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5 Interactive Email Ideas Every DMO Should Try

by | Jul 16, 2025 | Email Marketing

Good email engagement is constantly getting harder to achieve, but interactive content might just be the key to turning scrollers into clickers. According to Martech Advisor, “interactive email content increases the click-to-open rate by 73%”. For DMOs and CVBs, adding simple interactive elements can boost engagement, collect valuable visitor insights, and trigger smart automated campaigns. If you’re wondering, what is an interactive element? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re going to dive into 5 interactive email ideas that every DMO should try out, and bonus, we’ll explain just how you can implement this content in Mailchimp.

1. “What Kind of Traveler Are You?” Quiz
Use it for: Trip inspiration, segmenting by travel style, and recommending local attractions.

How to do it:

  • Use Mailchimp’s Button Block or Image + Button blocks to simulate a quiz.
  • Link each option to a relevant landing page.
  • For advanced quizzes, embed a tool like Typeform or Jotform via button or image.

Tip: Use click data to segment subscribers by interest (e.g., foodie, adventurer, family traveler) and send targeted follow-ups.

2. Embedded Poll: What’s Your Next Trip?
Use it for: Gauging travel intent, planning campaigns, launching segmented journeys.

How to do it:

  • Use Mailchimp’s Survey Block (in the new email builder).
  • Ask something like:
    • When do you plan to travel to [insert your destination] next? (This summer, In the Fall, In the Winter, Next Spring)
    • What kind of getaway are you dreaming about? (Weekend escape, Outdoor adventure, Foodie trip, Family vacation, Something romantic)
    • What’s your top priority when visiting [insert your destination]? (Relaxation, Activities & adventure, Great food, Local culture, Scenic views)
  • Enable responses to trigger tags or a Marketing Automation Flow.

Tip: If someone selects “In the Winter,” add a tag and drop them into a winter itinerary automation.

3. Countdown to Your Next Event

Photo Courtesy of Mailchimp

Use it for: Promoting local events and festivals, or seasonal openings with urgency.

How to do it:

  • Mailchimp doesn’t have a native countdown timer, but you can embed one using:
    • Free countdown GIF tools like Sendtric or MotionMail
    • Paste the GIF into an Image Block in your email

Tip: Pair the countdown with a strong CTA like “Book Your Stay” or “Register for [Event Name] Now.”

4. Image “Carousel”
Use it for: Highlighting a few can’t-miss stops, weekend itineraries, or top attractions.

How to do it:

  • While clickable carousel sliders aren’t yet supported in most inboxes, Mailchimp’s new builder allows image rows that mimic a carousel feel.
  • Switch it up from using the same old buttons! Instead, make a clear CTA for rows of photos to make your email eye-catching AND engaging.

Tip: Depending on your type of content featured, this may be a great time to tag contacts who click and send more relevant content. The more data, behaviors, and interests you can collect on each contact, the better!

5. Dynamic Content by Location
Use it for: Showing local events, restaurants, or trails based on user’s ZIP code data or tagged interests.

How to do it:

  • Use Zip Codes or State/Region Info in Mailchimp to tailor dynamic content blocks by location.
  • Use tagged interests like restaurants or outdoor adventure to deliver custom content relevant to each group of contacts in a single campaign.

Tip: Instead of making your email longer by including different blogs to suit every interest, use these dynamic content blocks to highlight just one blog for each tagged interest. Less scrolling and more engagement!!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need any flashy code or complex integrations to make your emails more interactive, just the right tools and a little creativity. From polls and quizzes to dynamic content, Mailchimp makes it possible for DMOs to turn email campaigns into custom visitor experiences.

Ready to upgrade your next campaign? Start with a simple poll or use Mailchimp’s automation builder to follow up on quiz results, and watch your engagement grow.

Need help creating an email campaign template that drives engagement? Click the buttons below to find out more about TwoSix Digital’s comprehensive Email Marketing Strategies, and contact us and start chatting about how we can help your email marketing efforts!

Makenna Schmitz

Director of Social & Email Marketing