How DMOs and Universities Win by Partnering

At Bandwango, we’ve seen what happens when these two institutions align. Whether it’s welcoming new students, supporting local businesses, or tracking the impact of on-the-ground experiences, a university + DMO partnership opens the door to more opportunity for everyone involved.

And best of all? It often starts with a simple referral.

Why Students Are Visitors Too

Every year, thousands of students move into college towns. They stay for several years, bring family and friends to visit, and often stick around after graduation. From a DMO’s perspective, students are long-term visitors, and worth engaging just like tourists.

At the same time, universities are always looking for ways to stand out. When prospective students and their families tour a campus, they aren’t just evaluating classrooms and dorms… they’re asking, “What is life like here?”

A digital experience pass helps answer that question. With Bandwango, universities can spotlight local businesses, gamify exploration, and transform the surrounding town into a powerful recruiting asset. These off-campus experiences foster local pride, create lasting memories, and build lifelong loyalty. DMOs benefit by bringing student audiences into the tourism economy, while universities strengthen their first impression and positively impact yield rates.

The Power of Local Collaboration

When a university launches a pass that showcases nearby restaurants, shops, and activities, the entire city benefits. Students discover hidden spots. Families explore while visiting. Local businesses see new foot traffic.

And when DMOs get involved, by sharing their business networks or simply making an introduction, that success multiplies.

A university-driven pass strengthens the town-gown connection, reinforces the DMO’s role in supporting economic vitality, and brings new stakeholders into the tourism conversation. It’s a clear win, especially in college towns where the university is central to the community’s identity. A rising tide lifts all ships. When a university invests in community engagement, the DMO wins too. 

The University of Nevada, Reno Model and What’s Next

At the University of Nevada, Reno, Bandwango helped launch a pass to welcome incoming students and encourage them to explore the city. Over 5 “power users” had already visited 20+ locations within their first few weeks. [Read more in our case study here]

This program was university-led but it demonstrated a blueprint for what’s possible when local institutions align. With the right partnerships in place, these passes can be co-branded, co-promoted, and shared widely to drive even more impact.

Now, we’re inviting our DMO partners to help us expand that model by referring us to the universities in their own communities.

Referrals Grow the Ecosystem

Most universities don’t know this kind of program exists. But many of them are sitting in the heart of your destination, and likely already work with you in some capacity.

If you’re a DMO using Bandwango, consider the college or university in your region. Could they benefit from a pass that highlights your city and supports their students? Could you help open that door?

Whether you're introducing Bandwango to a new contact or simply making a warm connection, your referral helps us expand our shared impact and create a more connected, engaged local economy.

Let’s Build Something Together

Bandwango passes are more than just visitor tools, they’re platforms for connection, engagement, and economic vitality. When universities and DMOs team up, they unlock a new way to serve students, support locals, and tell a stronger story about their city.

Know a university we should talk to? Let’s connect. These partnerships start with one introduction - and grow into something great.

Interested in Bandwango for your University? Book a demo.