Fall in South Africa presents a beautiful transition into cooler weather, with a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, and scenic retreats. As travelers look to embrace the beauty of autumn, hotels can use social media to capture their attention and boost bookings during this season.
Now is the perfect time for hotels to refresh their content strategy and engage potential guests seeking a cozy, picturesque autumn getaway.
Here’s how hotels can leverage social media to maximize engagement and bookings this autumn:
1. Embrace Short-Form Videos to Showcase Fall Experiences
Short-form videos on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts remain highly engaging. Create videos showcasing the beauty of your hotel during the autumn season—highlighting cozy lounges, autumn foliage, seasonal events, and any outdoor activities like wine tasting or nature hikes. Showcasing how guests can relax or explore in the crisp fall air can inspire potential visitors.
Take inspiration from the serene beauty of South Africa’s autumn landscape through engaging videos that emphasize outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks.
2. Leverage Influencer Collaborations for Authentic Engagement
Influencer marketing continues to grow, and autumn is the perfect time to collaborate with influencers to reach new audiences. Partner with micro-influencers who specialize in travel, seasonal experiences, or lifestyle content to showcase your hotel’s autumn offerings.
Offer them a autumn getaway package in exchange for sharing their experience on social media, from cozy autumn dining to unique activities or local festivals.
Luxury resorts such as Lodges & Spas frequently collaborate with influencers to feature the beauty of their autumn offerings, from vineyard tours to spa experiences, helping them attract a wider audience during this season.
3. Encourage User-Generated Content with Autumn Campaigns
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for building trust and engagement. Encourage guests to share their autumn experiences at your hotel by running seasonal campaigns or photo contests. Offer incentives like complimentary stays, meals, or spa treatments for the best fall-themed photos shared by your guests. Create an Instagram hashtag, such as #AutumnAt[YourHotelName], to feature guest photos on your social media profiles.
4. Promote Autumn Offers and Exclusive Deals on Social Media
Seasonal promotions are key to driving direct bookings, and social media is an excellent platform for showcasing these deals. Create engaging content that promotes your autumn offers in a way that ties into the season’s charm. For example, offer autumn getaway packages with discounted room rates, autumn-themed experiences, or inclusive perks like guided tours or seasonal meals. Use Instagram and Facebook Stories to create a sense of urgency by offering 24-hour flash sales or limited-time offers, encouraging followers to book their fall escape before it’s too late.
The “Autumn Escape” package from The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town is an example of how hotels can tailor promotions to the season, featuring discounted rates and curated experiences perfect for the fall traveler.
5. Use Interactive Features to Boost Engagement
Interactive content on social media can significantly boost visibility and engagement. Instagram polls, Q&A sessions, and quizzes are great tools to engage with your audience. For example, you could run polls asking followers, “What’s your favorite autumn activity—wine tasting or scenic hiking?” or host a Q&A where potential guests can ask about autumn events in your area.
Hotels like The Oyster Box frequently use interactive features to keep their audience engaged and informed, which helps build relationships and community.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is an ideal time for hotels in South Africa to refresh their social media strategy. By embracing short-form videos, influencer collaborations, user-generated content, and interactive posts, your hotel can stay top of mind for travelers looking to enjoy the autumn season in comfort and style.
What autumn social media strategy are you excited to try?
