How to Attract More Guests During Peak Travel Seasons

Peak travel seasons bring a surge in tourists and travellers, creating a prime opportunity for short-term rental hosts and hoteliers to maximize their bookings and revenue.

However, with increased demand comes intense competition, making it crucial to adopt strategic measures to stand out from the crowd.

1. Optimize Your Pricing Strategy

Implement Dynamic Pricing

One of the best ways to maximize occupancy during peak seasons is through dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing tools analyze market demand, competitor pricing, and historical trends to adjust your rates in real-time. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offer built-in pricing tools, or you can use third-party services like PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing.

Offer Early Bird Discounts

Encourage early bookings by offering discounts to guests who reserve their stay months in advance. Early bird discounts help secure revenue before the season starts and reduce last-minute vacancy concerns.

Provide Last-Minute Deals

While early bird pricing attracts planners, last-minute deals cater to spontaneous travelers. Offering a limited-time discount for unbooked dates ensures you maximize occupancy without leaving money on the table.

Create Bundled Packages

Consider offering bundled packages that include accommodation and local experiences. Examples include:

A stay + guided city tour
Accommodation + free breakfast
A package with spa treatments or adventure activities

Bundling enhances guest value and gives your listing a competitive edge.

2. Enhance Your Online Presence

Optimize Listings on Rental Platforms

Your listing is the first impression potential guests will have of your property. Ensure it is fully optimized by:

Using high-resolution images that showcase your property’s best features.
Writing a compelling description that highlights amenities and unique selling points.
Keeping your calendar up-to-date to avoid cancellations and booking issues.

Leverage High-Quality Photos and Videos

Invest in professional photography or take high-quality images yourself. Video tours or 360-degree virtual walkthroughs can further boost engagement and trust, giving guests a real sense of the space before booking.

Encourage Guest Reviews

Positive reviews enhance credibility and influence booking decisions. Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews by:

Sending a polite post-stay email requesting feedback.
Offering small incentives like discounts on future stays.
Responding to all reviews professionally, and addressing any concerns promptly.

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3. Leverage Seasonal Marketing Campaigns

Use Targeted Social Media Ads

Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to run targeted ad campaigns. Focus on:

Geo-targeting potential travellers from cities known for sending tourists to your area.
Retargeting past website visitors who didn’t complete a booking.
Using visually appealing creatives that highlight your property’s best features.

Email Marketing for Promotions

Build and maintain an email list of past guests and interested travellers. Send:

Special peak-season offers
Exclusive deals for returning guests
Holiday-themed promotions

Create Holiday or Event-Based Promotions

If your location hosts seasonal festivals, concerts, or sports events, align your marketing campaigns accordingly. Promote your property as the perfect place to stay for these occasions and offer special event-related discounts.

4. Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborate with Tour Operators

Form partnerships with local tour operators to provide exclusive discounts or packages for your guests. A well-packaged travel experience can make your property more appealing.

Offer Restaurant Discounts

Guests appreciate dining options. Partner with local restaurants to offer:

Discount vouchers
Free welcome drinks
Special prix fixe meals for your guests

Promote Local Events and Attractions

Create a local guidebook or digital pamphlet featuring nearby attractions, seasonal events, and hidden gems. Travelers often seek authentic local experiences, and your recommendations can add significant value to their stay.

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5. Improve Guest Experience & Amenities

Provide Welcome Gifts or Complimentary Services

A thoughtful welcome gift sets the tone for an exceptional stay. Consider offering:

A bottle of wine or local snacks
Handwritten welcome notes
A small souvenir that reflects the local culture

Offer Flexible Check-in/Check-out Options

Flexibility is a major selling point for travelers. Whenever possible:

Allow early check-ins and late check-outs.
Implement self-check-in via smart locks or keyless entry to accommodate late arrivals.

Upgrade Essential Amenities

Ensure your property offers:

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi (a must for remote workers and digital nomads)
High-quality bedding and toiletries
Streaming services like Netflix or smart TVs
Workspace setups for business travellers

6. Use SEO & Paid Advertising

Optimize for Travel-Related Keywords

If you have a website, optimize it with relevant keywords, such as:

“Best vacation rentals in [Your Location]”
“Affordable beachfront stays in [Your Location]”
“Luxury short-term rentals for families in [Your Location]”

Additionally, include local attractions and travel guides in your blog posts to improve organic search traffic.

Run Paid Advertising Campaigns

Google Ads and Facebook Ads can drive more traffic to your listings. Key strategies include:

Bidding on travel-related keywords.
Running retargeting campaigns for users who viewed your listing but didn’t book.
Using eye-catching images and videos in ad creatives.

Retarget Past Guests with Special Offers

Encourage repeat bookings through:

Exclusive loyalty discounts
Referral bonuses for recommending friends and family
VIP treatment for returning guests

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7. Encourage Repeat Bookings & Referrals

Offer Discounts for Returning Guests

Loyalty rewards encourage guests to return. Offer a 10-20% discount for repeat stays or free add-ons like breakfast or spa services.

Implement a Referral Program

Encourage past guests to refer friends by:

Offering them discounts on future stays for each successful referral.
Giving their referred friends a first-time booking discount.

Build an Email List

An engaged email list allows you to send personalized offers and updates about:

Special deals for past guests
New property features or upgrades
Seasonal travel guides

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Conclusion

Attracting more guests during peak travel seasons requires a combination of strategic pricing, enhanced guest experiences, effective marketing, and strong partnerships with local businesses.

By optimizing your online presence, running seasonal campaigns, and leveraging SEO and paid ads, you can maximize your bookings and ensure your property stands out among competitors.

Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your guest bookings soar during the busiest travel seasons.

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