Hospitality marketing is more important than ever now that the Summer staycation is over and so too is the bounce back boom.
But fear not, Christmas needn’t be quieter.
Following two Festive breaks where quality time with friends and family was disrupted, this Christmas is your chance to capture new guests wanting to reconnect.
There are a number of marketing tips that you can use to link into guests’ emotional needs at Christmas to help boost your bookings.
#1 Seasonal Photography
We are constantly amazed that hospitality providers spend a fortune upgrading their accommodation but then don’t spend enough on good photography or video.
Often your first point of contact is via your website and you want to show off your accommodation to its very best.
Investing in a professional photographer could make a massive difference to your bottom line.
For those that can afford to, investing in some seasonal photography for winter and Christmas and the rest of the year can be invaluable.
Scenes of your B&B in the snow, warming log fires or nicely decorated for Christmas will make you stand out from the crowd and play to guests’ nostalgia for the season of good will.
#2 Hospitality Marketing and Quality Time Together
Many people will want to celebrate together with a break away. A cottage B&B is the perfect getaway where people can keep themselves to themselves.
Spending some quality time away together at Christmas to make it a special occasion is a marketing campaign you could promote.
Alternatively, a break away from the family after all spending so much time together could provide a more humorous campaign.
#3 Promote Local Events
People will often look beyond the accommodation to what else there is to do in the area.
Make the most of what’s going on in your local area. Research the best Christmas markets and candle-lit carol services etc and promote these alongside your accommodation to attract new guests.
#4 Hospitality Marketing and Experiences and Packages
If you’re prepared to go the extra mile, then making their lives easier is always a great way to boost bookings.
Package your accommodation with Christmas experiences that they don’t have to search for and book separately, e.g. Christmas wreath-making or candle-dipping.
It adds value and will provide guests with a talking point, post visit.
#5 Target High-Paying Guests
Many of your guests will go away for a short break more than twice a year. If you’re able to analyse your booking system data, find those that stayed with you in the Summer.
Target these guests that have been happy to pay a higher rate in the Summer with an out-of-season Christmas break.
Christmas Marketing Quiz
How effective is your marketing? Get ready for 2022.
Read this and other great stories in the December 2021 issue of Luxury BnB Magazine.
