In today’s fiercely competitive travel landscape, choosing the right hospitality marketing agency isn’t just a smart move – it’s a make-or-break decision for your property’s revenue potential. Most hotels and resorts recognize the need for digital marketing support, but not all agencies are created equal.
The wrong partner can drain your budget with little return, while the right one becomes a true growth engine for direct bookings and brand elevation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a hospitality marketing agency actually does, seven essential questions to ask before hiring one, and the red flags to watch for along the way.
A hospitality marketing agency specializes in promoting hotels, resorts, and travel-related businesses through data-driven strategies and creative execution. Their expertise spans everything from increasing direct bookings to optimizing email campaigns and building long-term brand equity.
The best agencies deliver a mix of services, including:
– SEO and content marketing
– PPC advertising (Google Ads, Meta, programmatic)
– Email marketing with CRM segmentation and automation
– Creative design for email and landing pages
– Analytics and performance reporting
Americas Great Resorts focuses exclusively on luxury hotels and resorts, offering an unmatched specialization in high-converting email campaigns that deliver a guaranteed 10:1 ROI. Learn more
1. Do they specialize in hospitality and understand seasonal booking patterns?
An agency working across industries may not grasp the nuances of hospitality. Your marketing partner should understand low-season strategies, shoulder periods, OTA dependencies, and the rhythm of leisure vs business travel.
2. Can they show ROI through data or past results?
Generic case studies won’t cut it. Ask for real numbers – open rates, bookings generated, ROI percentages. At Americas Great Resorts, we’ve helped properties like Montage Palmetto Bluff and Hotel Bennett Charleston dramatically increase direct revenue through strategic campaigns.
3. Are email and CRM marketing part of their core service?
Many agencies focus on paid ads or social media but overlook email—the most profitable channel in the hospitality toolkit. Ensure the agency has proven experience with CRM segmentation, automation, and creative execution.
Read more in Email Marketing for Hotels: A Complete Guide to Increase Bookings & Revenue.
4. What tech stack do they use for reporting and automation?
Look for tools that integrate with your PMS or CRM. Platforms like Google Looker Studio, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Sendy with Amazon SES show sophistication. Transparent, real-time dashboards should be part of the offering.
5. Do they provide creative or just media buying?
Running ads is one thing—crafting a compelling brand story is another. Ensure the agency provides stunning creative, including custom email designs, landing pages, and branded campaign assets.
Check out Email Design Best Practices for Luxury Hotels.
6. What does onboarding and strategy development look like?
The first 30–60 days are critical. Your agency should offer brand immersion, guest journey mapping, and a detailed marketing roadmap. Beware of cookie-cutter plans and vague timelines.
7. Are they experienced in luxury positioning?
Selling a luxury experience isn’t the same as pushing room inventory. Agencies that understand aspirational messaging, affluent traveler behavior, and exclusivity-driven tactics will give you a serious edge.
Explore What Makes a Great Luxury Hotel.
Red Flags to Avoid:
– Overpromising
– Lack of hospitality-specific examples
– No first-party data strategy
Choosing the best agency for your hotel doesn’t have to feel like a gamble.
Let us help you help yourself. Contact Us to find out how.
