5 Proven Marketing Strategies to Boost Bookings for Outdoor and Adventure Tour Operators

Running an outdoor or adventure tour business is all about creating incredible experiences, but what about keeping your calendar full? The truth is, the competition is fierce, and if you’re not actively marketing your tours, you’re missing out on bookings—especially during the off-season. That’s where we come in. At OATS Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses like yours attract more customers and grow effortlessly.

Let’s dive into 5 proven strategies that’ll have your phones ringing and your tours filling up faster than ever.

1. Run Targeted Facebook and Instagram Ads

If you want to reach adventure seekers where they hang out, Facebook and Instagram are your best friends. These platforms let you showcase your tours to the right people with laser-focused targeting.

Here’s why it works:

• Precise Targeting: You can reach people based on their interests (think kayaking, hiking, or camping) and even their location.
• Scroll-Stopping Visuals: Show off jaw-dropping views or action-packed moments from your tours.
• Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Use CTAs like “Book Now” or “Claim Your Discount” to make it easy for users to take action.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your ads authentic. A video of real customers ziplining, laughing, or sharing a group high-five will resonate way more than a generic stock photo.

2. Create Landing Pages That Actually Convert

Your ads are only half the battle. Once someone clicks, you need a landing page that turns their interest into action. A strong landing page will:

• Highlight Your Offer: Whether it’s a discount, an exclusive tour, or an early booking incentive, make it clear and bold.
• Showcase Social Proof: Feature reviews, testimonials, or photos of happy customers.
• Make It Easy to Book: Keep the form simple—don’t scare people away with a million fields to fill out.

Think of your landing page as your digital tour guide. It needs to lead visitors step-by-step toward booking without distractions.

💡 Pro Tip: Test different versions of your page. Sometimes just changing the headline or photo can lead to more bookings.

3. Use Lead Magnets to Build Your Email List

Not everyone is ready to book the first time they see your ad. That’s where lead magnets come in. Offer something valuable in exchange for their contact info so you can stay in touch. For example:

• Exclusive Discounts: “Sign up today for 10% off your first adventure.”
• Free Insider Guides: “Download our Ultimate Rogue River Rafting Itinerary.”
• Special Tips: “Get the 5 best-kept secrets of [Your Destination].”

This not only gives potential customers a reason to engage with you but also builds your email list for future marketing efforts.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your lead magnet simple but valuable. A quick PDF or a short checklist can go a long way.

4. Leverage Email and SMS Campaigns

Once you’ve captured leads, the magic happens through consistent follow-ups. Email and SMS are powerful tools to keep your audience engaged and ready to book. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Automated Campaigns: Set up sequences that nurture leads. For example:
  1. Welcome Email: Introduce your brand and include a discount code.
  2. Follow-Up: Highlight popular tours or share a testimonial.
  3. Last Chance Offer: Create urgency with limited-time deals.
• Seasonal Promotions: Let your subscribers know about off-season specials, early-bird discounts, or holiday gift packages.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your messages short and personal. A friendly text like, “Hey [Name], ready for your next adventure? Book now and save 15%!” can work wonders.

5. Plan for Seasonality

Let’s face it—seasonality is a big deal in the outdoor industry. But smart marketing can help you stay booked year-round. Here’s how:

• Off-Season Promotions: Offer discounts for winter tours, gift certificates, or pre-sale bookings for the next peak season.
• Peak-Season Hype: Use urgency to your advantage. “Only 5 spots left for our June rafting tour!” will push people to book quickly.
• Local Deals: Target locals with exclusive discounts or weekend getaways during slower months.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your data. Knowing when bookings tend to slow down will help you plan campaigns to fill those gaps.

Ready to Fill Your Calendar?

These strategies aren’t just ideas—they’re proven tactics we’ve used to help businesses like yours grow. Whether you’re looking to attract early bookings for peak season or fill up your off-season tours, these tips will set you up for success.

The best part? You don’t have to figure this out alone. At OATS Marketing, we specialize in creating turn-key marketing solutions for outdoor and adventure brands. From ads to email campaigns, we’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on delivering amazing experiences.

🚀 Let’s Get Started: Ready to make your tours the go-to choice for adventurers? Contact us today or book a strategy session and let’s make it happen.