13 High-Impact Hotel Promotion Strategies to Boost Holiday Group Sales and Revenue

As the seasons change, so do the opportunities to capture new revenue streams. For hotels, the festive season isn’t just about decorations; it’s a golden opportunity to drive group sales, engage with the local community, and create memorable experiences that turn one-time visitors into lifelong advocates. But in a competitive market, you need more than just a standard discount. You need a strategy.

This guide provides 13 actionable promotion ideas designed to help you not just fill rooms, but also maximize revenue from every part of your property.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Seasonal Success

• Experience is Everything: Focus on creating unique, memorable events and packages that guests can’t get anywhere else.
• Embrace Your Community: Partner with local businesses and cater to the “staycation” trend to unlock a powerful local revenue stream.
• Target the Group Market: With family and corporate travel on the rise, tailored group packages are essential for maximizing occupancy and revenue.
• Think Beyond the Stay: Use promotions to encourage future bookings and upsell amenities, increasing the lifetime value of each guest.

Part 1: Create an Unforgettable Festive Atmosphere

The foundation of any successful seasonal promotion is the atmosphere you create. This is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about building an environment that guests are excited to share.

1. Deck the Hotel (Strategically!)

The Idea: Transform your hotel into a festive wonderland that captivates guests from the moment they walk in.

How to Implement It: Go beyond a single tree in the lobby. Create several “Instagrammable moments” throughout your property—a beautifully decorated fireplace, a whimsical outdoor light display, or an elegant tablescape in your restaurant. Take high-quality photos of your decorations to use in marketing materials such as website updates, social media posts, and ads. These visuals can be a powerful tool to attract potential guests. Launch a social media campaign with a unique hashtag (e.g., #FestiveStaysAt[YourHotel]) and run a contest for the best guest photo.

Real-World Inspiration: Take inspiration from The Roosevelt, a Tripleseat for Hotels Customer in New Orleans, which hosts an annual “Winter Waldorf Wonderland” in its lobby, complete with towering, themed holiday lighting that draw both guests and local residents, generating significant social media buzz.

2. Create Immersive Seasonal Experiences

The Idea: Move beyond static decorations by offering interactive, hands-on activities that create a vibrant atmosphere and lasting memories.

How to Implement It: Set up a complimentary s’mores station on an outdoor patio, host a ticketed gingerbread decorating workshop for families, or partner with a local florist to offer wreath-making classes. These small events engage guests directly and make their stay more memorable.

3. Host Exclusive Holiday-Themed Events

The Idea: Attract travelers and locals alike by hosting unique, ticketed holiday events that showcase your property’s amenities.

How to Implement It: Think beyond a standard Christmas dinner. Consider a “12 Days of Cocktails” event at your bar, a festive weekend jazz brunch series, or an elegant New Year’s Eve masquerade ball. Promote these as exclusive experiences to generate revenue and upsell dining packages or overnight stays.

Real World Inspiration: Altoona Grand Hotel in Pennsylvania promotes a New Year’s Eve masquerade themed event!

Part 2: Craft Irresistible Packages and Offers

Today’s travelers, from remote workers to families, are looking for value and convenience. Tailored packages that speak to their specific needs are key to winning their business.

4. Provide Seasonal Packages with Dynamic Pricing

The Idea: Create special, time-sensitive offers that build urgency and provide clear value for booking in advance or staying longer.

How to Implement It: Use your booking engine’s dynamic pricing to offer early-bird discounts for holiday bookings made before a certain date. You can also create multi-night packages, such as “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Free,” or bundled deals that include perks like complimentary breakfast or valet parking.

5. Embrace the “Staycation” Sensation

The Idea: Target locals who want a luxurious getaway without the hassle of travel, filling rooms during traditionally slower periods.

How to Implement It: Create an all-inclusive “Local Luxury” package that includes a one-night stay, a dining credit for your restaurant, and perhaps a spa treatment. Promote this through local media and geo-targeted social media ads.

6. Cater to the “Work-From-Holiday” Trend

The Idea: Appeal to the growing number of remote workers by offering a seamless blend of productivity and festive relaxation.

How to Implement It: Design a “Work & Play” package that includes premium high-speed Wi-Fi, a spacious room with a dedicated workspace, complimentary coffee service, and a credit for your bar or restaurant for when the workday is done.

