Sitename

International travel is firmly back on the cards and whilst Brits have managed to support the staycation market over the last few years, the number of visitors from overseas are ramping back up. Inbound visits to the UK are expected to increase to 21.1 million in 2022¹. For those tourist spots looking to revamp  their image ahead of the influx of visitors, we’ve put together our top tips for creating stand-out merch for your attraction:

Here are our 5 top tips for printing merch for tourist attractions:

Prioritise design

It may seem obvious, but when you’re creating a piece of merchandise that really stands out you need to start with a strong design that represents your brand identity. When a customer buys your merchandise, they are choosing to represent your attraction- it’s another level of marketing. The standout feature that people will pay most attention to is what is actually on the garment, so graphic design is a competitive field to stand out in.

Colour is key

The colour of your product or design can have a big impact on how it’s perceived by potential customers, albeit often subconsciously. Different colours can have drastically distinct associations. If you’re looking to advertise a museum or historical landmark, consider opting for blue – the colour of knowledge, communication and trust. For performing arts locations like theatres and venues shades of red may be most suitable – stimulating feelings of warmth, energy and excitement. For more information on the power of colour, check out our article here.

Try some alternative printing methods

As well as creating a standout design, think about the ink you use! There’s a whole range of unique products which can help your merch standout, including neon colours, metallics, glow in the dark and reflective inks. These are often especially effective when used with restraint to highlight impactful features. It makes for a subtle but attention grabbing detail. While screen printing is often the most common option for merchandise, it could be worth considering direct-to-garment printing (DTG )– especially if you have an ultra-detailed or photo-realistic design which you’d like to print.

Consider embroidery

With embroidery, you are adding something physical as well as  visual to your merchandise. It offers a tactile quality that you just can’t get from  screen printing or DTG. Used, instead of, or in addition to printed design, it can be the perfect way to add some texture to your product. In particular, if you wanted to include your logo or a snappy slogan, embroidery could be the way to go.

It’s not all about t-shirts

While t-shirts are often a versatile option for a number of different tourist attractions, you should also consider some alternative merchandise options. Sweatshirts and hoodies can display the same designs as a t-shirt, however, they are more unique and will be appealing to tourists caught in unpredictable British weather!

You could also consider some more fashionable garments that offer a twist on the classic t-shirt, like a long sleeve t-shirt or a boxier style. Bags, caps & hats also make great tourist merchandise that can be a strong addition to an outfit. Browse a curated catalogue of our most popular garments here.

To help you get inspired, we got creative with our very own brain teaser design – including 10 of London’s most famous tourist spots. Use the list below to tick them off once you’ve found them!