Hatching a Plan for Easter: A Hotelier’s Guide

Easter is more than just chocolate eggs and family gatherings—it’s a prime opportunity for hotels to maximise revenue and attract diverse traveller segments. With the right strategy, you can turn the Easter holiday into a high-performing period for your property. 

Let’s break down the key factors to consider, from booking trends to irresistible offers and targeted promotions.

1. Understanding Easter Booking Trends

Timing is Everything

To fully capitalise on the Easter holiday, it’s essential to understand booking behaviour. Different traveller groups have varying lead times, and recognising these patterns will help you optimise your availability and pricing strategies.

• Families often plan their Easter trips well in advance, typically booking their stays 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Since school holidays often align with Easter, parents are keen to secure child-friendly accommodations, early dining reservations, and engaging activities for their little ones.
• Couples and solo travellers, on the other hand, tend to book much closer to their arrival date, often within 2 to 4 weeks. These guests are usually looking for last-minute romantic or relaxing getaways, so offering flexible rates and exclusive weekend deals can be an effective way to attract them.
• Domestic vs. international travellers: While local visitors may make spontaneous reservations, international guests require more planning time. Typically, they start booking 2 to 3 months in advance. Analysing past booking data will help you identify trends specific to your hotel’s location.

By leveraging historical data and comparing it with regional travel trends, you can adjust your revenue strategy to maximise occupancy and rates during the Easter period.

2. Analysing Your Target Market

To design offers that resonate, it’s crucial to segment your audience and tailor experiences accordingly. Easter travellers are diverse, and understanding their preferences can help you craft targeted packages that convert.

• Families: Easter is synonymous with family time, so hotels should highlight kid-friendly amenities such as play areas, family suites, and child-friendly dining options. Activities like Easter egg hunts, craft workshops, or storytelling sessions can add extra appeal.
• Couples: Many couples use the Easter break as an opportunity for a short romantic getaway. Focus on offering experiences that enhance intimacy, such as private spa treatments, gourmet dining experiences, or sunset drinks on a scenic terrace.
• Wellness & nature seekers: Easter marks the arrival of spring, making it the perfect time for rejuvenation. Travellers looking for relaxation and wellness will be drawn to yoga retreats, hiking excursions, and organic farm-to-table dining options.
• City breakers: For those who prefer a cultural getaway, boutique hotels in urban locations should emphasise nearby Easter events, museum exhibitions, and food festivals. Offering guided city tours or partnerships with local attractions can enhance their stay

3. Creating the Perfect Easter Offer

A well-crafted Easter package can set your hotel apart and increase direct bookings. Consider designing offers that cater to different traveller segments while ensuring profitability. Here are a few ideas:

• Egg-cellent Family Package: This package can include a complimentary breakfast, an exciting Easter egg hunt for kids, and special discounts for extended stays. Additional perks such as free dining for children or early check-in can add value.
• Springtime Romance Getaway: Designed for couples, this package could feature a couple’s spa treatment, a romantic dinner for two, a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, and a late check-out option for a leisurely morning.
• Easter Brunch Special: A special Easter brunch with seasonal and local delicacies can be a great way to attract both hotel guests and external visitors. Adding live music, themed desserts, and bottomless mimosas can make it even more appealing.
• Stay 3, Pay 2 Easter Deal: Encouraging longer stays with a “stay three nights, pay for two” promotion can help boost occupancy over the Easter weekend. This offer works particularly well for long weekend travellers.
• Wellness Escape: Collaborating with local wellness providers can create a relaxing Easter retreat. Think guided meditation sessions, spa treatments, and detox-friendly meal plans to appeal to travellers looking for a mindful getaway.

Each package should be clearly communicated on your website, email marketing campaigns, and social media to ensure maximum visibility.

4. Promoting Your Easter Offers Effectively with Userguest

Even the best offer needs the right promotional strategy to reach its full potential. Leveraging both digital marketing and Userguest’s smart tools can help drive direct bookings and maximise revenue.

With the Userguest notifications, you can ensure that your Easter offers are seen by the right audience at the right time.