California Now Travel Stories

Visit California gives destinations control of the narrative. Through the Travel Stories program, DMOs — in partnership with local tourism businesses — can create story content that will be indexed and discoverable on Google Mobile search. The content can appear on destination websites and throughout VisitCalifornia.com.

This effort democratizes content creation and puts the destination experts in control of their own story, with the ability to showcase both well-known attractions and hidden gems that distinguish a destination. Visit California also leverages the program to create thematic content that helps promote California cohesively, such as publishing stories about how to travel sustainably. 

Through this destination-focused initiative, participants in this program will see:

• Strong collaboration with Visit California.
• First-mover advantage in Google Mobile Search.
• Access to tools that make social destination promotion even easier.

• Effective content
  User-generated content builds trust with audiences and resonates well due to authenticity.
• Narrative control
  Destinations control the narrative by creating content for Google Mobile Search, their websites and VisitCalifornia.com.
• Authentic storytelling
  Feature destination experts knowledgeable in showcasing both well-known attractions and hidden gems.

The 90+ participating destinations produce hundreds of Travel Stories each year, generating more than one million views. The stories spotlight local businesses and experiences in a mobile-first format that can inspire consumers while they’re trip planning or actively traveling. 

Stories are highly visible on Google search and placed in galleries throughout the VisitCalifornia.com website.

• DMO partners:

  Email travelstory@visitcalifornia.com if you are interested in signing up for the California Now Travel Story platform. Educational workshops and webinars will be available to partners during the onboarding process.

• Non-DMO partners:

  Only destinations are eligible to enroll, but tourism businesses are encouraged to contact their local DMO/CVB to start a California Now Travel Story network collaboration.