North Carolina Year of Trail 2023: How Travel Agents Can Help Promote It

North Carolina is known for its stunning natural beauty, and the state's extensive network of trails is one of its biggest attractions. With the North Carolina Year of Trail initiative underway, there's never been a better time to explore the state's trails and promote them to your clients. As a travel agent, you have a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty of North Carolina's trails and help your clients plan unforgettable outdoor adventures. In this blog post, we'll explore the North Carolina Year of Trail 2023 initiative and discuss how travel agents can play a crucial role in promoting it.

What is the North Carolina Year of Trail 2023 ?

The North Carolina Year of Trail is a statewide initiative that aims to promote and enhance the state's extensive network of trails. This year-long campaign focuses on increasing awareness of the state's trails and encouraging more people to explore them. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, North Carolina State Parks, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The North Carolina Year of Trail features a diverse range of trails, including hiking, biking, equestrian, and water trails. The initiative also highlights the economic impact of trails on the state's tourism industry, which generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.

You can read more about North Carolina Year of Trail 2023 in official website. They also have some great toolkits. 

How Travel Agents Can Promote the North Carolina Year of Trail

Travel agents play a critical role in promoting the North Carolina Year of Trail to their clients. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of North Carolina's trails, you can help your clients plan unforgettable outdoor adventures that they'll remember for years to come.

Ways travel agents can promote the North Carolina Year of Trail 2023

Include trail recommendations in your travel itineraries: When planning a trip to North Carolina, be sure to include recommendations for the state's best trails in your travel itineraries. Whether your clients are looking for a leisurely hike or an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike ride, North Carolina has something for everyone.

Highlight trail-related events and festivals: The North Carolina Year of Trail includes a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as trail races, guided hikes, and mountain biking competitions. Be sure to highlight these events in your marketing materials and encourage your clients to attend.

Partner with local outfitters and guides: By partnering with local outfitters and guides, you can provide your clients with a more immersive outdoor experience. These partnerships also help support local businesses and contribute to the state's tourism industry.

How to give a good trail recommendation

1. Trail Difficulty Level: Mention the level of difficulty of the trail, so the person can decide if they are comfortable with it or not. The difficulty level can be classified as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Mention if the trail is suitable for families or kids.
2. Trail Terrain: Describe the type of terrain the trail offers, like single track, dirt road, rocky, or smooth. Mention if the trail has any technical sections or steep climbs.
3. Trail Length: Mention the total length of the trail and how long it typically takes to complete it. This will give an idea of the time required to complete the trail.
4. Trail Scenery: Mention the scenic beauty of the trail, like forests, waterfalls, lakes, or mountains. This will help people who want to combine trekking with sightseeing.
5. Trail Amenities: Mention the facilities available on the trail, such as camping sites, restrooms, parking, and food stops. This will help people plan their trip better.
6. Trail Safety: Mention any potential hazards on the trail, such as wild animals, steep drops, or narrow paths. It is important to inform people about these potential risks to ensure their safety.
7. Trail Weather Conditions: Mention the best time to go on the trail and the weather conditions to expect during that time. This will help people pack accordingly.

By including the above points, you can provide a comprehensive overview of the trek bike trail, making it easier for people to decide if it suits their preferences and abilities.

As per AllTrails, there are around 2652 trails in North Carolina. You can find the best trails and the exhaustive list from here

The North Carolina Year of Trail is an exciting initiative that highlights the beauty and diversity of the state's trail system. As a travel agent, you have the unique opportunity to promote this initiative to your clients and help them plan unforgettable outdoor adventures. By including trail recommendations in your travel itineraries, highlighting trail-related events and festivals, and partnering with local outfitters and guides, you can boost your travel business while contributing to the state's tourism industry. So what are you waiting for? Start promoting the North Carolina Year of Trail today and discover the beauty of North Carolina's trails!