Gamifying the Stay – Making Bookings More Fun and Engaging

Why Gamification Works in Hospitality

Imagine if your guests didn’t just book a stay but felt like they were unlocking a rewarding experience. Gamification—the use of game-like elements in non-game settings—has proven to increase engagement, encourage repeat visits, and enhance guest satisfaction.

A boutique homestay in Bali created a “Mystery Box” challenge, where guests who completed specific activities—like dining at local restaurants, attending a yoga session, or taking a nature walk—earned a chance to unlock a surprise gift. The result? A significant increase in guest participation and repeat bookings.

So, how can you apply gamification to your homestay or farm stay?

1. Loyalty Programs That Go Beyond Discounts

Traditional loyalty programs often rely on discounts, but what if guests could earn points for unique experiences instead? For example:

A guest who books a midweek stay could earn points toward a free farm tour or an exclusive local wine-tasting event.
Guests who return multiple times could unlock a “VIP Guest” status, granting them special privileges like first access to seasonal events.

2. Scavenger Hunts & Challenges

Creating interactive activities encourages exploration and deepens guest engagement.

A Farm Treasure Hunt, where guests search for hidden markers around the property, learning about the local ecosystem along the way.
A Photo Contest Challenge, where guests are encouraged to snap creative shots of their experience, with the best entry winning a free future stay or a gift basket of local products.

3. Booking-Based Rewards & Surprise Elements

Adding an element of surprise makes the booking process more exciting.

Lucky Draws: Every midweek booking enters guests into a lottery for a premium experience like a spa session or private dinner under the stars.

Mystery Upgrades: Let guests know that those who book for at least two nights have a chance to be upgraded to a premium suite or receive a surprise amenity.
Final Thoughts

Gamification doesn’t mean turning your stay into a playground, but rather adding playful elements that make the experience more memorable and rewarding. The key is to align these activities with your brand’s unique vibe and target audience.

Interactive Reflection: 10 questions

1. What kind of unique rewards would excite your guests?
2. How can you create a simple point-based loyalty program for repeat visitors?
3. Can you introduce a fun midweek challenge to attract more guests?
4. What kind of local partnerships could enhance your gamification efforts?
5. Would a social media-based contest work well for your property?
6. How can you ensure your games and challenges feel natural to your brand?
7. Would your guests respond better to surprise perks or structured rewards?
8. Can you use gamification to encourage sustainable practices at your stay?
9. What small investment would make a big impact in making your stay more engaging?
10. How will you track and measure the success of these gamification efforts?