How Metropolis Resort Turned a “Speed Tour” into Millions of Views

A WHLA Member Spotlight on Creative Social Media Strategy

When scrolling TikTok, it’s easy to lose track of time. For Jordan Kaminski, Membership Director at WHLA, one scroll led to something unexpected — a fast-paced, funny, and informative “Speed Tour” of Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire that had already amassed millions of views.

That video, starring Carter Rutz and produced by Kate Burhop, Manager of Digital Strategy for Metropolis Resort and Action City Waterpark, has now surpassed three million views and helped grow the resort’s TikTok following to more than 42,000.
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But the viral moment wasn’t accidental.

Selling the Experience Without Selling

“We want guests to feel the fun before they even arrive,” Kate explained.

The now-famous “Speed Tour” was inspired by real estate-style speed walkthroughs trending on TikTok. Instead of producing a traditional promotional video, the team leaned into humor, quick pacing, and personality. The result? A tour that highlighted the resort’s amenities without feeling overly promotional or pushy.
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The strategy struck a chord. Within three hours of posting, the video reached 100,000 views,  and it never slowed down.

@metropolisresort Metropolis Resort in EAU CLAIRE, WI!!! □ Count how many times he says speed tour!! □✨ The perfect family getaway for Spring Break!! #metropolisresort #eauclairewisconsin #metropolisresortwisconsin #wisconsinplacestovisit #actioncityeauclaire ♬ original sound - Metropolis Resort

Staff as Storytellers

One of the most powerful aspects of Metropolis’ strategy is staff involvement. Carter, who also serves as Hiring Manager, became the unexpected face of the viral content. The video was even discussed in a communications class at UW–Eau Claire.

According to Kate, featuring staff helps humanize the brand and build connection.

“Our goal isn’t just to sell rooms,” she said. “It’s to build relationships.”

The ripple effect has been tangible. Carter now gets recognized by guests and has even been asked for autographs. Social media has shifted guest interactions from transactional to relational.
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“It feels more like connecting with friends instead of guests,” Carter shared.

Carter Rutz, Hiring Manager, star of the now-famous “Speed Tour” of Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, WI

Kate Burhop, Manager of Digital Strategy, producer of the now-famous “Speed Tour” of Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, WI

Let the Comments Guide the Strategy

After the video’s success, the team began paying closer attention to the comments section. One recurring theme surprised them: viewers from across the country didn’t realize where the resort was located.

That feedback is now shaping future content. Upcoming videos aim to clarify that Metropolis Resort is located in Eau Claire and highlight its identity as a local, family-owned destination.
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For Kate, this underscores an important lesson: viral moments aren’t just about views, they’re about insights.

Advice for Other Properties

When asked what advice they would offer fellow lodging operators, their answers were refreshingly simple:

• Show behind-the-scenes content
• Encourage staff to suggest and participate in ideas
• Stay consistent, even when a video doesn’t go viral

“Not every video will get three million views,” Kate noted. “But consistency builds awareness and gives you content that can also be repurposed for ads and other marketing.”

​Carter added that staff members are constantly scrolling TikTok anyway,  so why not tap into that creativity? Many of their best-performing ideas started as employee suggestions.

The Bigger Takeaway

Metropolis Resort’s success highlights something important for today’s hospitality industry: authenticity wins. Humor wins. People connect with people.

By focusing less on hard selling and more on storytelling, Metropolis has built brand awareness that extends far beyond Eau Claire,  while still staying grounded in their community.

For WHLA members looking to elevate their digital presence, their example offers a clear reminder: sometimes the most powerful marketing tool isn’t a bigger budget, it’s a creative team willing to have a little fun.
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Have a story, standout team member, or creative idea you’d like to see highlighted? Reach out to Jordan Kaminski at WHLA, we love showcasing the people behind Wisconsin’s hospitality industry. WHLA also offers organic and paid social media packages and Google Ads campaigns to help your property lean into the social wave and turn engagement into measurable results. 

Watch the Full Interview with WHLA