagement rates (e.g., over 4,116 likes and 373 shares on a single post)
- Plans to explore TikTok for its growing audience and engagement potential
Website and Email Marketing
Yellowstone Country’s digital strategy includes:
- Enhanced video content on the website
- Itinerary building features
- Strong focus on email marketing with high open and click-through rates
Innovative Digital Tools
The ‘Plan Yellowstone’ platform serves as a comprehensive digital guide:
- Offers planning resources and inspirational content
- Complements the re-launch of the ‘Explore Yellowstone’ print magazine
How Does Yellowstone National Park Engage Visitors?
Visitor Surveys and Feedback
Yellowstone conducts extensive visitor use surveys:
- The 2018 survey involved over 7,000 participants
- Helps address visitor concerns in areas like restrooms, congestion, and parking
Partnerships with Local Businesses
Collaboration is key to Yellowstone’s visitor engagement:
- Partnership between Outlaw Partners and Yellowstone Country enhances promotion efforts
- Close involvement of local businesses and communities in managing visitation impacts
- Support for local economies through tourism promotion
By implementing these diverse marketing strategies, Yellowstone National Park continues to attract millions of visitors annually while supporting local economies and preserving its natural wonders for future generations.
References:
- https://commerce.mt.gov/_shared/brand/Regions-CVBs/docs/Marketing-Plans/FY23-Marketing-Plans/FY23-Complete-Marketing-Plans/Yellowstone-Country-FY23-DMO-Plan-final1.pdf
- https://www.explorebigsky.com/outlaw-partners-and-yellowstone-country-announce-plan-yellowstone-partnership/58223
- https://hurrdatmarketing.com/digital-marketing-news/five-reasons-the-national-park-service-is-dominating-social-media/