Capturing Wonder: How Attractions Can Use UGC Creators to Bring Stories to Life

Every great attraction tells a story—whether it’s a mountaintop view, a dazzling play, or the first drop on a roller coaster that makes your stomach flip. But the way people discover those stories has changed.

Today, travelers don’t fall in love with destinations through billboards or commercials—they fall in love through their feeds. A single reel showing someone laughing on a ferris wheel or watching a sunset from a lookout point can inspire hundreds of others to plan their own visit.

That’s the magic of user-generated content (UGC). And for attractions—theme parks, museums, theaters, and iconic destinations like Rock City—it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to grow your audience.

Why UGC Works for Attractions

UGC feels personal. It captures the wonder of a place through the eyes of real people. When a visitor or creator shares their experience, it doesn’t look like an ad—it looks like a memory.

Imagine a carousel of photos showing a family exploring your botanical garden, a group of friends posing after a local play, or a couple wandering through a lantern-lit cave trail. That emotional authenticity can’t be staged—it’s lived.

Attractions that encourage and collaborate with UGC creators gain more than visibility; they gain trust. People trust creators far more than traditional advertising, and they engage deeply with content that feels genuine.

Turning Visitors into Storytellers

Start by inviting creators to experience your attraction with freedom and creativity. Let them explore, film, photograph, and share the details that stand out to them. You’ll be amazed at how many different ways one experience can be told.

Encourage everyday visitors to participate, too. Create hashtags. Offer small incentives for sharing. Feature visitor posts on your own channels to build a sense of community and excitement. Every shared story becomes a digital postcard that inspires someone new to visit.

The Power of Inclusive Storytelling

Representation matters here just as much as anywhere else. The people featured in your content should reflect the world around you. Partner with creators of different races, body types, ages, and abilities—and give them the space to show what makes your attraction special for them.

Show a plus-size guest fitting comfortably in a ride seat. Highlight accessible routes through your park or museum. Feature families with neurodivergent kids enjoying sensory-friendly experiences. Those moments are invitations—proof that your attraction is designed for everyone.

When people see themselves in your story, they stop wondering if they can visit. They start planning when they will.

Creating Long-Term Magic

The best partnerships aren’t one-off posts—they’re relationships. Build ongoing collaborations with UGC creators who genuinely love your attraction. Invite them back for seasonal events, new exhibits, or theater premieres. Feature their content on your website and paid ads (with proper licensing).

The result? A steady stream of authentic, diverse storytelling that grows your reach, builds community, and turns visitors into loyal advocates.

Because attractions aren’t just places—they’re feelings. And when you let creators capture that feeling, you don’t just advertise your experience. You share your story with the world.

Next
Next

Inclusive Travel Marketing: How Representation Inspires Real-World Tourism