7. Cater to the Quest for Quiet & Unique Experiences

The Idea: Market your property as a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the holiday chaos and connect with nature or themselves.

How to Implement It: Create “Winter Wellness” or “Serene Escape” packages that highlight quiet rooms, include outdoor activities like guided hikes or snowshoeing, or feature partnerships with local yoga studios. This appeals to younger travelers and those seeking relaxation over revelry.

Real World Inspiration: Discover Lark Hotel’s wonderful marketing of their unique holiday experiences including an Igloo stocked with hot cocoa and an artisan cheese board, a butler-drawn bath one night of your choice, and an in-room spa kit.

8. Partner with Local Businesses for Unique Experiences

The Idea: Enhance the value and authenticity of your offerings by collaborating with local attractions, shops, and tour operators.

How to Implement It: Create exclusive, co-branded packages. For example, a “Sip & Stay” package with a nearby winery, a “Holiday Shopping” package that includes VIP discounts at local boutiques, or an “Adventure Awaits” package with a guided winter activity.

9. Set Promotions for Future Bookings

The Idea: Generate immediate revenue during the busy season while securing future business for the slower months ahead.

How to Implement It: For every guest who stays during the holiday period, offer them an exclusive discount voucher (e.g., 20% off) for a future stay between January and March. You can also sell gift certificates at a slight discount (e.g., a $100 value for $85).

10. Offer Complimentary Gifts

The Idea: Delight guests with a small, thoughtful gift upon check-in to create a lasting positive impression and differentiate your hotel.

How to Implement It: Provide a simple, branded gift that reflects the season or your location. This could be a locally made chocolate bar, a small custom ornament, a branded travel mug, or a coupon for a complimentary holiday drink at your bar.

Part 3: Maximize Group and Private Dining Sales

Group travel, whether for corporate events or family reunions, is a cornerstone of seasonal revenue. Make it easy and appealing for them to book with you.

11. Tailor Your Group Travel Options

The Idea: Create flexible, customizable packages that cater to the specific needs of different groups, from family reunions to corporate retreats.

How to Implement It: Design tiered packages for different group sizes and budgets, from small to extravagent. For a family reunion, include a block of rooms, a private dining space, and a fun activity. For a corporate retreat, feature meeting room access, A/V equipment, and executive lunch service.

12. Boost Your Private Dining and Event Revenue

The Idea: Proactively market your private dining rooms and event spaces for corporate holiday parties, social gatherings, and family celebrations.

How to Implement It: Develop all-inclusive holiday party packages that simplify the planning process for organizers. Include options for different menus, bar packages, and entertainment. Use high-quality photos and virtual tours on your website to showcase your beautiful event spaces.

13. Upsell Amenities and Experiences

The Idea: Train staff to proactively offer guests additional amenities and experiences that enhance their stay and increase ancillary revenue.

How to Implement It: At check-in and throughout the stay, empower your team to offer room upgrades, late check-outs, or reservations for special holiday meals. Promote add-ons like in-room champagne, spa treatments, or wine tastings through pre-arrival emails and in-room menus.

Ready to Streamline Your Seasonal Sales? Maximize Holiday Bookings with Tripleseat for Hotels

These promotion ideas are just the beginning. The key to maximizing your holiday revenue is having a system that can manage group bookings, private dining, and events seamlessly. Stop juggling spreadsheets and start focusing on delivering incredible guest experiences.

Get a Free Demo of Tripleseat for Hotels and Discover How You Can Effortlessly Manage Your Holiday Group Sales!

Heather Apse

As a content writer for Tripleseat, Heather channels her industry expertise into crafting insightful, actionable resources for hospitality professionals. Her background in hospitality includes hands-on experience as a hostess, busser, and waitress during her college years and she holds a deep appreciation for the nuances of restaurant and venue event operations. When she’s not immersed in research or writing, Heather is adventuring outdoors with her three energetic sons and their lively, larger-than-life dog. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn.

About Tripleseat

Tripleseat is an award-winning sales and event management platform that powers more than 18,000 venues worldwide. By streamlining operations and maximizing revenue, Tripleseat helps event managers turn their visions into reality. For more information or to schedule a demo, visit www.tripleseat.com.