Capturing Fall Tourists: How to Market Locally in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
The summer is over but that doesn’t mean visitors stop coming. Instead of taking longer stays to soak up the sun on the water or at the locks, fall travellers take long drives viewing the fall colours or are indoors at museums or cozy cafes. If they are outdoors, they are probably looking to bird watch or to visit pumpkin patches. Keep on reading to see how to appeal to couples taking a weekend off, empty nesters filling their time, or work-at-home folks looking for a stay-cation over the quieter fall months.
Leverage Local Events
The Kawarthas come alive with a variety of exciting events during the fall season, including studio tours, vibrant Farmer’s Markets, and popular festivals like Vegfest and Keene’s Pumpkin Fest. These opportunities are perfect for small businesses looking to increase their visibility and connect with the community. Consider setting up a booth at one of these events to showcase your products or services directly to attendees. Offering event-related discounts can also attract new customers and encourage purchases on the spot. Additionally, partnering with event organizers for co-promotion allows you to reach a wider audience through shared marketing efforts, creating a win-win situation that maximizes your impact during the busy fall season.
Promote Weekday and Shoulder Season Offers
The fall season presents an excellent opportunity to connect with remote workers and retirees who prefer to avoid the busy summer months. By tailoring your marketing efforts to highlight the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere of September and October, you can attract these audiences looking for a peaceful getaway or a productive workspace without the usual summer crowds.
Consider offering special discounts or packages specifically for this time frame, such as reduced rates on accommodations, tours, or services available during weekdays or weekends. Weekend deals can be especially appealing to retirees and remote workers who may want short, rejuvenating escapes without committing to a full week.
Emphasize the benefits of visiting during the fall—beautiful autumn foliage, crisp air, and a more personal, less hectic experience. This approach not only extends your business’s active season but also builds loyal relationships with customers who appreciate the exclusive, off-peak offers. Including targeted messaging in your branding and digital campaigns through websites or social media can help maximize engagement and bookings during this ideal period.
Get Featured on Regional Platforms
Update listings on relevant local directories, such as Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism and Northumberland Tourism, to ensure your business information is accurate and current. This helps boost your visibility to tourists and locals alike, making it easier for potential customers to find you during the crucial tourism season. Regularly verify details like your business hours, contact information, and services offered. A well-maintained presence on these platforms can improve your search rankings and reinforce your brand’s credibility within the community.
Create Seasonally Themed Visual Content
Be sure to update your website and social media visuals to reflect the warm and inviting atmosphere of the fall season. Incorporate cozy fall imagery such as vibrant changing leaves in rich reds, oranges, and yellows that instantly evoke the essence of autumn. Highlight scenes of crackling bonfires surrounded by friends and family, creating a sense of comfort and togetherness. Include rustic cornfields waving in the breeze to connect with the natural landscape and seasonal harvests. Don’t forget to feature cozy interior shots with plush blankets, warm lighting, and seasonal décor that invite viewers to imagine themselves enjoying the crisp autumn days indoors. These visual updates will not only enhance your brand’s seasonal appeal but also engage your audience by tapping into the sensory experiences of fall, helping to maximize your reach during this critical tourism period.
Tip: Use local hashtags and geotags to reach drive-market tourists from the GTA.
The fall is quieter than summer months, but that doesn’t mean tourists are staying at home. Visitors aren’t looking for busy days, they are looking for quiet and cozy hours by the fire or at a local pumpkin patch. The fall is a time for connection, beauty, and community. The suggestions above will help attract customers during the shoulder season.