23 October 2024
The off-season doesn’t have to mean a slowdown in business. Sure, things are quieter with fewer tourists, but that’s the perfect time to get creative and try new strategies. Try these approaches to attract different types of travelers and even boost your revenue in these quieter months.
Why Does the Off-Season Happen?
Off-season is typically that time between peak travel periods when demand drops due to a few key factors:
- Weather: When conditions aren’t ideal, people travel less.
- School and Public Holidays: Families tend to vacation when school’s out.
- Events and Festivals: Major events pull tourists to other destinations.
Understanding these patterns gives you the upper hand when planning your strategies for the quieter months.
Attract Slow Travelers
Off-season is ideal for slow travelers like digital nomads or retirees who prefer deeper, less-crowded experiences. They don’t want to rush through a destination—they want to explore at their own pace. Offer immersive, personalised tours—like food tastings with local chefs—that they can’t get during peak season.
This also applies to travelers with hidden disabilities, who often prefer quieter environments. With ResPax, you can easily highlight accessible options using the sunflower icon to attract these guests.
Engage Locals with Creative Promotions
In Australia, domestic spending surged by 60% in 2023, so why not target locals during the off-season?
You can create special packages for locals—such as birthday tours or pet-friendly options. If you’re using ResPax, maximise our email marketing tools to offer gift certificates or launch referral programs to encourage repeat customers and word-of-mouth.
There’s a step-by-step guide to help you set it up. Reach out to- support@respax.com
Use Short-Form Videos to Showcase Your Tours
According to HubSpot, 54% of people want to see more video content from brands, so using short, engaging clips is a good idea to give potential customers a sneak peek of your tours.
No need for a big budget for this—just a phone and some creativity. Show off the best parts of your tours—the stunning views, the unique experiences, and the fun moments.
Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with nearby businesses like cafés, restaurants, or gear shops for cross-promotions. They benefit from increased foot traffic, and you get more eyes on your tours.
HubSpot says partnerships like this can boost exposure by up to 50%, making it a smart way to stay top of mind with both locals and tourists while reaching new audiences who might not have found you yet.
Get Listed on Google Things to Do and Partner with OTAs
Make it easy for customers to find you by listing on Google Things to Do and partnering with OTAs. They put your tours in front of global audiences actively searching for off-season experiences.
Bonus Tips
- Start blogging to share travel tips and boost site traffic.
- Stay active on social media and engage with followers.
- Build your email list for ongoing connections with past and potential customers.
- Encourage customer reviews to build trust and attract new bookings.
- Update your website for a smooth, user-friendly experience.
Final Thoughts
The off-season can be a time of growth if you embrace new strategies. If your tools feel outdated, check out ResPax and request a demo to see how we can help your business thrive year-round.
