With a successful and busy summer season complete, by no means is it time to slow down. While the off-peak season is a great time to reflect and strategise on villa improvements, there are still guests to be welcomed.

So, in the latest edition of our series, we will be sharing tips and strategies to help villa owners attract guests throughout shoulder seasons. There are thousands of tourists who like to travel during these months, so now is the time to get their attention!

Strategies for off-peak guest acquisition

The best place to start is considering your audience. The families who travel in the peak summer months might not be the number one audience, due to school and work commitments. In the off-season, shift your focus to different types of guests - digital nomads, couples, retirees and wellness enthusiasts all love to travel in quieter periods. Think about what features or local activities these audiences would want and adjust marketing efforts accordingly.

As we have mentioned local activities, there should be plenty of information about what guests can enjoy in off-peak seasons. At SandyBlue, we are sure to provide comprehensive lists of activities and events throughout the year. If guests can’t easily see what they can enjoy outside the villa, they won’t immediately book their accommodation. Help them with their research. Highlight hiking trails for the cooler months, historical towns and popular restaurants without the summer crowds.

Of course, it is also about the villa. After a busy day of exploring, guests want to return to comfort and luxury. It’s important to highlight the amenities that stand out in shoulder seasons and position the villa as a comfortable retreat. Heated pools, cinema rooms and seasonal touches like blankets or heaters make a difference. Furthermore, equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and fast Wi-Fi are particularly important for extended stays and digital nomads.

Making your villa an all-year-round destination

It’s all about the right marketing and giving guests the best experience. For extended stays or early bookings, incentives like early bird discounts or special rates for extended stays are often the deciding factor for your potential guests.

SandyBlue’s expertise can help you market your villa to the right audience at the right time. With international reach, guest experience experts and tailored campaigns, we strive to be the helping hand for villa owners throughout the Algarve. We will be sharing more ‘How to’ secrets in our upcoming articles - stay tuned!


For more information please contact SandyBlue at +44 (0)207 183 0412 (UK) or +351 289 392 236 (PT).