Newbie here

Hi, I did an intro in the chat, vent, laugh, cry forum. My Inn/B&B is in a rather small town on the Sunshine Coast, BC Canada where one has to take a ferry to get to this part of the coast. There are many B&B's and vacation homes here but most generally close for the winter season since not many travel here during time. I'm wanting to bring in more guests for this off season but out of ideas on how to do this. I was wondering what anyone here does to promote guests during winter months and could share ideas. TIA

I market locally. We are a summer town also, but are open all year. I figure everyone has weddings, funerals and holidays to attend and not everyone has guest rooms.
I use my Face book page to market locally. Hoping locals think of us when family comes to town.
We also have a year round theater in town and we market in their programs. We have had a couple performers. Not enough, but we're hoping to catch on with them. We are not upscale, so they generally go for the more elegant place. We are more 'beachhouse casual.' The other place is 'old fashioned charm.'

Are you able to cook other than breakfast? Maybe doing picnic lunches for snowshoers or x-c skiing? Dinners? How much snow do you get? Anything migrating at that time of year?

What can people DO in your area during the off-cold- season? I have a rail-trail that would be great for X-country skiing. Problem? Usually not enough snow. We have covered bridges, wineries (3 now), and a lot of things they can do IF they are a hardy lot. Do you have common areas (I wish I did), cozy couples things like games & puzzles to do in front of a fireplace type setting..... I struggle in winter also but keep trying.

gillumhouse said:

What can people DO in your area during the off-cold- season? I have a rail-trail that would be great for X-country skiing. Problem? Usually not enough snow. We have covered bridges, wineries (3 now), and a lot of things they can do IF they are a hardy lot. Do you have common areas (I wish I did), cozy couples things like games & puzzles to do in front of a fireplace type setting..... I struggle in winter also but keep trying..

Click to expand...

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

Dee said:

gillumhouse said:

What can people DO in your area during the off-cold- season? I have a rail-trail that would be great for X-country skiing. Problem? Usually not enough snow. We have covered bridges, wineries (3 now), and a lot of things they can do IF they are a hardy lot. Do you have common areas (I wish I did), cozy couples things like games & puzzles to do in front of a fireplace type setting..... I struggle in winter also but keep trying..

Click to expand...

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

Click to expand...

If it were me I would do a "staycation" of sorts, that term has been overused... Something for in state folks to get away in the colder months, offering a discount - and for special celebrations (some still have bdays and anniversaries in Jan/Feb/March)

Dee said:

gillumhouse said:

What can people DO in your area during the off-cold- season? I have a rail-trail that would be great for X-country skiing. Problem? Usually not enough snow. We have covered bridges, wineries (3 now), and a lot of things they can do IF they are a hardy lot. Do you have common areas (I wish I did), cozy couples things like games & puzzles to do in front of a fireplace type setting..... I struggle in winter also but keep trying..

Click to expand...

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

Click to expand...

If it were me I would do a "staycation" of sorts, that term has been overused... Something for in state folks to get away in the colder months, offering a discount - and for special celebrations (some still have bdays and anniversaries in Jan/Feb/March)

TheBeachHouse said:

I market locally. We are a summer town also, but are open all year. I figure everyone has weddings, funerals and holidays to attend and not everyone has guest rooms.
I use my Face book page to market locally. Hoping locals think of us when family comes to town.
We also have a year round theater in town and we market in their programs. We have had a couple performers. Not enough, but we're hoping to catch on with them. We are not upscale, so they generally go for the more elegant place. We are more 'beachhouse casual.' The other place is 'old fashioned charm.'.

Click to expand...

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.

Dee said:

TheBeachHouse said:

I market locally. We are a summer town also, but are open all year. I figure everyone has weddings, funerals and holidays to attend and not everyone has guest rooms.
I use my Face book page to market locally. Hoping locals think of us when family comes to town.
We also have a year round theater in town and we market in their programs. We have had a couple performers. Not enough, but we're hoping to catch on with them. We are not upscale, so they generally go for the more elegant place. We are more 'beachhouse casual.' The other place is 'old fashioned charm.'.

