How to market your experiences as a holiday gift

More than ever, travelers are seeking experiences that create memories with their loved ones rather than receiving a tangible item. And for locals, it’s the perfect time to explore what’s in their own backyard — supporting nearby businesses while gifting experiences that make lasting memories. 

This is great news for tour and activity operators, because it means your offerings can be the gift that keeps on giving.

Whether you’re in the middle of your high season or looking for creative ways to bring in off-season revenue, the holidays are the perfect time to market your experiences as meaningful gifts. From customizable online gift cards to limited-time seasonal tours, there are countless ways to capture the spirit (and sales) of the season.

Below you’ll find a few simple marketing moves that will make your experiences the go-to gift this holiday season for travelers and locals alike.

The easiest way to boost revenue this gift-giving season

Gift cards are one of the simplest and most effective ways to generate extra revenue during the holidays, especially if you run a seasonal summer business. 

They are a great option for any tour and activity business to help bring in new customers, encourage repeat visits, and drive early bookings that set you up for success well into the new year. Gift cards also make it easy for nearby customers to support local experiences — whether they’re gifting to a friend visiting town or planning a staycation of their own.

Pro tip: You can customize your gift card designs with your logo, custom colors, and your choice of pattern. For this time of year, create a holiday-themed option that gets customers into the spirit. 

How to set up your gift cards

With FareHarbor, offering digital gift cards is effortless. Simply fill out our Gift Card Setup Form, and our team will reach out to help finalize your offering.

Once complete, your digital gift cards will be ready to sell directly from your website. You can personalize your designs, set price ranges, and add custom messaging to make every card feel special.

For additional guidance, visit the FareHarbor Help Center for step-by-step setup instructions.

Pro tip: Include a small “bonus value” or early-bird discount to encourage early holiday shoppers — especially those who live in your area. Using Combos you can offer a deal like “Buy a $100 gift card, get one 10% off.

More holiday season tour ideas

The holidays are also a great time to refresh your regular lineup with limited-time experiences or small festive touches.

If winter is your busy season, lean into it by promoting themed tours like holiday light excursions, snow adventures, or cozy winter getaways. Highlight these as must-do seasonal experiences that travelers shouldn’t miss.

If it’s your slower season, create limited-time offerings or add-ons to spark local interest. For example, try a “Winter Warm-Up Walking Tour” with a hot chocolate stop or a “Holiday Lights Experience” at your property. These small updates can attract nearby customers, boost off-peak bookings, and keep your brand top of mind during the holiday rush.

Need help deciding what to promote? Here are more holiday-themed tour and add-on ideas for inspiration.

Promote your gift cards or holiday offering across channels

Once your gift card or seasonal experience is live, it’s time to spread the word. Use all of your marketing touchpoints to make sure customers know your experiences are available as gifts.

Website:
Add a festive banner or homepage section that says something like “Give the gift of adventure.” Then, make sure you have a clear “Book Now” for your featured product so customers can purchase in just a few clicks.

Email:
Send a short, cheerful campaign to your past customers or newsletter list. Use copy like “Perfect for last-minute shoppers”, “Support local this holiday season,”, or “No wrapping required! Just memories waiting to be made” to promote your unique holiday offering. 

Social media:
Post photos or videos of your tours that highlight connection and joy. Focus on the idea of giving memories, not things, and show that your experiences make great local gifts. Encourage followers to “shop small” and give the gift of adventure close to home. You can also share reviews or quick clips from past guests to give your followers social proof.

In person:
Train your staff to mention gift cards or special holiday tours at check-in or checkout. You should also place small signs with QR codes at your counter to make purchasing as easy as possible.

Ready-to-use social media post ideas

Since social media is a visual platform, it’s the best place to showcase your incredible tours and activities. Paired with high quality images or videos from your experiences, here are a few examples of potential captions: 

• “Give the gift of adventure! 🏔️ Our [tour or company name] gift cards make the perfect holiday surprise! Easy to buy, fun to give, and even better to experience.”

• “🎁Running out of time to find the perfect gift? No problem. Our digital gift cards deliver instantly, so you can give the joy of [tour or company name] in just a few clicks — no wrapping required!”

• “This year, skip the stuff and give something truly meaningful — memories that last a lifetime. Our [tour or company name] gift cards are the perfect way to share adventure, joy, and unforgettable moments. 💌”

Simple email template to send to your customers

Need a quick way to get the word out? Here’s an easy, copy-and-send email you can use to promote your gift cards this holiday season. Just add your logo, tailor to your business, update your links, and hit send!

Subject: Give the gift of experiences this holiday season 🎁

Body:
Still searching for the perfect gift? With [company name] gift cards, you can give friends and family something truly special — an experience they’ll talk about long after the holidays.

Our digital gift cards are easy to send, instantly delivered, and redeemable anytime for any adventure. Whether it’s a [type of tour] or a [seasonal experience], this is one gift they’ll love — and never forget.

Skip the wrapping paper and give the gift of adventure today.

Messaging guide: what to say (and how to say it)

During the holidays, your audience is busy, distracted, and looking for gifts that feel personal without being complicated. Your messaging should make it clear that your experiences and gift cards check both boxes.

Lead with ease:
Highlight convenience and flexibility. Terms like “instant delivery”, “no wrapping required”, and “redeem anytime” instantly appeal to last-minute shoppers.

Focus on value:
Gift cards aren’t just a dollar amount — they’re a gateway to unforgettable experiences. Position them as a thoughtful, personal choice that gives more meaning than traditional, physical gifts.

Tap into emotion:
Emphasize joy, connection, and memory-making. Show how your experiences bring people together, whether it’s a shared adventure or a surprise for someone special.

Keep it short and scannable:
Use simple, feel-good language and clear calls to action. Make it easy for shoppers to read your message and book (or buy a gift card) in seconds.

Avoid overused or pushy phrases:
Skip the heavy sales talk like “limited-time offer!” or “buy before it’s gone!” Instead, aim for language that is genuine and inviting.

Pro tip: Use ChatGPT to help write your social posts and emails. Input information about your offering as well as these messaging tips, then tweak to your liking. 

Your 7-step gift card or holiday tour marketing checklist

Use this quick action plan to launch your gift card campaign in just one week:

Step 1: Set up your gift card or new offering on FareHarbor.
Step 2: Add your homepage banner or pop-up.
Step 3: Post about your gift cards or seasonal tours on Instagram and Facebook.
Step 4: Send a promotional email to your customer list.
Step 5: Share a positive review or customer photo on social media.
Step 6: Boost your post or run a small ad targeting locals on social media or Google.
Step 7: Review your results and refine your visuals or messaging.

Keep the momentum going all year long

Your holiday campaign doesn’t have to end in December. Keep promoting gift cards through January to catch post-holiday shoppers — and continue using them year-round for birthdays, anniversaries, and spontaneous getaways. Hint: Customize them for every occasion!

Ready to start selling? Visit the FareHarbor Help Center for setup guidance, or start building your custom gift card directly in your FareHarbor Dashboard today.