According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, in 2022, the World Travel & Tourism is projecting a 228% leap in spending in the United States by international travelers compared to 2021. So why is hospitality marketing so different now? The bottom line? Guests expect more, demand is higher, and inflation (& demand) has increased the cost of travel. By connecting with your guests on social media, you’re able to develop a relationship and set expectations before they even check in. 

So how does social media secure bookings?

Social media allows hotels and vacation rentals to build trust and brand loyalty directly with their guests prior to arrival. It gives you an incredible opportunity to remind them of your offerings consistently and can connect you to your guests on a more personal level. Now more than ever, travelers are looking for an unparalleled experience they can share with others - if not in person - on social media. The new traveler is searching for vacations that are unique, immersive, and memorable. 

Even more interesting, Millennial travelers, in particular, are changing the way travel experiences are shared.  According to REQ, 97% of Millennial travelers will share their travel experiences on social media, with 2 to 3 posting once a day. With Millennials making up majority of the workforce in 2024 and remote work on the rise, hotels and vacation rentals have a significant opportunity to directly connect with the industry’s next big spenders. 

But what type of content is included in a winning social strategy for hotels and vacation rentals?

The foundation of a solid social strategy rests on the four pillars of hospitality content. When your guests travel, they look for these key themes in every vacation. These four, powerful content pillars should be the base for all social media content. When writer's block creeps in, step back to these four building blocks for inspiration.

Location

Share the history, scenery, and unique appeal of your destination. Your environment is the top reason for tourism. Give your guests an insider look into your location.

Cuisine

With food tourism on the rise, sharing local culinary cultures and customs gives guests a taste of travel you can't experience otherwise. Feature everything from food trucks to fine dining.

Amenities

Amenities are the crowned jewel to your portfolio, It's the décor, the extra timeless touches that make your stay stand out from the rest. From goose-down pillows to private saunas, your amenities are what make your property exclusive.

Activities

Give your guests a glimpse into how they will spend their days. Showcase the experiences surrounding your property - the spas, the nature preserves, the shopping, the hidden gems they can't find on their own 

What's the secret to a successful social content?

That’s a secret we like to share with friends. If you’d like behind the scenes access to how we curate top performing social content, download our 2022 Hospitality Social Media Handbook - it’s absolutely free. Property managers who download the guide are invited to a private, complimentary strategy session (valued at $279) when you mention our handbook when booking a consultation.