The hospitality landscape in Canada is changing faster than ever. In 2025, success for hotels and resorts hinges on one key factor: how effectively you adapt your marketing to shifting guest behaviors, tech advancements, and growing competition. Whether you’re managing a boutique inn in Prince Edward Island or a luxury resort in Whistler, staying visible and relevant requires modern, digital-first strategies.

This blog explores the top hotel marketing strategies in Canada for 2025, including what’s working now—and what will keep working—in this dynamic industry.

Why 2025 Is a Pivotal Year for Hotel Marketing in Canada

In a post-pandemic world defined by digital convenience, Canadian travelers now expect:

• Faster booking processes
• Mobile-first website experiences
• Personalized offers and seamless check-ins
• Authentic, trust-building social proof

With international travel rebounding and domestic competition increasing, Canadian hotels need integrated, ROI-driven marketing approaches to stand out. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on OTAs or seasonal print ads.

Let’s dive into the most impactful hotel marketing strategies you can implement this year.

1. Build a Conversion-Optimized Hotel Website

Your website is your #1 sales channel for direct bookings—and in 2025, it must do more than just look good.

Key elements for a high-converting hotel website:

• Mobile-first, responsive design
• Fast-loading speed (under 3 seconds)
• Clean booking engine with transparent pricing
• SEO-optimized copy targeting local queries like “boutique hotel near Banff” or “family resort in Ontario”
• Guest testimonials, UGC (user-generated content), and trust badges
• Dynamic content personalization (e.g., return visitor offers or geo-targeted packages)

Search visibility matters. Ensure you’re targeting long-tail keywords like “hotel marketing Canada” or “resort stay Toronto 2025” to drive the right organic traffic.

Pro tip: Integrate a chatbot or virtual concierge to guide users through the booking journey in real time.

2. Invest in Local SEO & Google Business Optimization

In Canada, more than 65% of hotel-related searches are geo-modified—meaning they include location-specific intent like “hotels near downtown Vancouver” or “Niagara Falls family resorts.”

Here’s how to dominate local search in 2025:

• Fully optimize your Google Business Profile (photos, amenities, Q&A, offers)
• Keep NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistent across directories
• Add local schema markup to your website for rich snippets
• Collect and respond to guest reviews to improve local trust signals

By improving your visibility in Google Maps and local packs, you attract high-conversion, near-ready-to-book travelers.

3. Run Targeted Hotel Advertising Campaigns

Paid advertising remains one of the fastest ways to increase bookings, especially during low occupancy periods or for special events.

Best hotel advertising strategies in 2025:

• Google Hotel Ads for real-time rate display and direct bookings
• Facebook and Instagram campaigns targeting specific demographics or travel interests
• Geo-fenced ads to reach users within a specific area (e.g., promoting weekday getaways to city dwellers)
• Retargeting campaigns to recover abandoned bookings

Craft compelling visuals and CTAs. Use urgency (“Limited winter spa packages available”) or exclusivity (“Locals-only weekend rates”) to boost clicks.

Zrafted creates performance-driven marketing strategies tailored to Canada’s hospitality sector. From ad creative to performance tracking, we help you drive measurable ROI.

4. Leverage Email & SMS for Guest Retention and Upsells

Email and SMS remain incredibly powerful, especially when automated and personalized.

Use them to:

• Send booking confirmations and upsell offers (spa, breakfast, room upgrades)
• Share pre-arrival guides to enhance guest experience
• Run win-back campaigns for past guests with exclusive discounts
• Celebrate birthdays or anniversaries with personalized messages
• Request reviews after checkout

Segment your list by guest type (business, couples, families) and personalize accordingly. Platforms like Klaviyo and Twilio are ideal for hospitality automation.

5. Create Compelling, SEO-Rich Content

Travelers today don’t just book hotels—they research destinations, experiences, and guest reviews. Become a resource, not just a room provider.

Content ideas that drive bookings and build SEO:

• Blog posts like “Best Things to Do in Kelowna This Fall”
• Video tours of rooms, amenities, and behind-the-scenes stories
• Guest spotlight features and testimonials
• Local event guides (e.g., “Top Winter Festivals Near Ottawa Hotels”)

Use keywords like “resort digital campaigns”, “hotel advertising strategies 2025”, and “things to do in [city]” to attract organic traffic and improve domain authority.

Pair content with lead magnets like local maps, itinerary templates, or discount codes to grow your email list.

6. Partner with Influencers and Encourage UGC

Influencer marketing is evolving—and it’s especially effective in hospitality. Guests trust real people, not perfect photoshoots.

To build authentic trust:

• Partner with local or niche influencers (family travel, eco-tourism, foodies)
• Host media stays for creators and trade coverage
• Repost and showcase guest-generated content (UGC) on your site and socials
• Create a branded hashtag and offer incentives for guests who use it

Even one well-placed Instagram Reel or YouTube vlog can generate thousands in bookings when done right.

7. Implement Loyalty Programs That Actually Work

In 2025, guests expect value—not just points. Modern hotel loyalty programs offer experiential benefits, such as:

• Room upgrades
• Late check-outs
• Local partner discounts (e.g., nearby restaurants or spas)
• Referral perks for bringing friends

Build your loyalty program around guest personas. A frequent business traveler will value different rewards than a couple on a honeymoon retreat.

Use a CRM to track behavior and automate loyalty engagement over time.

8. Personalize the Entire Guest Journey

From browsing to checkout and follow-up, personalization improves conversion and satisfaction.

Examples of personalization in hotel marketing:

• Showing localized offers based on visitor IP
• Custom email flows based on past bookings
• Dynamic on-site messaging for return visitors (“Welcome back, ready for your next ski trip?”)
• Personalized offers based on search behavior or season

In Canada’s competitive hospitality market, small moments of personal connection go a long way.

9. Use Data & Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

What gets measured gets improved. In 2025, make data-driven decisions by tracking:

• Booking source attribution (OTA vs. direct)
• Cost per acquisition (CPA) for ads
• Email open and click-through rates
• Guest lifetime value (LTV)
• Website bounce rates and funnel drop-offs

Use tools like Google Analytics 4, Meta Ads Manager, and your CRM’s reporting dashboards. Optimize monthly, not yearly.

10. Focus on Sustainability and Social Impact in Messaging

Modern travelers—especially Gen Z and Millennial guests—gravitate toward brands that align with their values.

If your hotel implements sustainable practices, highlight them:

• Locally sourced food
• Plastic-free amenities
• Carbon offset partnerships
• Community involvement or charity support

Feature these in your content and ad messaging to stand out and earn trust.

Final Thoughts: Smart Marketing Wins in 2025

The future of hospitality marketing in Canada is digital, data-driven, and deeply human. Guests expect seamless experiences, personalization, and trust—and hotels must meet them where they are: on search engines, mobile devices, and social media.

By implementing the top hotel marketing strategies for 2025, your property will not only increase bookings but also build a stronger brand that resonates with today’s traveler.

Zrafted creates performance-driven marketing strategies tailored to Canada’s hospitality sector. Whether you need a full-funnel campaign, website overhaul, or influencer activation, our team can help you grow smarter.