Hospitality Advertising – How to Attract High-Value Guests

By: Frank DePino | May 1, 2025

Hospitality advertising has become one of the most powerful tools to help your hotel, resort, or tourism business rise above the noise and attract high-value guests. 

Hospitality advertising is the use of paid promotional strategies—like digital ads, video campaigns, and targeted social media marketing—by hotels, resorts, and tourism businesses to attract high-value guests, boost visibility, and drive direct bookings in a competitive, digital-first travel market. With more travelers relying on online research and digital platforms to plan their trips, paid advertising for hospitality is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. From immersive video ads to laser-targeted Google and Facebook campaigns, today’s strategies blend creativity with data to drive real, trackable results. 

Considering that the global hospitality industry reached a market size of $4.7 trillion in 2023, according to Statista, the potential for growth is enormous. 

This guide walks you through everything you need to create modern advertising that connects with your audience—and turns interest into bookings.

Understanding Hospitality Advertising

Hospitality advertising goes beyond simply promoting a room or a rate — it’s about capturing attention, building trust, and turning casual interest into loyal bookings. 

Unlike general marketing, which focuses on broad brand awareness, advertising in hospitality is more targeted. You’re speaking directly to people actively planning trips, searching for accommodations, or exploring destinations. That’s why digital advertising for tourism must deliver the right message, at the right time, on the right platform.

Branding plays a crucial role here. Whether you’re running Google Ads for hotels or designing a carousel for Instagram, your visuals, tone, and offer need to reflect a strong and consistent identity. Travelers don’t just buy a bed — they buy experiences. And branding helps you translate those experiences into stories that connect emotionally with your audience. For a deeper dive into how your brand identity shapes your messaging, explore our guide to hospitality branding.

If you want to build a brand that stands out and converts, contact Mediaboom to create a tailored advertising strategy that connects with travelers and drives bookings.

Key Advertising Channels for the Hospitality Industry

To succeed in hospitality advertising, you need a strong presence across the platforms your audience already uses. Today’s travelers bounce between search engines, social media, and travel blogs before making a decision. That means your campaigns must show up at every stage of their journey — from discovery to booking.

Digital Advertising

Start with what delivers the fastest results: digital ads. Running Google Ads for hotels gives you instant visibility when potential guests are actively searching for a place to stay. With PPC campaigns, you can target by location, intent, device, and even travel dates — making PPC for hospitality one of the most cost-effective ways to attract bookings.

Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer another layer of precision. Facebook Ads for travel businesses let you segment by behavior and interests, helping you reach users who have already shown signs of travel intent. TikTok and Instagram are ideal for showcasing the lifestyle and visual appeal of your property. These platforms thrive on storytelling — especially when paired with short-form video and influencer collaborations.

Display advertising and retargeting for travel campaigns ensure you stay top-of-mind. When someone visits your site but doesn’t convert, retargeting lets you remind them of what they’re missing. That gentle nudge often leads them back to book. Tools like Google Display Network and Criteo are key players in this space.

Traditional Advertising

While digital leads the charge, traditional advertising still has its place. High-end magazines, glossy brochures, and airport billboards can work especially well for luxury properties and destination resorts. Radio and TV ads can be useful for driving brand awareness in local or regional markets.

Partnerships and sponsorships — such as collaborating with local events or travel agencies — also build credibility and boost exposure. These efforts can strengthen your brand’s presence both online and offline, helping you reach audiences you might otherwise miss.

Influencer & Content Marketing

Collaborating with travel influencers can quickly expand your reach. Influencers bring built-in audiences and trust, and when done right, influencer marketing doesn’t feel like an ad — it feels like a recommendation. Platforms like Travel Mindset specialize in connecting hospitality brands with trusted creators.

Pair that with user-generated content (UGC) and you’ve got a powerful one-two punch. Guests sharing their stay on social media provide authentic content that boosts social proof and engagement.

And don’t underestimate storytelling. Whether you’re creating a 15-second TikTok or a cinematic hotel promo, storytelling adds depth to your messaging. Want to learn how modern content strategies are shaping hospitality success? Explore our guide to marketing for hospitality and tourism, packed with tips to help you elevate your strategy.

Best Practices for Creating High-Performing Hospitality Ads

If you want your hospitality advertising to drive real results, you can’t rely on generic copy or stock photos. Successful campaigns are built on relevance, creativity, and timing. It’s not just about reaching people — it’s about inspiring them to book.

