Marketing Tips: Attract More Guests to Non-Tourist Hotels

Marketing a hotel in a non-tourist destination in Thailand presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike properties in popular tourist hubs such as Phuket, Bangkok, or Pattaya, where travelers are already flocking, hotels in lesser-known areas must first sell the location before they can sell the property itself. This adds complexity to the marketing process, requiring a strategic, multi-faceted approach.

At The Percentage Company, we specialize in hotel digital marketing and have over 20 years of experience helping hotels of all sizes across Thailand generate OTA & direct bookings. With a proven track record of delivering over 1.5 billion Thai Baht in revenue for our clients, we understand what it takes to succeed in non-tourist destinations. In this article, we outline some of the effective hotel marketing strategies to unlock the hidden potential of remote properties and maximize direct bookings.

Selling the Destination First

Before you can convince travelers to book your hotel, you must first inspire them to visit your location. Unlike tourist hotspots, where demand is already present, lesser-known destinations require additional effort to create interest. Here’s how:

• Destination Content Marketing: Create high-quality blog posts, videos, and social media content showcasing the unique attractions, cultural experiences, and hidden gems of the area.
• Long-Tail SEO Optimization: Target long-tail keywords such as “best quiet beach retreats in Thailand” or “authentic Thai cultural experiences” to capture travelers researching off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• Influencer & Travel Blogger Collaborations: Partner with travel influencers who specialize in uncovering hidden destinations to generate awareness and attract more guests.
• PPC Campaigns Focused on Destination Appeal: Use Google Ads and Facebook Ads to promote why travelers should consider your location over popular alternatives, helping you attract more guests.

Hotel Website & Booking Engine Optimization

Your website serves as the foundation of your digital marketing strategy. A well-optimized site not only showcases your hotel but also ensures seamless direct bookings. Key areas to focus on:

• Leverage Advanced Booking Technology: Utilize The Percentage App, an advanced in-house hotel booking engine with a built-in member program that mirrors OTA promotions, giving guests a reason to book directly and attract more guests.
• SEO Best Practices: Implement strong SEO strategies, including optimized meta tags, keyword-rich content, and a blog targeting location-based queries.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website is fully responsive and provides an intuitive user experience on all devices.
• High-Quality Visuals: Invest in professional photography and videography to capture your property and its surroundings in the best light.

Email Marketing & Automation

Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for driving direct bookings. Key strategies include:

• Automated Follow-Up Sequences: Send personalized emails to potential guests who have shown interest but haven’t booked yet.
• Exclusive Member Offers: Use The Percentage App booking engine’s built-in membership program to offer returning guests discounts or perks and attract more guests.
• Content-Driven Newsletters: Share travel tips, itinerary ideas, and special promotions to keep your audience engaged.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Remind visitors who started a booking but didn’t complete it, enticing them with a special offer.
  

Paid Advertising (PPC) & Social Media Marketing

For hotels in remote locations, paid ads can be an effective way to reach the right audience and drive bookings. Consider:

• Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Ads: Use visually compelling video and carousel ads to showcase the experience travelers can expect.
• Google Search & Display Ads: Target travelers searching for alternatives to mainstream tourist destinations.
• Retargeting Ads: Remind users who visited your website but didn’t book, using dynamic ads featuring personalized offers.
• Geo-Targeted Ads: Focus campaigns on regions where travelers are more likely to be interested in exploring lesser-known destinations.
  

Reputation Management & PR

A strong online reputation is critical to attracting bookings, especially for hotels in developing tourism areas. Key strategies include:

• Review Management: Actively respond to reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and OTAs to build trust and credibility, which can attract more guests.
• Encourage Guest Reviews: Implement automated post-stay email campaigns to request feedback.
• Leverage PR & Media Outreach: Get featured in travel publications and local news to enhance visibility.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage guests to share their experiences on social media and tag your hotel.
  

Conversion Rate Optimization & Data Analytics

To maximize ROI from your marketing efforts, continuously optimize your conversion rate by:

• A/B Testing Landing Pages: Experiment with different offers, CTA placements, and page layouts to determine what converts best and helps attract more guests.
• Detailed Analytics Tracking: Use Google Analytics, heatmaps, and booking engine reports to monitor user behavior.
• Reduce Booking Friction: Simplify the booking process, minimize steps, and provide clear pricing information.
• Personalization & AI Chatbots: Implement AI-powered chatbots to assist visitors and improve engagement, ultimately helping you attract more guests.
  

Additional Strategies for Remote Hotels

Here are a few more key strategies to help you market your hotel if it has a more remote location:

• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with nearby attractions, restaurants, and transport providers to create bundled experiences.
• Offer Unique Experiences: Create exclusive packages (e.g., “Digital Detox Retreat” or “Authentic Thai Village Stay”) to stand out.
• Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Promote eco-friendly practices to appeal to conscious travelers.
• Seasonal Promotions & Local Events: Align marketing efforts with local festivals and special occasions to attract visitors.

Marketing a hotel in a non-tourist destination requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. From selling the location first to leveraging advanced booking technology, SEO, paid ads, and reputation management, every aspect of digital marketing plays a crucial role in maximizing direct bookings and ensuring you attract more guests.

At The Percentage Company, we specialize in hotel digital marketing and have a proven track record of driving results. With over 1.5 billion Thai Baht generated for our clients, we have the expertise and technology to help hotels in Thailand’s remote destinations thrive.

If you’re looking to unlock the hidden potential of your hotel, contact us today to discuss how we can tailor a digital marketing strategy for your property.