5 Smart Ways to Boost Your Bookings for Next Season

If your goal is to grow, create more stability in your business, or simply avoid the stress that comes with staff and resource planning, then a full booking calendar is one of the greatest sources of security you can have. It gives you predictability, better forward planning, and more space to focus your time where it has the greatest impact.

After speaking with more than 550 activity and experience businesses, we know what works in practice. Here are five proven strategies that will help you fill your calendar earlier, more evenly, and more intelligently ahead of the coming season.

1. Open your bookings early

More and more businesses are opening next year’s bookings before the current season has even ended — and it makes a significant difference. When the calendar opens early, customers book earlier too, giving you calmer off-season work and far better preparation for the peak season.

For many operators, this means entering the new season already fully booked — a huge advantage both operationally and financially. With the right strategy, even small businesses can achieve this. That’s why we recommend setting up your product schedules and making them bookable for the next season before the current one closes.

2. Encourage early birds with limited-time discounts

A time-limited discount is a simple yet powerful way to drive early bookings. An “early bird” offer can be promoted through social media, newsletters and your website — and is easy to set up in BookSpot using a discount code and automated messaging.

This approach is especially effective if you want to smooth out booking peaks, strengthen cash flow in the low season, or offer something extra to your most loyal customers.

3. Look after your returning customers

Returning guests are often 2–5× more profitable than new ones. You’ve already done the hard work once — now it’s about building on that relationship. A short, personal newsletter with a discount code or a reminder that next season is open for bookings can make a real difference.

Many of our customers see excellent results from small, thoughtful actions that prompt guests to return and recommend the experience to friends and family.

4. Sell through OTAs to reach new audiences

OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) such as GetYourGuide and Viator are effective ways to reach tourists and customer groups who may never otherwise discover your website. While you do pay commission, the increased visibility and improved occupancy can make it well worth the investment — helping you fill your calendar and create a more stable season.

We often see that businesses who work strategically with OTAs achieve a healthier balance between direct bookings and external channels — reducing the risk of low-occupancy days.

5. Set your prices based on demand

Dynamic or seasonal pricing is one of the most effective ways to increase revenue. If you frequently become fully booked during high season, weekends or holidays, you can raise prices when demand is at its highest. During quieter periods, lowering prices can help attract more guests.

The result? Higher revenue and a more balanced flow throughout the season.

Want to talk bookings with us?

We help activity and rental operators gain more time, more bookings and better control — every day. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss ideas, receive practical advice, or see how BookSpot can streamline and strengthen your business.

We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you create an even stronger season with more bookings.