Chapter 9
Leveraging Local Experiences to Attract More Guests
Today’s travelers aren’t just looking for a place to sleep—they want authentic experiences that connect them to the local culture, food, and community. Whether it’s learning to make traditional dishes, exploring hidden natural gems, or participating in local festivals, offering immersive local experiences can make your property a must-visit destination.
Why Local Experiences Matter in Hospitality
A homestay in Rajasthan saw a rise in bookings after they introduced a “Desert Village Experience,” where guests could stay in mud huts, try camel rides, and enjoy folk music by a bonfire. They weren’t just selling a stay—they were selling a story!
Adding local experiences to your property helps:
- Make your property stand out from competitors
- Attract guests looking for cultural immersion
- Increase revenue by offering additional paid activities
- Get word-of-mouth marketing from satisfied guests
How to Integrate Local Experiences at Your Property
1. Culinary Experiences: More Than Just Food
Food is one of the most memorable aspects of travel. Give guests a chance to learn and taste something unique.
Example: A homestay in Thailand offers a “Farm-to-Table Cooking Class,” where guests pick fresh herbs and vegetables before cooking authentic Thai dishes with a local chef.
Actionable Idea: Organize tasting sessions, cooking classes, or farm visits where guests can interact with local farmers and chefs.
2. Adventure & Nature-Based Activities
Many travelers seek adventure or relaxation in nature—capitalize on what’s around you!
A mountain farmstay introduced a “Sunrise Trek & Organic Breakfast” package, where guests could hike to a scenic spot and enjoy a locally sourced meal.
Actionable Idea: Think about trekking, nature walks, birdwatching, or star-gazing experiences that can be hosted on or near your property.
3. Cultural Immersion & Hands-On Workshops
Guests love to take home new skills or knowledge from their trips.
A boutique homestay in Mexico introduced a “Handmade Pottery Workshop” with a local artisan. Guests not only loved the experience but also got to take home a unique souvenir!
Actionable Idea: Offer weaving, pottery, traditional dance, or handicraft workshops hosted by local artists.
4. Local Festival Participation
Festivals are a fantastic way to showcase local culture. Help guests experience them firsthand!
A homestay in Japan offers guests special Yukata robes and guided participation in a nearby summer festival, complete with lantern releases and traditional food.
Actionable Idea: Provide insider access to parades, temple fairs, harvest festivals, or music events near your property.
5. Unique Transport & Exploration Methods
Guests remember how they explore a place just as much as what they see.
A farmstay in the Netherlands offers bicycle rentals with a mapped-out countryside route, making it easy for guests to explore the scenic fields.
Actionable Idea: Offer bullock cart rides, tuk-tuk tours, cycling trails, or even boat trips to explore local landscapes.
Marketing Local Experiences to Drive Bookings
- Highlight Experiences on Your Website: Create a dedicated “Experiences” page to showcase activities.
- Use Instagram & TikTok: Short videos of guests enjoying your experiences can inspire bookings.
- Partner with Local Guides & Artisans: Collaborate with locals who can add value to your guest offerings.
- Upsell Packages at Check-In: Encourage guests to book experiences upon arrival.
- Leverage Guest Reviews & Stories: A satisfied guest’s testimonial about their local experience is more convincing than any advertisement!
Interactive Worksheet: 10 questions
- What unique cultural or natural elements does your location offer?
- What are some traditional dishes, crafts, or customs you can introduce to guests?
- Can you partner with local guides, artists, or farmers to create an experience?
- What type of guests (adventurers, families, foodies) visit your property the most?
- How can you package local experiences to increase bookings?
- Are there any seasonal events or festivals guests can participate in?
- What is a fun, unique mode of transport guests could use to explore?
- How will you market these experiences on your website & social media?
- Could you introduce a local experience as a premium add-on to increase revenue?
- What is one experience you can start offering next month?