Start with the copy. Whether you’re promoting a seasonal package or launching a new property, your message should be clear, benefits-driven, and emotionally engaging. Highlight what sets your property apart — not just the features, but the feelings it creates. Combine that with strong visual storytelling that reflects your brand. Think beyond static images: use video to create immersive previews of your guest experience.

Video marketing is especially powerful for travel advertising. Whether it’s a quick social media teaser or a full-room walkthrough on YouTube, video builds trust and drives engagement.

Make sure your ads are optimized for mobile. Over 70% of travelers now research trips on their phones (HubSpot – Inbound Trends). Responsive design, fast-loading content, and clear calls to action are key. If your mobile ad experience is clunky, you’re losing bookings before they even reach your site.

Personalization is another game-changer. Using AI and machine learning, platforms like Meta Advantage+ and Google Performance Max help you tailor ads based on user behavior and preferences. These tools increase relevance, reduce wasted spend, and boost return on ad spend (ROAS).

If you want more insight into where the hospitality industry is heading, explore the top 2024 hospitality marketing trends to make your campaigns future-proof and conversion-focused.

Don’t just advertise — make your property unforgettable. Let Mediaboom help you build powerful campaigns that convert browsers into loyal guests.

Paid vs. Organic Strategies in Hospitality Advertising

Both paid and organic tactics play a vital role in your hospitality advertising strategy — but knowing when and how to use each is what sets top-performing brands apart. Paid ads deliver speed and scale, while organic efforts build long-term visibility and trust.

When you need fast results — like launching a new offer or filling rooms during low season — paid advertising for hospitality is the most efficient option. Platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram allow you to target specific demographics, locations, travel intent, and even past website visitors. These campaigns drive high-quality traffic quickly, especially when paired with retargeting for travel campaigns that re-engage users already familiar with your brand.

But relying solely on paid ads can get expensive over time. 

That’s where organic efforts like SEO, social media, and content marketing come in. By optimizing your website and content for search engines, you increase your chances of appearing when travelers search terms like “boutique hotels in Miami” or “best beach resorts.” If you haven’t already, explore our complete guide to hospitality SEO to strengthen your foundation.

Striking the right balance between the two channels is key. A well-rounded strategy might include PPC for hospitality to drive bookings now, while investing in blog content, UGC, and social engagement for sustainable growth. This hybrid approach also makes your ad spend more efficient by building organic credibility alongside your paid campaigns.

If you’re running a smaller operation with limited resources, there are still cost-effective advertising strategies that deliver impact — from hyper-local Facebook ads to seasonal promotions via email. Focus on one or two channels that align with your audience and budget, and optimize from there.

For more insights, you can explore current SEO and advertising statistics for travel brands to help prioritize your efforts based on where your audience is most active.

Measuring Success: Key Metrics for Hospitality Advertising

Launching a campaign is just the beginning — the real power of hospitality advertising lies in how you track and optimize it. Without clear performance metrics, you’re flying blind. The right KPIs help you see what’s working, where to invest more, and how to improve conversions.

Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR shows how many people clicked on your ad after seeing it. It’s a strong indicator of how effective your messaging and creative are. If your CTR is low, it may be time to rethink your copy, visuals, or targeting. High CTRs typically mean your ad is compelling and relevant to your audience.

Conversion Rate

Once users click, the next question is — are they taking action? Conversion rate measures how many of those clicks lead to bookings, sign-ups, or other goal completions. If traffic isn’t converting, revisit your landing page, offer clarity, and user experience.

Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)

CPA tells you how much it costs to acquire a new customer through your ad campaign. In paid advertising for hospitality, it’s essential to track this closely so you’re not overspending to drive bookings. A low CPA with quality conversions is a strong signal of efficiency.

Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

ROAS measures the revenue generated for every dollar spent on advertising. It’s the gold standard for assessing the financial success of your campaigns. For example, a ROAS of 4 means you’re earning $4 for every $1 spent — a solid indicator that your strategy is paying off.

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

CLV helps you understand how much a customer is worth over the long term — not just on the first booking. If you’re investing in loyalty-building strategies and re-engagement campaigns, you’ll often see CLV increase. That makes it easier to justify higher CPAs and scale successful campaigns. Dive deeper into driving repeat business with our insights on customer loyalty in hospitality.

