Hosting Unique Workshops and Masterclasses to Attract Guests

Modern travelers no longer just seek a place to sleep—they want experiences. Whether it’s learning a new skill, engaging with local culture, or participating in a creative retreat, workshops and masterclasses can transform a simple stay into a memorable, value-packed getaway.

Hosting niche workshops at your property not only helps attract a specific audience but also provides an additional revenue stream. From yoga retreats and pottery classes to photography workshops and culinary masterclasses, the possibilities are endless.

A Boutique Stay in Udaipur That Became a Creative Hub

A small boutique stay in Udaipur was struggling with occupancy during the off-season. Instead of offering discounts, they partnered with a well-known artist to host a weekend watercolor painting retreat. The event sold out in days, drawing art enthusiasts from across India. Soon, they expanded into poetry retreats, cooking workshops, and music masterclasses, turning the property into a seasonal creative hub with fully booked weekends.

What Kind of Workshops Work Best?

To maximize success, your workshops should align with your property’s vibe and target audience:

Wellness & Mindfulness: Yoga, meditation, sound healing, Ayurveda retreats
Arts & Crafts: Pottery, painting, textile dyeing, calligraphy
Culinary Experiences: Farm-to-table cooking, local cuisine masterclasses, wine-tasting events
Adventure & Outdoor Activities: Survival skills, stargazing workshops, birdwatching
Professional Skills & Personal Growth: Writing retreats, photography masterclasses, business mastermind sessions

How to Organize a Successful Workshop

Find the Right Instructor: Partner with experts, influencers, or local artisans who have a following.
Package the Experience: Offer a bundle including accommodation, meals, and the workshop for a seamless experience.
Create Limited-Edition Events: Scarcity drives bookings—announce only 10-15 slots per event to make it exclusive.
Leverage Social Media & Influencers: Encourage instructors and past participants to share their experience online.
Offer Discounts for Early Bookings: Drive urgency by offering an early bird price for the first few sign-ups.
Document & Promote for Future Events: Take professional photos and videos to use as marketing material for future workshops.
Beyond the Event: Turning Attendees into Repeat Guests

Provide exclusive discounts for attendees to return for future events.
Offer follow-up online sessions to keep them engaged after they leave.
Create a community (WhatsApp/Facebook group) to keep in touch and announce new events.

10 Interactive Questions for This Chapter

1. What skills or experiences would align best with your property’s theme and surroundings?
2. Could you partner with a local expert or influencer to make the workshop more appealing?
3. How can you create an exclusive, high-value package that includes accommodation and meals?
4. Would your target audience be more interested in short 2-hour sessions or immersive weekend retreats?
5. How will you market your workshops effectively on social media and email campaigns?
6. Could you offer early bird discounts or limited-time deals to drive bookings?
7. How can you document the event to use as a promotional tool for future workshops?
8. Would you consider making it a recurring event to create consistency?
9. How can you encourage attendees to leave reviews and share their experiences?
10.  Could you expand this idea into corporate team-building workshops to attract companies?