Carnival and Easter, two upcoming major holidays on the Brazilian calendar, are expected to boost the tourism and services sector, especially in popular tourist destinations. According to estimates from the National Confederation of Commerce (CNC), the date and other long holidays can inject up to R$ 7 billion into the national economy, benefiting hotels, inns, restaurants, and travel agencies.
For Cleib Filho, founder of theInvoiceTUR, and CEO of100 Limits Expeditions, the secret to making the most of this period is strategic planning and intelligent use of digital marketing. The holiday weekend tourist seeks more than just good accommodation or a pleasant outing. They want to experience unique moments that will stay in their memory. Companies that are paying attention to this trend have a competitive advantage, explains Cleib, who leads one of the national references in adventure tourism.
Organization and demand anticipation
With the increase in demand for tourist destinations during Easter and other major holidays such as Labor Day and Corpus Christi, advance planning is essential to avoid operational failures. Cleib recommends that companies prepare months in advance, with specific actions to adjust the supply and ensure agile and personalized service.
"It is important to monitor demand trends and adjust the company's structure accordingly to forecasts. This includes hiring temporary staff, negotiating with suppliers, and logistical preparation to avoid unforeseen events," he states. Data from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) indicates that a well-planned entrepreneur can increase their profit margins by up to 20% during the high season.
Tourism agencies and hotels should also invest in personalized packages that consider customers' preferences. "Personalization is a differentiator that fosters loyalty. A tourist whose needs are met tends to recommend the experience and return on other occasions," explains Cleib.
Team training for memorable experiences
Team training is another decisive factor for success during major holidays. Cleib emphasizes that customer service should be more than efficient; it should generate delight. "The tourist can find accommodations and meals anywhere, but the personalized and attentive service is what will make them remember the experience and return," he explains.
Teams should be trained to handle unforeseen events and personalize service whenever possible. "If a tourist is celebrating a special date, such as a birthday, recognizing that moment with a simple gesture can make all the difference," he comments.
Social networks: an extension of experience
The impact of social media on the tourism sector is undeniable. A delighted customer can share their experience on digital platforms and attract new consumers. Cleib emphasizes that subtly encouraging these posts is essential. "It's not about directly asking the client to post, but creating special moments that they want to share spontaneously," he explains.
Hotels can, for example, offer decorated environments and photogenic experiences, while restaurants can include exclusive dishes that encourage sharing. "Small gestures, like offering a complimentary drink or a personalized toast, create a unique experience that the customer enjoys sharing," says Cleib.
The specialist also recommends monitoring social media interactions and responding to mentions. "Post-visit interaction is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the customer and show that the company values feedback," she highlights.
The use of digital influencers is an effective strategy to expand the reach of marketing campaigns during major holidays. According to a PwC study, 45% of tourists trust influencers' recommendations when choosing destinations and travel packages.
Cleib suggests that companies establish strategic partnerships with influencers who have a follower base aligned with their target customers. "The ideal is to offer authentic experiences that influencers can share without seeming like forced advertising. This builds credibility and attracts new tourists," he explains.
The specialist separated some tips on how to create Instagrammable experiences
1. Personalized gifts and themed kits –Surprise customers with personalized gifts, such as Carnival kits with accessories or specific treats like chocolate eggs at Easter. Small gestures create exciting moments and encourage spontaneous recording.
2. Decorated environments and photo settings –Invest in Instagram-worthy spaces, such as colorful murals or decorated areas with the seasonal theme. These places become natural spots for photos and social media posts.
3. Exclusive gastronomic experiences –Offer themed dishes and drinks with unique presentations, such as decorated cocktails or personalized desserts. The more visually appealing, the higher the chances of sharing.
4. Accessories and giveaways during the event –Bars and restaurants can distribute accessories, such as masks or carnival necklaces, for customers to wear and take photos. These accessories become part of the fun and make promoting the location easier.
5. Digital interactions and hashtags –Use QR codes on tables or messages on the giveaways inviting customers to post on social media and tag the company. Creative hashtags also help to expand the reach of posts.
6. Feedback and post-event awards- Encourage customers to share their experiences through engagement campaigns, offering discounts or symbolic prizes for the best posts, creating a positive cycle of promotion.
After the holidays, it is essential to assess what worked well and what can be improved for the upcoming events. Cleib recommends using online reviews and feedback forms to understand customer perception. "Continuous improvement is what allows companies to stay competitive and ensure that each holiday is better than the previous one," he/she states.
For the CEO of 100 Limites Expedições, true success is not just in increasing sales during the period, but in the ability to turn tourists into brand advocates. "If the customer leaves the place enchanted and recommends the experience to friends and family, the company is not just selling a stay or a tour. It is creating a loyalty base that will bring long-term returns," he concludes.