Tracking these metrics gives you control and clarity. It ensures your ads aren’t just being seen — they’re producing meaningful, measurable results.

Struggling to connect with high-intent travelers? Reach out to Mediaboom and discover how strategic branding and advertising can drive bookings.

Case Studies & Examples of Successful Hospitality Advertising

The best way to understand what works in hospitality advertising is to look at campaigns that delivered real results. These examples reveal how smart strategy, creativity, and data-driven targeting come together to attract and convert high-value guests.

Case Study: Digital Success with Overland Summers

One standout example of hospitality advertising beyond traditional hotels is our work with Overland Summers, a youth travel company offering transformative summer experiences. Mediaboom launched a high-performing Facebook Ad Campaign and developed a custom website that enhanced user experience and boosted visibility. 

The results? A 1,860% increase in leads and a dynamic new digital presence. 

Through strategic design and storytelling, Overland now better connects with families seeking enriching summer adventures for kids and teens.

Future Trends in Hospitality Advertising

To stay competitive, your hospitality advertising strategy must evolve with the industry. Consumer expectations, technology, and platforms are changing fast — and the most successful brands are those that adapt early.

AI and Automation in Ad Targeting

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how hospitality brands reach potential guests. Platforms like Google’s Performance Max and Meta Advantage+ are using machine learning to automate bidding, targeting, and creative optimization. These tools process vast amounts of data to serve highly relevant ads with minimal manual effort. According to McKinsey, AI adoption in travel and hospitality will drive hyper-personalization and operational efficiency in the years ahead.

The Rise of Experiential Advertising

Today’s travelers want more than convenience — they’re looking for unique, emotional, and immersive experiences. That’s why experiential advertising is gaining momentum. Campaigns are evolving from static images to rich, interactive content like virtual tours, 360° videos, and immersive storytelling. Research from Think with Google shows that travel videos significantly influence planning and decision-making. These emotional triggers drive deeper engagement and increase conversion intent.

Sustainability and Ethical Advertising in Hospitality

Sustainability is no longer just a trend — it’s a booking factor. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report, 76% of global travelers want to travel more sustainably. Hotels and resorts that highlight their eco-conscious practices — from energy-efficient design to plastic-free amenities — are winning over guests who care about the planet.

Ethical transparency in advertising is equally important. Overly polished campaigns that feel disconnected from reality don’t build trust. A HubSpot study found that authenticity in messaging significantly improves brand credibility and engagement. Showcasing real guests, honest reviews, and behind-the-scenes content can position your brand as both trustworthy and relatable.

To get a full picture of how tech and behavior are reshaping the space, review this breakdown on the digitalization of the hospitality industry from Statista — it’s packed with actionable data points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hospitality Advertising

Ready to Elevate Your Hospitality Advertising Strategy?

The world of hospitality advertising is dynamic — but the opportunity is massive. From Google and Facebook Ads to influencer partnerships and immersive storytelling, the tools are all there. What matters is how you use them. When you combine data, creativity, and the right message, you don’t just drive traffic — you fill rooms, build loyalty, and grow revenue.

Whether you’re running a luxury resort, a boutique hotel, or a travel-related business, now is the time to refine your advertising approach. If you want to cut through the noise, reach high-intent travelers, and build meaningful guest relationships, it starts with strategy — and execution.

Looking to improve your hospitality advertising efforts or build a campaign from scratch? Our team at Mediaboom specializes in high-impact digital marketing for hotels, resorts, and tourism brands. From performance-based ad campaigns to full-scale creative strategies, we help you attract more guests and maximize ROI.

Let’s grow your bookings — Contact Mediaboom to start building a high-performing advertising strategy today.

By: Frank DePino

Frank DePino is the Principal and Founder of Mediaboom, a digital marketing agency that partners with top hospitality and luxury brands. With over 30 years of experience, Frank has led strategic digital marketing initiatives for iconic names including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Millennium Partners, and Guardian Jet. He specializes in helping hospitality businesses elevate their brand presence, generate leads, and enhance guest experiences through website design, SEO, content marketing, and paid media. Under Frank’s leadership, Mediaboom is a trusted partner for brands seeking meaningful digital growth in the competitive hospitality landscape.