Click to expand...

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.
.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.

Click to expand...

No one wants to travel far in bad weather. I would go a couple hours if it were my anniv (which is in JAN btw) .

Joey Bloggs said:

Dee said:

gillumhouse said:

What can people DO in your area during the off-cold- season? I have a rail-trail that would be great for X-country skiing. Problem? Usually not enough snow. We have covered bridges, wineries (3 now), and a lot of things they can do IF they are a hardy lot. Do you have common areas (I wish I did), cozy couples things like games & puzzles to do in front of a fireplace type setting..... I struggle in winter also but keep trying..

Click to expand...

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

Click to expand...

If it were me I would do a "staycation" of sorts, that term has been overused... Something for in state folks to get away in the colder months, offering a discount - and for special celebrations (some still have bdays and anniversaries in Jan/Feb/March)
.

Click to expand...

We have lowered our rates for the off season and posted them on our website, T A, air bb. The Locals here wouldn't really stay at a B&B. Most of our guests come from Vancouver BC which is on the other side of the ferry.
I like everyone's ideas! Thank you so much!

Dee said:

Joey Bloggs said:

Dee said:

gillumhouse said:

What can people DO in your area during the off-cold- season? I have a rail-trail that would be great for X-country skiing. Problem? Usually not enough snow. We have covered bridges, wineries (3 now), and a lot of things they can do IF they are a hardy lot. Do you have common areas (I wish I did), cozy couples things like games & puzzles to do in front of a fireplace type setting..... I struggle in winter also but keep trying..

Click to expand...

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

we have 2 wineries and a micro brewery, X-country skiing nearby. We do have a common area with fireplace library with an attached atrium. The Villas each have a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. I think I should go and visit the wineries myself and the brewery and come up with something to promote coming here with the brewery. I do like the idea of making a packed lunch for X-country skiing!

Click to expand...

If it were me I would do a "staycation" of sorts, that term has been overused... Something for in state folks to get away in the colder months, offering a discount - and for special celebrations (some still have bdays and anniversaries in Jan/Feb/March)
.

Click to expand...

We have lowered our rates for the off season and posted them on our website, T A, air bb. The Locals here wouldn't really stay at a B&B. Most of our guests come from Vancouver BC which is on the other side of the ferry.
I like everyone's ideas! Thank you so much!
.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

We have lowered our rates for the off season and posted them on our website, T A, air bb. The Locals here wouldn't really stay at a B&B. Most of our guests come from Vancouver BC which is on the other side of the ferry.
I like everyone's ideas! Thank you so much!

Click to expand...

I agree. You used the term locally. I said in-state, nearest big city, yeah.
Don't waste your time local. Vancouver is a great market.

I'm not in a winter destination, but keep fairly busy in the winter months with people coming to town for business, weddings, funerals, and visits with relatives here. So I would say, keep reminding locals that you're there and a good option for their visitors.

Joey Bloggs said:

Dee said:

TheBeachHouse said:

I market locally. We are a summer town also, but are open all year. I figure everyone has weddings, funerals and holidays to attend and not everyone has guest rooms.
I use my Face book page to market locally. Hoping locals think of us when family comes to town.
We also have a year round theater in town and we market in their programs. We have had a couple performers. Not enough, but we're hoping to catch on with them. We are not upscale, so they generally go for the more elegant place. We are more 'beachhouse casual.' The other place is 'old fashioned charm.'.

Click to expand...

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.
.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.

Click to expand...

No one wants to travel far in bad weather. I would go a couple hours if it were my anniv (which is in JAN btw) .
.

Click to expand...

