As the holidays approach, it’s time for businesses in the hospitality industry to think ahead and capitalize on the busiest travel season of the year. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year, strategically timing your holiday specials is key to maximizing bookings and revenue. With a little planning, your property can tap into the holiday spirit and welcome guests eager for a memorable seasonal experience.
Know Your Guests and Their Tendencies
Understanding your audience is always the first step. Some guests plan their holiday getaways months in advance, while others might make last-minute decisions. Take a look at past booking trends to see when guests tend to reserve rooms for the holidays. Does your property tend to attract couples planning a Thanksgiving retreat, or those looking for a cozy Christmas getaway? Use these insights to shape your promotional timeline.
Start Early, but Not Too Early
When it comes to advertising your holiday specials, timing is everything. You don’t want to start too early and miss out on the sense of urgency the holidays create, but you also don’t want to be too late and lose bookings to competitors.
For major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s wise to start promoting two to three months ahead of time. Guests often need time to coordinate with family or make travel arrangements. But don’t forget about the spontaneous travelers who might be looking for last-minute deals. Consider offering early-bird discounts for those who book in advance, followed by a “last chance” offer closer to the holiday to capture those last-minute bookings.
Holiday-Themed Packages for Extra Appeal
Everyone loves a good holiday getaway, and creating themed packages adds that extra magic. Consider offering things like Thanksgiving dinners with a local chef, Christmas tree decorating packages, or New Year’s Eve champagne celebrations. Tailoring your packages to the season not only attracts guests but also provides them with a unique, memorable experience they can’t find anywhere else.
The holidays are a time of joy and relaxation, so make sure your packages reflect that festive feeling. Offering experiences that align with the holiday spirit helps your guests connect with the season and adds value to their stay.
Monitor, Adjust, and Reap the Rewards
The holiday season is fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adjust your strategies on the fly. Monitor your booking patterns, website traffic, and the effectiveness of your ads. If you notice a lag in bookings, consider increasing ad spend or introducing new deals. The key is to remain agile and ready to tweak your promotions to maximize revenue.
By carefully timing your holiday specials and staying ahead of the curve, you can ensure your property shines throughout the holiday season.
Let Us Help You Shine This Holiday Season
Let InsideOut Solutions help make this holiday season your best yet! Whether you need assistance in optimizing your website for holiday bookings or crafting a marketing strategy that increases visibility, our team has the expertise to set your property apart. From festive marketing campaigns to web development that showcases your property in its holiday splendor, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to boost your holiday success!
Stay Informed, Stay Thriving!
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