Embrace the Magic of the Season: A Guide to Festive Marketing.
As the holiday season approaches, tourism businesses in Peterborough, the Kawarthas & Northumberland have a remarkable opportunity to engage potential customers and captivate their hearts with the joyful spirit of the holidays to keep them coming back year round. Whether you operate a business directly part of the industry such as a hotel, tour agency or souvenir shop or are part of the tourism industry indirectly, incorporating a touch of holiday magic into your marketing strategy can go a long way in attracting tourists and creating unforgettable experiences. With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, this joyous time of year presents a golden opportunity for tourism businesses to enhance their offerings, attract more customers, and create unforgettable experiences. Let's explore some strategies to help tourism businesses leverage the magic of Christmas.
Peterborough Office Christmas Tree 2022
Transform Your Environment
Transforming your business with a festive theme and eye-catching decorations is a great way to immerse visitors in the holiday spirit. Adorn your reception area, lobby, or storefront with twinkling lights, garlands, wreaths, and tastefully chosen Christmas ornaments. Consider a beautiful Christmas tree as a centerpiece, creating a focal point for capturing memorable photos. Create visually stunning displays that showcase your holiday-themed products or services. Don't forget to incorporate traditional Christmas scents, like pine or cinnamon, to further immerse visitors in the magical atmosphere. The atmosphere alone will entice visitors to explore and capture the enchantment of your establishment.
Craft Captivating Holiday Packages
Entice potential customers by designing exclusive holiday packages that cater to their festive desires. Highlight unique experiences such as Christmas-themed city tours, local holiday markets, or special performances. Designing tailored Christmas packages is an excellent way to entice both locals and tourists. Create packages that include a combination of accommodation, meals, activities, and festive events. For example, offer special holiday-themed culinary experiences, cozy winter getaways, or family-friendly outdoor adventures. Promote these exclusive packages across your website, social media platforms, and through local partnerships to increase visibility and drive bookings or sales. Package deals that include accommodation, meals, and tickets to local holiday events will make visitors feel pampered and provide immense value for their money.
Host Merry Events and Activities
Embrace the holiday season by organizing special events and immersive activities for guests and customers. Christmas markets, with stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce, and gifts, can provide a magical shopping experience. Consider hosting carol concerts, gingerbread house workshops, or arranging visits from Santa Claus and his colorful helpers. These events not only create an unforgettable experience for visitors but also foster community engagement and leave a lasting impression.
Festive Community Tip: In December, Peterborough is filled with many students from Trent University and Fleming College who are away from home and may not be able to spend the holidays with family. Consider throwing an event for out of town students to help them feel connected with fellow students and their community. There is even the possibility that you could promote it with the help of the institutions.
Collaborate with Local Suppliers
Partner with local suppliers and artisans to offer distinctive Christmas-themed products or experiences. Collaborate with local vendors to create limited edition souvenirs, specialty food and drink items, or unique gifts that capture the essence of the season. Joining forces with local businesses and attractions can amplify the joy of Christmas for everyone involved. Collaborate with neighbouring hotels, restaurants, or retail outlets to design joint promotions and cross-marketing initiatives. Create a Christmas trail or scavenger hunt, encouraging visitors to explore various locations, collect stamps, and enjoy exclusive holiday surprises. By working together, you'll strengthen community ties and increase footfall for all participating businesses.
Spread the Joy Online
Leverage the power of social media and digital marketing to illuminate your business's online presence with holiday cheer. Create captivating content that showcases the enchanting experiences visitors can enjoy during the Christmas season. Share vivid photos and heartwarming stories that convey the magical atmosphere surrounding your destination. Engage with your audience by running exciting giveaways, competitions, or discounts exclusive to your social media followers. Encourage user-generated content by asking visitors to share their favorite holiday memories or photos at your establishment, utilizing unique hashtags that reflect the magic of Christmas.
It may be the beginning of November, but it isn’t too late to start your holiday campaign! If you are looking for a unique holiday campaign or even just some support with your marketing needs, book a no cost discovery meeting to see how we can work with you to make your holiday happy and a little less stressful!
About the Author - Jack C. Henry
A graduate of OCAD University’s Graphic Design program, Jack blends art with real-world business strategy. The result? Creative solutions that add value to your business. Jack has designed for a wide range of industries including restaurants, retail stores, health care, community organizations and charities. As well as helping companies develop their brand, he creates beautiful marketing materials and signage.
About OmniWorx Design
OmniWorx Design is a boutique design firm who works with small businesses in Peterborough, the Kawarthas & Northumberland to create branding, signage, websites and other marketing collateral. We specialize in working with businesses in the tourism sector, helping owners maximize the short tourism season and help them stay engaged with their audience over the shoulder seasons. More...