I.C. The Blog
Design, branding, lifestyle – ILISA CREATIVE
3 Classy, Cheeky Ways Hotels Can Enhance Their Brand By Celebrating Local Holidays
Ahhhh, it’s another holiday here in sweet TnT! Happy Emancipation Day! Even the most refined of us can let loose a little and indulge in a bit of holiday-time frolic. And when it comes to celebrating with flair and a dash of cheeky charm, luxury hotels are the true masters of the art. From extravagant feasts to playful decor, these establishments know exactly how to turn any holiday into a sumptuous affair. Here’s a playful peek into how hotels can elevate any local holiday celebration with a touch of sophistication and a whole lot of pizzazz. Let’s use our current Emancipation Holiday and infuse a punch of our local, African inspired influences to get your creative juices flowing.
1. Gourmet Galore: Dining with a Twist
Miraculous Mixology: Who says your holiday cocktails have to be predictable? Your hotel can dazzle guests with cheeky concoctions like “Freetown Fizzies”, or a Belmont Rum Punch”. When serving the drink the bartender can explain that Freetown was the original name for Belmont, one of the first places in which freed slaves were allowed to settle. Showcasing local and African wines at a wine-tasting event? Sign me up! Something to look forward to for oenophiles and alcohol connoisseurs, right? A playful twist—perhaps a dash of gold flakes, a Tobago Peppermint stick, activated charcoal, or a garnish of candied ginger.
Feast Like Royalty: Picture this: a holiday dinner where every course is a masterpiece and every bite is a revelation. Elevate or try a reimagined version of some of our local dishes. It’s all about blending festive or complex flavors with whimsical presentations that make each meal a delightfully memorable experience.
2. Entertainment Extravaganza: Bringing the Fun
Emancipation Night Karaoke: Nothing says freedom fun like a karaoke night where guests can belt out everything from classic calypsos and oldie tunes to modern hits with a fun twist. And don’t forget the “Best Dressed” competition—extra points for uniqueness in material use!
Playful Touches: How about a festive scavenger hunt around the hotel? Guests can find quirky emancipation ornaments or cheeky little tokens hidden in unexpected places. And for those who really want to show off, how about a lobby complete with a mini “Emancipation Village” where we educate guests on the history of, and African influences behind local places, foods, etc.?
3. Gifts and Surprises: Giving with a Smile
Local Treat Hampers: Instead of the usual hamper, go for something with a playful twist. Imagine a “Local Treats” hamper with indulgent treats from local artisans. These can be for Trivia winners or surprise prizes for guests with playful titles like “Happiest Guest”.
Surprise Upgrades: For those guests who really know how to bring the holiday cheer, surprise room upgrades in honour of the holiday. Ensure the room is festive and has a little extra sparkle. You can also have special tokens left in the rooms of guests on Emancipation Day.
Every local holiday at your hotel is all about blending elegance with a cheeky twist of fun and education. From gourmet indulgences and whimsical décor to playful entertainment and delightful surprises, your establishment should know how to bring the sparkle of the holiday to your guests. Part of Tourism is education, so ensure at every touchpoint you’re educating your guests and talent alike on some aspect of the holiday, like why it’s celebrated. Why this ingredient makes this cocktail so special and perfect for this particular holiday, etc. So, whether you’re sipping on a local version of a “Black Martini” or finding yourself in a spontaneous dance-off, you can be sure that luxury hotels are celebrating the holidays in style—one delightful, cheeky detail at a time. And so can your hotel!