Here's something you probably already know: guests don't just want a comfy bed and a good breakfast anymore. They want experiences. And outdoor experiences? They're at the top of the list.
Whether it's a morning trail run, a scenic hike, or a leisurely walking tour through local vineyards, today's travelers are actively seeking hotels that help them get outside and explore.
The good news? Offering outdoor experiences to your property isn't as complicated (or expensive) as you might think.
Let's break down exactly how to make it happen.
Why Outdoor Experiences Matter Now More Than Ever
The demand for active travel has exploded. Health-conscious guests, remote workers looking to unplug, and families wanting quality time together are all gravitating toward properties that offer more than four walls and room service.
Hotels that provide outdoor activities stand out from competitors and attract guests who want to explore beyond their rooms. It's a competitive advantage that's hard to ignore: especially when it can transform a "nice stay" into an unforgettable one.
Think about it: which hotel would you remember more? The one where you slept well, or the one where you discovered an incredible hidden waterfall on a guided hike?
Step 1: Know Your Location (and Your Guests)
Before you start planning, take a hard look at two things: what's around you, and who's staying with you.
Your surroundings dictate your options. Near the coast? Kayaking and beach walks are natural fits. In the mountains? Hiking and trail running make sense. Even urban hotels can offer walking tours of historic neighborhoods or jogging routes through local parks.
Your guest profile shapes your approach. Business travelers might appreciate a quick morning run route. Families want easy, kid-friendly activities. Luxury guests expect curated, high-touch experiences: which is where managed digital guides can really elevate the guest experience.
Match your activities to both your environment and your audience, and you're already ahead of the game.
Step 2: Start Simple (and Cost-Effective)
You don't need to build a zip line or buy a fleet of mountain bikes on day one. The smartest approach? Start with activities that require minimal investment.
Walking and hiking tours are the easiest entry point. They require no equipment, no specialized staff, and appeal to almost everyone. Create a few curated routes: a morning nature walk, an afternoon historic tour, a sunset trail: and you've instantly added value.
Running routes are another quick win. Jogging-friendly guests will love having mapped routes waiting for them, complete with distance markers and points of interest.
Cycling requires a bit more infrastructure (secure storage, rental partnerships), but the ROI can be significant if your location supports it.
The key is to test the waters before diving in. See what resonates with your guests, then expand from there.
Step 3: Partner Up Instead of Building Out
Here's a secret that saves both money and headaches: you don't have to do everything yourself.
Partnering with local tour operators, guides, and equipment rental companies lets you offer outdoor experiences without the overhead. You provide the connection; they provide the expertise.
This approach works especially well for:
- Guided hikes and nature tours – Partner with local guides who know the terrain
- Bike rentals – Work with a nearby shop that handles maintenance and logistics
- Water activities – Kayak and paddleboard rentals through established operators
- Specialized adventures – Rock climbing, horseback riding, or fishing excursions
Your guests get professional, safe experiences. You get happy reviews and repeat bookings. Everyone wins.
Step 4: Train Your Team to Be Local Experts
Your front desk staff are the bridge between your guests and the great outdoors. When someone asks, "What should we do today?": that's your moment to shine.
Educate your team on every outdoor activity you offer. They should know:
- What each experience involves
- Who it's best suited for (fitness level, age, interests)
- How long it takes
- What guests need to bring
Even better? Staff members who personally enjoy these activities make the best ambassadors. A front desk agent who loves trail running can share genuine enthusiasm and insider tips that no brochure can match.
And here's where things get interesting: digital guides can take a huge load off your front desk by answering the repetitive questions about directions, trail conditions, and activity details: freeing your team to focus on personal, high-value interactions.
Step 5: Prioritize Safety (Always)
This one's non-negotiable. Every outdoor activity you offer needs clear safety protocols.
For water activities: Life-jackets are essential. No exceptions.
For hiking and trail activities: Provide accurate difficulty ratings, weather advisories, and emergency contact information.
For cycling: Ensure helmets are available and routes avoid dangerous traffic areas.
For all activities: Have a system for guests to check in and out, especially for longer excursions.
Safety isn't just about protecting your guests: it's about protecting your reputation. One incident can undo years of goodwill. Make safety your first priority, and your guests will feel confident exploring.
Step 6: Use Technology to Scale Without Stress
Here's where many hotel managers hit a wall: how do you offer personalized outdoor experiences to every guest without overwhelming your staff?
The answer is digital self-guided tours.
With a well-designed digital guide, guests can:
- Access curated walking, hiking, or running routes on their phones
- Get spoken turn-by-turn directions without asking staff
- Discover points of interest, local history, and hidden gems along the way
- Move at their own pace, on their own schedule
This isn't about replacing human connection: it's about enhancing it. Your staff can still recommend the perfect route and add personal touches, but the guest has everything they need in their pocket.
If you're wondering whether to build this yourself or work with a managed service provider, this breakdown of DIY vs. done-for-you tour apps is worth a read. Spoiler: managed solutions save you a lot of time and headaches.
Step 7: Market Your New Outdoor Offerings
Once you've got outdoor experiences dialed in, don't keep them a secret.
Update your website with dedicated pages for each activity. Include photos, descriptions, and what guests can expect.
Feature them in pre-arrival emails. "Planning your visit? Check out our guided hiking trails and morning running routes!"
Encourage reviews. Guests who have amazing outdoor experiences love to share them. Make it easy for them to post about it.
Use social media. Action shots of guests hiking, biking, or exploring are engagement gold.
The goal is to make your outdoor offerings a reason to book: not just a nice surprise after arrival.
The Bottom Line
Adding outdoor experiences to your hotel isn't a massive undertaking. Start with what your location offers naturally. Partner with local experts. Train your staff. Lean on technology to scale.
The hotels that embrace outdoor experiences now will be the ones guests remember, recommend, and return to. And honestly? It makes the job more fun too. There's something satisfying about knowing your property helped someone discover a trail they'll never forget.
Ready to get started? The first step is simple: walk out your front door and see what adventures are waiting.
Don't Miss
- Beyond the Map: How Managed Digital Guides Boost Luxury Guest Experiences
- Reclaim Your Front Desk: How Digital Guides Eliminate Repetitive Directions
- DIY Vs Done-for-You Self-Guided Tour Apps: Which Is Better For Your Business?