Top holiday marketing strategies tour operators can use this season
From boosting gift card sales to re-engaging customers in the new year, these strategies will help you finish strong and set yourself up for success in 2026.
The holiday season can make or break the year for many tour and activity operators. Between Black Friday, gift card sales, and the surge of travelers looking for memorable experiences, the opportunities to boost revenue are everywhere. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up our best holiday blogs, each packed with practical strategies you can put to work right away.
Why the holidays matter for your business
The holidays aren’t just about decorations and discounts — they’re one of the biggest booking windows of the year. Families, friends, and solo travelers are all looking for fun experiences to share, making it a perfect time to highlight what makes your tours unique.
Even if your business is seasonal in the warmer months, this time of year can help you build momentum for the months ahead.
Learn more in our article on the 6 benefits of the holiday season for tour operators.
Key takeaway: The holidays are a great time to attract new customers looking for new experiences and incentivize past customers with gift cards for future trips.
Make gift cards your secret weapon
Gift cards are a simple way to secure revenue now while giving customers flexibility later. They’re especially popular with last-minute shoppers who want a meaningful gift without the stress of shipping or shopping in person. By promoting gift cards as a go-to holiday option, you’re not only driving sales, you’re introducing your tours to new customers who may never have found you otherwise.
Why now is the time to prep your gift cards for the holiday season.
Key takeaway: Gift cards mean revenue now and bookings later.
Pro tip: Send special gift card offers to your past guests. If they loved your experience, they’ll love sharing it with their friends and family.
Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not just for big-box retailers. Travelers hunt for deals on unique experiences, too. Whether you run a big promotion or launch a smaller, last-minute campaign, these shopping holidays can deliver huge results. Even a limited-time discount or bundled offer can help fill your calendar before the end of the year.
Grab the inspiration from these 2 last-minute Black Friday marketing strategies for tour and activity operators.
Key takeaway: During this time of year, shoppers are looking for a deal. A discount or bundle not otherwise offered has the biggest effect on purchase decisions.
Creative holiday marketing ideas
Standing out during the holidays means thinking beyond discounts. Consider crafting campaigns that highlight the memories customers can make on your tours — from family traditions to one-of-a-kind adventures.
Storytelling and emotion-driven marketing resonate especially well this time of year, when people are looking for meaningful connections.
These articles share ideas you can adapt to your own business.
Key takeaway: Zero in on the emotional aspect of your tour and that you’re creating memories for your loved ones.
Pro tip: Run a limited-time “bonus value” promo (e.g., buy a $100 card, get $10 free).
Keep customers coming back in the new year
Don’t let the holiday rush be a one-time boost. Travelers who discover your business in December could become loyal, repeat customers if you follow up effectively. Whether it’s through targeted email campaigns, loyalty programs, or special offers for returning guests, you can turn holiday shoppers into lifelong supporters.
Learn how to unlock repeat business: 6 strategies to re-engage holiday shoppers
Key takeaway: Don’t send a one-and-done email to your customers. This is a great time to re-engage and keep driving interest in future tours.
Extend revenue beyond peak season
After the holiday rush, many operators see a slowdown, but that doesn’t mean revenue has to dry up. The off-season is the perfect time to get creative with new offerings, like private events, partnerships, or add-on services. It’s also a chance to prep for the year ahead and strengthen your business while competition is quieter.
Make the most of your off-season: 3 tips for extra income.
Key takeaway: If this is your off-season, consider adding some holiday options. If it’s your busy season, embrace it with special add-ons.
Quick tech tips to boost holiday sales
Sometimes small tweaks can make a big difference. QR codes, for example, can streamline check-ins, encourage instant reviews, and even help promote upsells. Simple tech integrations like these make it easier for customers to engage with your business and ensure you’re not missing out on valuable opportunities.
Get the secret holiday quick tip: utilize QR codes this season
Key takeaway: FareHarbor offers offline QR code scanning; even if your internet is spotty, you can still check customers in.
Holiday wrap-up
The holiday season is full of opportunities, but it requires planning and creativity to stand out. As Q4 is approaching quickly, now is the time to create your strategy before the holidays get too busy.
From boosting gift card sales to re-engaging customers in the new year, these strategies will help you finish strong and set yourself up for success in 2026. Explore even more insights in our holiday marketing blogs and make this your best season yet.
