Creating Successful Staycation Marketing Campaigns
Staycations have become popular for travellers seeking a getaway without venturing too far from home in recent years. Hotel and restaurant owners have recognised the potential of this market. They are actively implementing staycation marketing strategies to attract guests.
With the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, many people are opting for staycations as an affordable and convenient alternative. The growing demand for local travel experiences presents a lucrative opportunity for hotels and restaurants. By strategically marketing your facilities, services, and unique offerings, you can attract staycation guests and establish your property as a go-to destination for memorable experiences.
Staycation Outlook for Hotels
The outlook for staycations is auspicious, particularly for hotels that can adapt their marketing strategies to cater to this growing market. Staycations allow hotels to diversify their revenue streams and reduce dependence on seasonal travel. Hotels can generate additional yearly income by attracting staycation guests, even during traditionally slower periods. In addition to dining, spa treatments, and recreational activities, staycation guests are more likely to spend money on hotel amenities and services.
To capitalise on the staycation market, hotels should focus on promoting unique experiences, highlighting their facilities and amenities, and showcasing the local attractions and experiences available in their vicinity.
Showcasing Unique Experiences
One of the key aspects of staycation marketing is highlighting the unique experiences hotels can offer. Whether it’s a luxurious spa retreat, a culinary journey featuring local flavours, or outdoor activities in picturesque surroundings, showcasing these experiences will attract staycation guests seeking something special.
Promoting Local Attractions
Staycationers often seek opportunities to explore their local area and discover hidden gems. As a hotel, you can play a vital role in guiding them to these attractions. Collaborate with local tour operators, restaurants, and businesses to create attractive packages that showcase the best of what your destination has to offer. Provide recommendations for nearby landmarks, cultural sites, outdoor activities, and events through your online presence and physical materials such as brochures or maps. By positioning your hotel as a gateway to the local experience, you can entice staycationers to choose your property as their base for exploration.
How to Attract Staycation Guests with Personalised Packages and Offers
To attract staycation guests, hotels can create personalised packages and offers tailored to the preferences and interests of different target groups. For example, family-friendly packages could include discounted rates for children, complimentary meals, and access to kid-friendly amenities. Couples packages may include romantic dinners, spa treatments, and romantic room ambience. By catering to different guest segments’ specific needs and desires, hotels can enhance the overall staycation experience and increase their appeal to a broader local market.
Leveraging Local Social Media and Influencers
Social media platforms offer a powerful tool for staycation marketing, particularly for local Facebook community groups. Before you start posting, make sure to follow the group rules! Create engaging content that showcases your hotel, its amenities, and the overall staycation experience. Use high-quality visuals, competitions and questions to increase reach and engagement.
Collaborate with local influencers or travel bloggers who have a strong following in your target market. Invite them for a staycation experience at your hotel and encourage them to share their experience on their social media channels. This can significantly amplify your reach and attract staycation guests who trust the recommendations of influencers they follow.
Engaging with Past Guests
Staycation marketing should pay attention to the potential of repeat guests. Engage with past guests through personalised email campaigns, offering exclusive discounts or perks for their next staycation.
Segment your guest database and tailor targeted messages based on their preferences and past interactions. Create offers targeted at those segments, for example, Mums, Hikers, Foodies, etc.
Collaborating with Local Businesses
Forge partnerships with local businesses to create collaborative marketing campaigns that benefit both parties. For example, you can collaborate with nearby restaurants to offer memorable dining experiences for your staycation guests. This cross-promotion can help increase visibility and attract new guests to your hotel while supporting local businesses.
Additionally, consider partnering with local tour operators, spa facilities, or recreational centres to offer exclusive packages or discounts to staycation guests. Lean into the strengths and expertise of local businesses; you can enhance the overall staycation experience and position your hotel as a hub for local exploration and relaxation.
Encouraging User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful marketing tool that can help showcase authentic experiences and build trust with potential staycation guests. Encourage guests to share their staycation experiences on social media by creating hashtags specific to your hotel or destination. Offer incentives, such as the chance to be featured on your hotel’s social media accounts or enter a contest, to motivate guests to share their content. By curating and sharing UGC, you can amplify the reach of your staycation marketing efforts and provide social proof of the quality and appeal of your hotel.
Monitoring and Analysing Performance
To ensure the effectiveness of your staycation marketing strategies, monitoring and analysing performance metrics is essential. Use Google Analytics and social media analytics to track website traffic, engagement, and conversion rates. This data will provide valuable insights into your campaigns’ success and help identify improvement areas. Regularly review and adjust your strategies based on these insights to optimise your staycation marketing efforts and achieve better results.
Learn more about How to Monitor Your Digital Marketing Strategy Performance to refine your marketing campaigns.
Opportunities for Restaurants in the Staycation Market
Restaurants can tap into the staycation market by tailoring their marketing strategies to attract local diners. Here are some staycation marketing ideas for restaurants:
Promoting Unique Culinary Experiences
Highlight the unique culinary experiences offered by your restaurant to entice staycationers. Emphasise local flavours, seasonal ingredients, and signature dishes that showcase the essence of your cuisine. Consider partnering with local farms or suppliers to promote fresh, locally sourced ingredients. By positioning your restaurant as a must-visit dining destination, you can attract staycation guests seeking exceptional culinary experiences.
Offering Staycation Packages
Collaborate with nearby hotels, Airbnbs and campsites to create staycation packages that include dining experiences at your restaurant. Offer special discounts or complimentary add-ons for guests who book these packages, such as welcome drinks or desserts. This cross-promotion can help drive traffic to your restaurant and increase awareness among staycation guests. Consider offering exclusive dining experiences, such as chef’s table events or tasting menus, to create a sense of exclusivity and enhance the overall staycation experience for guests.
Engaging with Local Communities
Staycation marketing should not overlook the importance of engaging with the local community. Participate in local events, sponsor community initiatives, or collaborate with local organisations to showcase your restaurant’s commitment to the community. This involvement can help foster a positive reputation and build loyalty among local diners, including staycation guests. By becoming an integral part of the local community, you can position your restaurant as a go-to destination for staycationers and locals.
Take-Aways
Staycations present a significant opportunity for hotels and restaurants to tap into the growing demand for local travel experiences. You can attract staycation guests and increase your revenue by implementing effective staycation marketing strategies, including:
- Showcasing unique experiences.
- Promoting local attractions.
- Leveraging social media and influencers.
- Engaging with past guests.
- Collaborating with local businesses.
- Encouraging user-generated content.
- Monitoring performance.
- Tailoring marketing strategies specifically for restaurants.
By adopting these strategies and adapting to the unique needs and preferences of staycationers, you can position your venue as a top choice for unforgettable staycation experiences.
