5 Ways to Get Your Tourism Business Ready for Fall and Winter Bookings
Pretty soon the summer will be over. Many of the cottagers and vacationers will have gone home, Silver Bean will have closed, and the last of the Lift Lock Tours will have happened. The hot days with late sunsets may be over but visitor season is not finished! The fall and winter months bring a different kind of visitor: quiet travellers, weekenders, event-goers, and the stay-cationers. So, don’t miss out on off-season sales. Keeping revenue going during off-season ensures that expenses will be covered, inventory topped up, or improved, and marketing is covered. You won’t have to hustle quite as hard to make ends meet. Below are 5 tips to set yourself up for success this off-season.
Update Your Website for Seasonal Appeal
Update your hours of operation and rates, if they change during the shoulder season. This would also be a good time to add any seasonal offerings to your website: hikes, winter events, and off-season packages. Swap out summer colours and language for fall and winter styles, think reds and oranges, snow covered cottages, a cozy fireplace, or photos of hot chocolate. Try adding a seasonal header or banner to catch people’s attention!
Tip: Need help making your seasonal switch seamless? This is something we specialize in at OmniWorx Design.
Refresh Your Listings on Booking & Travel Platforms
Along with your website and social media, refreshing and updating your listings on various platforms is essential (Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Business, and Destination Ontario). Be sure to add any winter and fall amenities, like fireplaces, hot tubs, snowmobile trails, and eye-catching views of fall colours. Consider adding recent reviews, especially guests who have stayed during the off-season.
Tip: Use keywords that off-season travelers are searching for (e.g., “romantic fall retreat,” “quiet winter escape”).
Launch a Targeted Social Media Campaign
Just like your website and listings, your social media could use a refresh. Consider a targeted social media campaign: weekday or off-peak deals, urban markets, or seasonal events to draw in customers. Other seasonal posts, like behind the scenes prep, “first snow” or picturesque drives, are fun and eye-catching. Consider using hashtags like #FallInPeterborough or #WinterInTheKawarthas.
Tip: Consider paid ads or boosted posts to drive bookings during slower months.
Offer Seasonal Packages and Partner with Local Businesses
Another great way to boost visibility is to partner with local businesses and tourism partners. Seasonal packages, like local tours that include wineries and restaurants or weekend specials with hot chocolate from a nearby cafe, are excellent ways to encourage sales. Packaged deals encourage longer stays and higher spending A booth at fall festivals or markets, with special sales or giveaways, is also a good way to go.
Refresh Your Print Materials for Visitor Centres & Local Spots
Just like summer prep, the fall is a good time to refresh print materials for visitor centers and local hubs. Make sure brochures and postcards reflect fall and winter hours, seasonal offerings, and seasonal imagery. Be sure to distribute your print material to visitor hubs, hotels, Airbnbs, businesses, and venues. Print remains a valuable tool for visitors who travel without relying on digital maps or social media.
Note: OmniWorx can help with design and printing ahead of key holiday markets and studio tours.
Preparing for fall and winter is about more than staying open — it’s about being visible and relevant. Now’s the time to plan, refresh, and connect with new audiences. Update business information, refresh visuals, and work with local businesses and amenities to ensure you aren’t left out during the shoulder season.
Need help getting ready for the season? Reach out to OmniWorx Design to update your website, marketing materials, or booking platform presence before the leaves change.