Why Hotels Use Giveaways in Their Marketing Strategy
- Florida Custom Merch
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
In the competitive world of hospitality, standing out is more challenging than ever. With the rise of online booking platforms, social media, and review sites, hotels are constantly looking for innovative ways to attract guests, retain loyalty, and create memorable experiences. One marketing tactic that has gained significant traction is the use of giveaways. From free nights and complimentary services to branded merchandise, giveaways have proven to be more than just a gesture of goodwill—they are a powerful tool in a hotel’s marketing arsenal. But why exactly do hotels invest in giveaways, and what benefits do they offer?
1. Attracting New Guests
At the core of any marketing strategy is the goal of acquiring new customers. Hotels face intense competition, not just from other hotels but from vacation rentals and alternative accommodations. Giveaways serve as an effective way to capture attention and entice potential guests.
For instance, social media giveaways, such as a free weekend stay or complimentary spa package, encourage participants to engage with the hotel’s brand online. This can include liking posts, tagging friends, or sharing content, which expands the hotel’s reach to a wider audience. By incentivizing engagement, hotels can attract potential guests who may not have otherwise considered their property.
Moreover, giveaways create a sense of urgency. Limited-time contests or sweepstakes can prompt users to act quickly, increasing bookings or inquiries within a short period. In the crowded hospitality market, this immediate call-to-action can be pivotal in converting interest into tangible reservations.
2. Enhancing Brand Awareness
A giveaway is more than just a free item or service; it’s a way to communicate a hotel’s brand identity. When a hotel offers branded merchandise, such as custom towels, robes, or travel accessories, guests take a piece of the hotel experience home with them. Every time they use these items, it reinforces brand recognition and loyalty.
Digital giveaways, in particular, can amplify brand awareness exponentially. When participants share a giveaway on social media, the hotel’s brand is exposed to a network of friends, family, and followers. This organic promotion often carries more weight than traditional advertising because it comes from a trusted personal connection rather than a paid ad. Over time, this exposure not only boosts awareness but positions the hotel as a desirable and memorable choice among consumers.
3. Building Customer Loyalty
Repeat business is essential in hospitality, and giveaways can play a key role in fostering customer loyalty. Rewarding loyal guests with complimentary stays, upgrades, or exclusive experiences demonstrates appreciation and strengthens emotional connections. When guests feel valued, they are more likely to return and recommend the hotel to others.
For example, a hotel may offer a giveaway exclusively to members of its loyalty program, such as free access to a new amenity or an all-inclusive weekend package. This not only incentivizes continued engagement with the program but also creates a sense of exclusivity and belonging, which is highly effective in cultivating repeat visits.
4. Collecting Valuable Data
Another major advantage of giveaways is their ability to generate valuable customer data. In order to participate in contests or sweepstakes, individuals often provide email addresses, phone numbers, or social media profiles. This information can be used for future marketing campaigns, personalized offers, or targeted promotions.
Hotels can leverage this data to create segmented marketing strategies. For example, a hotel could identify high-value participants who frequently engage with giveaways and tailor special packages or discounts specifically to them. This approach ensures that marketing efforts are both efficient and effective, targeting those most likely to convert into loyal customers.
5. Encouraging Social Media Engagement
In today’s digital age, social media is a cornerstone of hospitality marketing. Giveaways provide an organic way to boost engagement, grow followers, and increase visibility on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Hotels often design giveaways that require participants to interact with content—such as liking, sharing, tagging friends, or creating user-generated content. This not only drives engagement but also promotes authentic interactions with the brand. The ripple effect of participants sharing posts or stories can significantly amplify the hotel’s online presence, attracting potential guests who may have never encountered the brand otherwise.
6. Differentiating from Competitors
In saturated markets, standing out from competitors is critical. Giveaways allow hotels to differentiate themselves by showcasing unique offerings, services, or experiences. For instance, a boutique hotel might offer a giveaway for a private cooking class with their executive chef, highlighting an exclusive experience that competitors may not provide.
By aligning giveaways with the hotel’s brand values and unique selling points, hotels can attract guests who are specifically interested in those experiences. This ensures that marketing efforts are not only attention-grabbing but also relevant and aligned with the hotel’s positioning in the market.
7. Generating Positive Reviews and Word-of-Mouth
Giveaways can also stimulate positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing, two crucial elements in the hospitality industry. Guests who receive a complimentary service or product are more likely to share their experience online, leave favorable reviews, or recommend the hotel to friends and family.
Even if a giveaway is small, such as free branded merchandise, it can create memorable touchpoints that guests associate with the hotel. Over time, these positive interactions contribute to a stronger online reputation and higher likelihood of bookings from new customers who trust peer recommendations.
Conclusion
Giveaways are far more than a marketing gimmick in the hospitality industry—they are a strategic tool that can drive guest acquisition, brand awareness, customer loyalty, social media engagement, and positive reviews. By carefully designing giveaways that align with the hotel’s brand, target audience, and marketing goals, hotels can create experiences that resonate with guests and foster long-term relationships.
In an industry where competition is fierce and consumer expectations are high, giveaways offer a tangible way to stand out, create meaningful connections, and ultimately increase revenue. Whether through social media contests, loyalty rewards, or branded merchandise, the strategic use of giveaways allows hotels to make a lasting impression, one complimentary experience at a time.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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