Feb 14, 2014 we were knee deep in snow (yes, we DO get some but not to be relied on) and a lady walking by the Library asked me my rates. I told her and said she could book online up to a year in advance. She waited a couple weeks and booked online. She told me when we were talking that 2015 was going to be their 25th anniversary and she wanted to do something special. "Worst case scenario I can WALK to your place."

Dee said:

TheBeachHouse said:

I market locally. We are a summer town also, but are open all year. I figure everyone has weddings, funerals and holidays to attend and not everyone has guest rooms.
I use my Face book page to market locally. Hoping locals think of us when family comes to town.
We also have a year round theater in town and we market in their programs. We have had a couple performers. Not enough, but we're hoping to catch on with them. We are not upscale, so they generally go for the more elegant place. We are more 'beachhouse casual.' The other place is 'old fashioned charm.'.

Click to expand...

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.
.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

You are right about market locally, I have not given that much thought.

Click to expand...

Another way we market to the locals is we join an annual Christmas Inn Stroll. So locals go around town and look at all the inns. Ours is not the most well decorated or full of the most anitiques, but it is ours and it refects our taste. If they like it, they will recommend it.

Looks like you have a spa and do weddings...maybe you can do some special packages that will draw folks out your way.

EmptyNest said:

Looks like you have a spa and do weddings...maybe you can do some special packages that will draw folks out your way..

Click to expand...

I see the Cross Country Ski and Spa package forming in my head.

Our big winter market comes from between 2-4 hours away by car. You have to be prepared for last minute cancellations due to weather. We don't usually get anyone from 'far away' until spring.
What they want to do...go out for dinner, relax in their room, sit by the fire (can you do a firepit outside?), shop, relax. We rarely get any outdoor enthusiasts in the winter even tho that's what I push. Get out! Do something in the snow. Walk in the woods, it's beautiful!

Madeleine said:

Our big winter market comes from between 2-4 hours away by car. You have to be prepared for last minute cancellations due to weather. We don't usually get anyone from 'far away' until spring.
What they want to do...go out for dinner, relax in their room, sit by the fire (can you do a firepit outside?), shop, relax. We rarely get any outdoor enthusiasts in the winter even tho that's what I push. Get out! Do something in the snow. Walk in the woods, it's beautiful!.

Click to expand...

Sounds like the kind of place we are located. We do also have a fire pit outside. There are so many outdoor activities to do on the Sunshine Coast, but we don't get the outdoorsy kind of guests.

Dee said:

Madeleine said:

Our big winter market comes from between 2-4 hours away by car. You have to be prepared for last minute cancellations due to weather. We don't usually get anyone from 'far away' until spring.
What they want to do...go out for dinner, relax in their room, sit by the fire (can you do a firepit outside?), shop, relax. We rarely get any outdoor enthusiasts in the winter even tho that's what I push. Get out! Do something in the snow. Walk in the woods, it's beautiful!.

Click to expand...

Sounds like the kind of place we are located. We do also have a fire pit outside. There are so many outdoor activities to do on the Sunshine Coast, but we don't get the outdoorsy kind of guests.
.

Click to expand...

Dee said:

Sounds like the kind of place we are located. We do also have a fire pit outside. There are so many outdoor activities to do on the Sunshine Coast, but we don't get the outdoorsy kind of guests.

Click to expand...

THAT is because you have not told them you are there. Google on the types of outdoors winter activities you have and then get on those sites, place ads in those publications if they are affordable (especially if they have an online copy). I made my Podunk a destination. It took time and dollars but it IS paying off. Blog about the winter activities, about your fire pit, put it on your web site as specials, etc.
I had my overnight stabling special on my web site for 18 months before the first caller. I also list on sites they would look to - most expensive and most productive is $40 per year - and now I get quite a few every year.

Where I am property is expensive and the majority live in 1 bed flats - family have to stay in a B&B or hotel there isn't any space!
We have events on in town till about the 15th of December were it quietens down midweek till we hit xmas and gift in Jan. which is about the 10th.