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Fall Marketing Strategies: 15 Ways to Boost Your Hotel’s Fall Occupancy Right Now – By Alyssa Fate

A view of a valley with a lot of trees –Fall/ Autumn Image

As summer winds down and kids return to school, it’s the perfect time for leisure-focused hotels to capitalize on fall’s untapped occupancy potential. Autumn’s cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and vibrant foliage present a unique appeal, making it crucial to implement fall marketing strategies that attract and convert travelers. From crafting enticing seasonal packages to partnering with local attractions, there are many ways to increase your fall occupancy and bottom line as the leaves change. Here are 15 ways to boost your fall occupancy right now:

1. Develop Fall Packages

Themed Packages

Create fall-themed packages, such as romantic getaways with wine and spa treatments, or family packages with tickets to local autumn events.

Example: Romantic Mountain Escape

Activity Bundles 

Include local fall activities like corn mazes, pumpkin patches, or scenic hikes in your packages.

Example: Family Autumn Adventure

2. Highlight Local Fall Attractions

Collaborate with Local Events

Partner with nearby festivals, fairs, or seasonal events to offer exclusive deals or shuttle services.

Example: Fall Festival Package

Promote Regional Attractions 

Emphasize nearby fall foliage tours, wineries, or breweries that are popular during this season.

Example: Autumn Foliage Tour Experience

3. Adjust Your Marketing Strategy

Fall Imagery

Update your website and social media with fall-themed visuals and language to evoke a cozy, autumnal feel.

Examples:

Website Update

Social Media Update

Targeted Advertising

Use digital ads to target people searching for fall travel destinations or seasonal getaways.

Example: Digital Ads:

4. Offer Special Promotions

Discounts for Extended Stays

Provide discounts for longer stays or mid-week bookings to attract off-peak travelers.

Example: Autumn Escape Package

Loyalty Incentives

Offer special rates or bonuses for returning guests who book during the fall.

Example: Fall Loyalty Bonus

5. Enhance On-Site Experience

Seasonal Decor

Decorate your hotel with fall-themed elements like pumpkins, warm colors, and cozy textiles.

Example: Lobby Transformation

Seasonal Amenities

Serve fall-inspired treats like cider or pumpkin spice cookies in the lobby.

Examples:

Fall Treats

Themed Events

6. Leverage Partnerships

Local Businesses

Collaborate with local restaurants, wineries, or attractions to offer guests discounts or special experiences.

Example: Restaurants, Attractions and More

Event Organizers 

Partner with organizers of fall events to promote your hotel as a preferred lodging option.

Example: Partnership and Promotion

7. Focus on Unique Fall Activities

Host Fall Events

Organize activities such as cooking classes with seasonal ingredients, guided hikes to view fall foliage, or local art and craft workshops.

Examples:

Outdoor Experiences

If your location offers it, promote fall outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or nature walks.

Example: Fall Hiking, Biking and More

8. Adjust Booking Policies

Flexible Terms

Offer flexible cancellation and booking policies to appeal to travelers who may be wary of unpredictable fall weather.

Example: Flexible Terms

Early Booking Discounts

Encourage early reservations with discounts or added benefits.

Example: Advance Purchase Discounts and Perks

Bonus Perks for Early Bookings

9. Engage with Past Guests

Email Campaigns

Send personalized offers and updates to previous guests, highlighting what’s new for fall.

Example: Personalized Fall Offers and Seasonal Updates

Feedback and Referrals

Encourage guests to share their fall experiences on social media or leave reviews, which can attract new visitors.

Example: Encourage Reviews and Increase Engagement

10. Optimize Online Presence

SEO and Content Marketing

Update your website and blog with fall-related content that can improve your search engine rankings.

Example: Fall-Related Website Updates

Social Media Engagement

Share engaging fall-related content, including guest experiences and local highlights, to attract potential visitors.

Example: Fall-Themed Posts

Share engaging fall-related content, including photos and videos of your hotel’s seasonal decor, guest experiences, and local fall highlights. Post about cozy fall activities like enjoying a hot cider by the fire, seasonal room setups, or autumn-themed events.

11. Host Special Events or Themed Weekends

Seasonal Festivals

Organize mini-events at your hotel, like a fall harvest festival or a Halloween-themed weekend.

Example: Halloween-Themed Weekend:

Workshops and Classes

Offer workshops on seasonal crafts, cooking classes featuring fall recipes, or wine and cheese pairings.

Examples:

12. Enhance Customer Experience with Personalization

Customized Welcome Packages

Provide personalized welcome amenities based on guest preferences or special occasions.

Example: Welcome Amenities

Tailored Itineraries

Create custom itineraries for guests based on their interests, such as scenic drives for foliage viewing or recommended local dining spots.

Example: Customized Local Itineraries

Bonus: Local Dining and Entertainment Recommendations

For guests interested in local cuisine, create an itinerary featuring top restaurants, food festivals, or special dining experiences in the area. Include a mix of high-end dining and local favorites to cater to different tastes.

Provide a curated list of dining options with descriptions, reservation information, and any special offers or discounts. Consider including tickets or vouchers for local events or performances.

Feature these personalized recommendations in your pre-arrival emails and on your guest portal. Emphasize how these tailored suggestions can help guests fully enjoy their stay and explore the local culture.

13. Strengthen Relationships with Travel Agents and Influencers

Travel Agents

Partner with travel agents to promote your fall packages and specials.

Example: Partnerships and Promotions

Influencers and Bloggers

Invite travel influencers or bloggers to experience and review your fall offerings.

Example: Invitations and Reviews

14. Improve On-Site Dining Options

Seasonal Menus

Revamp your restaurant or café menus to feature fall-inspired dishes and beverages.

Example: Fall-Inspired Dishes and Beverages

Themed Dining Events

Host special dining events, such as a harvest dinner or a Thanksgiving-themed meal.

Example: Harvest Dinner

15. Leverage Guest Feedback

Surveys and Reviews

Use feedback from past guests to identify what they enjoyed about their stay and incorporate those elements into your fall offerings.

Example: Incorporate Guest Feedback into Fall Offerings

Testimonials

Share positive testimonials from guests who have enjoyed fall stays to build credibility and attract new visitors.

Example: Share Guest Testimonials

Ready to Make the Most of Fall? Let TravelBoom Help You Turn Leaves into Bookings.

We’ve given you 15 actionable tips – now it’s time to implement them. TravelBoom has the expertise and tools to help you create a fall marketing strategy that attracts and converts travelers. From designing enticing fall packages to optimizing your online presence, we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure a successful autumn season. Contact us today!

Alyssa Fate

Alyssa Fate is the Client Success Manager at TravelBoom Marketing. Connect with Alyssa at LinkedIn.

About TravelBoom Marketing

TravelBoom specializes in developing and executing customized data-driven marketing solutions that drive direct bookings and growth for its clients. With over 25 years of experience in digital marketing for travel and hotels, TravelBoom leverages advanced data science and analytics to uncover insights and develop strategies that greatly enhance results for our clients and reduce reliance on third-party channels. TravelBoom is also host of the world’s #1 ranked Hotel Marketing Podcast and its quarterly Traveler Sentiment Study both of which can be found at www.travelboommarketing.com.

Posted by on September 10, 2024.

Categories: Sales and Marketing

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