Staycation Messaging That STICKS the Landing

When the high season ends and the cruise ships thin out, many Caribbean businesses focus on waiting for the next wave of visitors. Buthere’s a secret: your most overlooked customers are already here — the locals.

Staycation marketing is an untapped goldmine, especially in the low tourist season. At Accela, we’ve seen time and again that with the right strategy, residents will happily “play tourist” in their own backyard —especially when they feel valued, not as filler guests, but as priority customers.

Here is what works for converting locals:

• Exclusive     perks: Offer packages available only to residents — e.g., “Saint     Lucians stay 2 nights, get the 3rd free” or “Free bottle of rum with your     weekend booking.”
• Themed     experiences: A ‘Taste of Tobago’ weekend with cooking classes, a St. Kitts     heritage walking tour, or a Friday-night rum tasting package.
• Easy     access pricing: Flexible payment plans or discounted rates in local     currency can remove the mental barrier of affordability.
• Encourage     and reward local influencers and those who share their Staycation     experiences on Social Media.

In 2023, a hotel in Barbados ran a “Bajans at Home” campaign, pairing discounted stays with free passes to island attractions. Not only did it fill rooms, it spurred social media buzz as guests posted their staycation adventures.

The beauty of marketing to locals is that it strengthens community ties while sustaining your business in slower months. When done right, staycations become a love letter to your island — and a powerful loyalty tool.

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