Easter, Easter Monday and the spring public holidays (in Italy: 25 April, 1 May, 2 June; elsewhere, May bank holidays and similar). For many hotels, spring long weekends are the season's first real test: chances to fill long weekends, try out offers and bring in revenue before summer. For hotels open all year, they're among the most profitable spring periods.
Industry data confirms Easter remains strong: in 2026 SiteMinder recorded growth in Easter bookings in Italy, with slightly longer average stays than the year before. But competition is high and guests decide fast. Let's look at how to promote your hotel for Easter and spring long weekends with a clear plan.
1. Check the calendar (it changes every year)
Easter is a moveable feast, and long weekends depend on the days of the week. Every year:
- mark the dates of Easter, Easter Monday and spring public holidays in your main markets;
- identify which create long weekends (e.g. a holiday on a Thursday or Tuesday);
- check school holidays in your markets (domestic and international);
- note local events on the same dates.
2. Set prices early
For the most in-demand dates, demand is high: don't start low. Useful strategies:
- a minimum stay on long weekends (2–3 nights) to avoid single nights blocking longer periods;
- prices that rise as the hotel fills;
- a "book early" rate for those who decide ahead.
See how to manage rates during long weekends, holidays and events.
3. Create packages, not just rooms
- Family Easter: egg hunt, Easter lunch, kids' activities;
- food weekend: themed dinners, tastings, visits to wineries or dairies;
- active weekend: cycling, hiking, boat trips;
- romantic package: dinner, late check-out, breakfast in the room.
A well-made package is worth more than a discount. See how to promote a hotel offer without attracting only bargain hunters.
4. The promotion calendar
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 10–12 weeks before | Packages and prices ready, offers page online |
| 8–10 weeks before | Newsletter to past guests, Google campaigns on "Easter + town" searches |
| 4–8 weeks before | Meta campaigns to audiences within a few hours' travel, remarketing |
| 2–4 weeks before | Push dates still available, direct contact with nearby past guests |
| Final days | Targeted last-minute actions. See how to sell rooms still available at the last minute |
Timing depends on your audience: check your lead-time data.
5. Where to promote
- a dedicated page on your website ("Easter 2027 in [town]"), updated each year while keeping the same URL;
- a newsletter to past guests, with a reserved perk;
- Google Ads on searches like "Easter [town] hotel", "May bank holiday [region]";
- Meta Ads with spring photos and a clear offer;
- OTAs with updated content and, if useful, targeted promotions.
6. Get the hotel ready for the wave
Long weekends bring concentrated arrivals: organise check-in, breakfasts and services. Happy guests in spring mean great reviews for summer.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start promoting Easter?
Many domestic guests decide a few weeks ahead, international guests earlier. In general, have offers online at least 2–3 months before and intensify in the 4–8 weeks beforehand.
Is a minimum stay worth it for Easter?
Often yes, to avoid isolated nights that make the surrounding days hard to sell. But don't overdo it: watch real demand.
Should Easter offers go on Booking.com too?
You can publish packages and rates on OTAs too, but keep an exclusive direct-booking perk on your website.
Want a plan for the spring long weekends?
With our free marketing audit we analyse your data from previous years and propose prices, packages and a promotion calendar for Easter and the spring holidays.
Sources: SiteMinder – Easter 2026 booking data.
