Ahhh, the holidays. Some relish the idea of decking the halls and fa, la, la, la, la-ing in the comfort of their own home. Others can’t wait to get away and escape the chilling temps and holiday hassles, board a plane and travel to a far-flung location that’s warm and exciting. Some place anywhere other than their primary residence. Which is a fabulous idea. But, let’s face it, holiday travel can come with its own set of woes. Here are a few ways destinations can unwrap those holiday travel pain points and prevent them from stocking up.
Keep it Warm & Fuzzy – Know that your guests have just braved the crowds at the peak of the busy holiday travel season. Even the most seasoned globetrotters can get a little, well, perturbed. Turn on the charm. Reward frequent guests with that upgraded room they’ve earned. Make their reception as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Stand Out in a Crowd – If you’re a destination that is not a typical holiday travel hotspot, like say, Florida, Mexico, or Hawaii, the months leading up to holiday travel season is the time to flaunt it. Inform travelers of the plusses they will have by spending festive season at your less crowded destination. Less stress for them. More bookings for you. And if you happen to be in a location that has enviable weather during this time, even better.
Play Nice – It’s the holidays, and let’s face it, travelers can be a little frazzled, battling crowds, shopping for gifts, you get the picture. It’s the perfect time to make a big impression and surprise them with a nicety they will appreciate and remember – maybe an upgrade, an added value or an experience that makes their experience extra special. Give their trip that added oomph that sets you apart. We promise it will be their favorite gift.
Wake the Dead – Speaking of holiday travel niceties, the dead weeks are the perfect time to roll them out as an incentive for budget-conscious travelers to visit your destination during these traditionally slow travel times. Niceties don’t have to mean giving up your profitability but are there to enhance your guest experience and show value. This could be in the form of stay two nights at full rate, get one night free, a room upgrade or amenity or a credit towards F&B or retail. Another option is to partner with a local business to offer your guests something unique. They will welcome the gesture and thank you – in return visits.
Bring on the Cheer – Bring out the lighted Christmas trees, the posh holiday decor, the menorahs and nutcrackers. Travelers want to enjoy everything about the holidays, in many cases, they just don’t want the responsibility of hosting it. So, let your guests kick back and experience the joys of the season without the hassle. And keep them coming back year after year.
Spoon it Over – Give your guests the opportunity to dine alongside their family and friends during a special, and by special we mean really special, holiday feast they won’t soon forget. Pull out all the stops – a bountiful Thanksgiving menu, a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, foods to celebrate the Festival of Lights, a decadent Christmas Day dinner or a jazzy New Year’s Eve countdown event.
When it comes to holiday travel pain points, more is definitely not merrier. These are just a few of the steps destinations can take to keep holiday woes from getting in the way of holiday cheer. Contact the tourism marketing experts at Dana Communications for a sleighful of strategic, results-driven ideas. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com today.
