A non-superficial exploration into the world of hospitality in the Oltrepò Pavese allows you to understand how the opportunities in our area can allow you to realise your dream of opening and managing a cosy bed & breakfast in the charming hills.
To develop a winning strategy for a B&B in the hills, it is important to adopt a holistic approach that integrates different aspects of the business, from the experiences offered to guests to the promotion of the area, passing through digital marketing and attention to detail.
First of all, it is crucial to understand the unique potential of the hillside location. The hills offer fascinating natural scenery that can become a strong point of a B&B and allow the organisation of guided hikes, nature walks and panoramic tours for guests. It is strategic to work with local guides who, knowing the area well, can offer unique experiences, such as birdwatching or trekking through lesser-known paths.
Local gastronomy is another key element. It is advisable to include in one‘s offer the opportunity to taste typical local products accompanied by strictly local wines, to organise breakfasts with fresh 0-km products and themed dinners with traditional dishes. With a view to ‘networking‘, partnerships with local restaurants, farms and wine cellars can be created to offer guests an authentic culinary experience. This can not only enrich the stay, but also strengthen ties with the local community.
B&B promotion needs to be well thought out and targeted. Using social media to tell one‘s story about the surrounding area will increase views and interest from both domestic and foreign tourists. Sharing photos (strictly breathtaking) of the hilly landscapes, videos of the activities you propose and testimonials from guests is a rewarding strategy, just as successful as exploiting the potential offered by Focus Oltrepò, which through its site reaches thousands of readers daily in Italy and abroad.
Investing in a professional site where people can easily find all the necessary information and see the available rooms is a must as long as it is well optimised for search engines to attract organic traffic. Partnerships with online booking centres will certainly give an important impetus. The collaboration between Colline e Oltre Spa with Focus Oltrepò and Destination Italia is moving in the direction of providing visibility to HORECA operators in the area.
A crucial aspect of the strategy is to offer customised experiences. One must know one‘s target audience well and adapt their stay to their preferences. For example, if you know that a couple is celebrating an anniversary, preparing a special surprise, such as a bottle of Oltrepò wine in the room or a romantic dinner, will give the right emotional impact and produce a high degree of loyalty. These are small details, however, that make a big difference and contribute to creating unforgettable memories.
Attention to ecology and sustainability can be a further strength. Promoting eco-friendly practices such as using organic products, recycling and reducing energy consumption are elements that guests increasingly appreciate and choose establishments that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Finally, the importance of feedback and reviews should not be underestimated. Strategically, for the purposes of evaluating one‘s own facility, it is important to ask guests online for positive reviews if they were satisfied with their stay. Genuine and positive reviews can significantly enhance reputation and thus attract new customers. In the face of feedback, both positive and negative, it is very important to respond in a professional and courteous manner that shows attention and care towards one‘s guests.
In summary, to develop a winning strategy for a B&B in a hilly area, it is essential to exploit the potential of the area, offer authentic and customised experiences, promote the establishment through effective marketing, and maintain a high level of customer service. Leveraging these elements will create a unique and memorable experience for guests, ensuring the success of your B&B.
