The Role of Video Marketing in Hospitality: Agency Strategies for Better Engagement

23 Dec

Let’s be real—when’s the last time you watched a video and felt like you had to experience what it showed? Whether it was a dreamy beach resort, a cosy boutique hotel, or a mouthwatering restaurant feature, video has a way of pulling you in.

For hospitality businesses, this is the magic of video marketing. It’s not just about showing your rooms or your restaurant menu; it’s about telling a story that resonates with potential guests or customers. And that’s where a hospitality marketing agency comes in.

In this blog, we’ll explore why video is so powerful for the hospitality industry and the strategies a marketing agency can use to turn casual viewers into loyal audiences.

Why Video Marketing Matters in Hospitality

In hospitality, emotions play a huge role in decision-making. Potential guests don’t just want to know what your hotel or restaurant looks like—they want to feel what it’s like to be there.

Here’s why video marketing works so well:

It’s immersive: A video can transport someone to your destination in seconds. They can imagine themselves relaxing by your pool, savouring a cocktail at sunset, or enjoying a luxurious suite.

It builds trust: Seeing is believing. High-quality videos showcase the experience you offer, which builds credibility and confidence in your brand.
It’s engaging: Video content is easy to consume and share. Plus, it performs better than text or static images on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

1. Showcase Your Unique Story

Whether you’re running a trendy city cafe or a cosy family-owned restaurant, there’s something unique about your property that makes it stand out.

A marketing agency can help you use video to tell your story in a way that resonates. For example:

Behind-the-scenes moments: Show your team prepping a beautiful breakfast spread or creating a customer’s special request.

Customer testimonials: There’s nothing more powerful than a glowing review. A short video of a happy guest talking about their stay can be incredibly impactful.
Your property’s history or personality: Is your business in a heritage building? Or maybe you have a quirky design feature that gets people talking. Highlight what makes you different!

2. Create Virtual Tours to Spark Wanderlust

Imagine giving potential customers a virtual walk-through of your restaurant or café, letting them explore your space without ever leaving their homes. Video tours are a great way to showcase the ambience, charm, and personality of your establishment.

A marketing agency can help create virtual tours that:

Take viewers through the dining experience: From stepping into your welcoming entryway to sitting at a beautifully set table, let them envision their meal before they even arrive.

Highlight unique features: Show off your cosy corners, open kitchens, outdoor seating areas, or stylish decor.
Focus on food and drink presentation: Zoom in on your signature dishes being plated or cocktails being crafted by your bartender.
Capture the atmosphere: Whether it’s the warm buzz of a dinner rush or the relaxed vibe of a Sunday brunch, use video to bring your restaurant to life.

Pro tip: Add a music track or narration that fits your brand’s vibe. Soft jazz for a fine-dining spot or upbeat tunes for a trendy café can set the tone and leave viewers craving the full experience.

3. Leverage Social Media-Friendly Formats

Short videos are ruling social media right now—think TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These bite-sized clips are perfect for grabbing attention quickly and encouraging users to engage with your brand.

Here’s how a digital marketing agency can maximise short-form video:

Highlight unique features like your rooftop bar, cosy fire pit, or signature dishes.

Post quick “day-in-the-life” videos showcasing the customer experience.
Use trends and hashtags to get discovered by more people. For example, hopping on a trending TikTok sound while showing off your oceanfront view.

4. Inspire with Seasonal and Themed Campaigns

Video marketing isn’t just for everyday promotions—it’s perfect for showcasing seasonal experiences or themed events.

For example:

A Christmas video showing your property’s festive decorations and holiday events.

A romantic Valentine’s Day campaign highlighting candlelit dinners, couple-exclusive menus, or beautifully plated desserts for two.
A summer series featuring refreshing iced drinks, outdoor dining on sunny terraces, and vibrant seasonal dishes like fresh salads or fruity desserts.

The key is to create a sense of urgency—make viewers feel like they don’t want to miss out! A marketing agency can time these campaigns perfectly, ensuring they align with booking windows and travel trends.

5. Boost Bookings with Call-to-Action Videos

Your videos should inspire action, whether it’s booking a stay, reserving a table, or subscribing to your newsletter. Digital marketing agencies can craft call-to-action videos that gently nudge viewers toward taking the next step.

For instance:

“Book Direct” campaigns: Show the benefits of booking directly through your website, such as discounts, free upgrades, or exclusive perks.

Limited-time offers: Use video ads to promote special rates or packages, creating urgency.
Click-worthy content: End your videos with a clear CTA, like “Visit our website to plan your stay” or “Reserve your table now.”

6. Involve Your Guests in the Story

One of the best ways to create authentic video content? Let your guests take the spotlight! User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for hospitality businesses.

A marketing agency can encourage guests to:

Share videos of their stay or dining experience on Instagram or TikTok.

Participate in fun challenges (like creating a reel with your branded hashtag).
Leave video testimonials or reviews you can share on your website and social platforms.

This not only builds engagement but also creates a sense of community around your brand.

7. Analyse and Refine Your Video Strategy

The work doesn’t stop once a video is posted. To get the most out of your video marketing efforts, a hospitality marketing agency will track performance and adjust strategies based on what’s working.

Key metrics to monitor include:

Engagement rates: Are people liking, sharing, or commenting on your videos?

Views and watch time: How many people are watching, and how long are they staying engaged?
Conversions: Are viewers clicking through to book or learn more?

By continuously refining your video strategy, you can ensure your content stays fresh and effective.

Jade Massaad