In addition to Category and Type, activity tags are another way to categorize ATIS content. Activity tags applied to an item determine where it displays on on travelalberta.com and whether it can be pulled by distribution partners into their websites and apps. It is important for agents to review tags to ensure correct activity tags are being applied to the content.
Partners will often apply all activity tags that apply to their business, rather than the activity tags for particular content.
For example, The Crossing is a business that offers various Train Tours on an old steam train. The business also has an RV park on site that offers Tipi camping. In this example the business would be eligible for two listings – one listing for their Train under Attractions and one listing under the Accommodations category for their RV Park.
Under the accommodations listing it would be appropriate to tag the listing with the activity ‘Tipi Camping’ however this would not be an appropriate tag for their Attraction listing, because the Train Tours do not provide Tipi Camping
Another common mistake with activity tags is that partners will often apply activity tags to their content because these activities are popular within their vicinity.
Activity tags will rarely be applied to Accommodation listings. There is one exception to this rule:
The activity is an inherent reason you would visit the accommodation. For example, many fishing lodges exist solely for the purpose if fishing which is typically included in the cost of a stay.
Here are the activity tags, along with definitions that are most commonly overused, or misused in ATIS:
Western Culture – Businesses that promote a western lifestyle often referred to as western lifestyle or cowboy culture. Businesses tagged with Western Culture include ranches, agricultural fairs, etc.
Unique Stays – Unique Stays provide consumers with an accommodation experience that offers something different or unique. Examples of unique stays in Alberta include:
- The Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel – A castle in the Rockies
- Aurum Lodge – An eco-friendly Lodge near Abraham Lake.
- Aspen Crossing Caboose Cabin – Stay in a Caboose Train
- Sundance Lodge – Tipi Camping
- Otenik’s or Comfort Camping – Comfort camping with large canvass tents with heating source and beds
- Skoki Lodge – Hike or Ski in property just outside of Lake Louise. No running water or power
- Hotel Selkirk – Hotel located in Fort Edmonton Park
Canadian Culture – Canadian Culture tags should only be applied to content that with a Canadian history component (such as museums or art galleries with a significant Canadian component)
Sightseeing Tours – Content tagged with Sightseeing Tours must focus on sightseeing as the activity or experience. Sightseeing tours stop at arranged locations, are typically guided and have a history component.
Winter Wonderland – Is applied to experiences that epitomize the wonder of winter. A great example of Winter Wonderland would be the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival (an ice carving festival). These activities are typically hosted in idyllic locations.
Wildlife Viewing – Experience Tagged with Wildlife Viewing should have a wildlife-viewing component, not just be in an area known for wildlife viewing opportunities. This tag is typically, although not always, reserved for Guided Tours that specifically highlight wildlife viewing and have some sort of wildlife interpretation included. This does not include wildlife that is found in a Zoo.
Culinary – The Culinary tag is reserved for experiences where the focus is on food or food preparation. These experiences are typically more higher-end or use fresh local ingredients native to the region or area.