Carnival is peak season for Trinidad’s guest houses, but smart owners know the real opportunity is turning those one-time Carnival visitors into loyal, year-round guests. If someone flew all the way here for Carnival, chances are they’ll come back for more—family vacations, business trips, even Carnival again next year.
Here’s how to stay top-of-mind, deliver a great experience, and turn Carnival travelers into lifelong customers—with real examples from savvy guest house owners.
1. Collect Guest Contact Info (Without Being Pushy)
Why It Matters:
Airbnb hides guest emails, and if they book through a platform, you’ll lose them after checkout—unless you get permission to stay in touch.
How to Do It:
- Leave a thank-you card with a QR code to your website or WhatsApp
- Offer a free downloadable guide: “Top 10 Things to Do in Trinidad (Beyond Carnival)”
- Ask if they’d like to receive future stay discounts
Real Example:
Yolanda in Cascade leaves a fridge magnet with her Instagram handle and QR code for a WhatsApp broadcast list. She now has over 80 past guests on her private deal list—and books 40% of her rooms directly without paying commission fees.
2. Offer a “Next Trip” Discount Before They Leave
Why It Works:
Guests are often so thrilled by their Carnival experience, they start thinking about coming back—even before they’ve left.
What to Offer:
- 10% off their next stay if they rebook within 30 days
- A VIP rate if they refer a friend who books
- A “Return for Carnival 2027” pre-reservation option
Real Example:
The Green Palm Inn in San Juan sends a follow-up text one week after checkout: “We’d love to host you again! Book within 30 days and get 10% off your next visit to Trinidad.” Three returning guests booked early for summer.
3. Surprise and Delight Beyond Carnival
Why It Matters:
Carnival is flashy. But what guests remember most? The little personal touches.
What to Do:
- Leave a handwritten welcome note with their name
- Offer local snacks or mini bottles of local rum
- Include a list of hidden gems only locals know about
Real Example:
Marcus in Diego Martin gives each guest a printed map with his handwritten favorite restaurants, bakeries, and rivers. One guest posted it on TikTok—and it brought in 12 new inquiries that month.
4. Keep Showing Up on Social Media (Post-Carnival)
Why It Matters:
Guests follow you during Carnival, but if you go silent afterward, they forget you.
What to Post Year-Round:
- Behind-the-scenes guest house updates
- “Throwback Thursday” Carnival guest memories
- Clips of Trinidad beaches, cocoa estates, or food festivals
Real Example:
Dianne’s Guest Haven posts mini-reviews from past Carnival guests every Sunday and tags them. The visibility has doubled her Instagram traffic in the off-season and brought in a guest from Miami in June.
5. Ask for—and Leverage—5-Star Reviews
Why It Matters:
A good review today is a trust-builder for a future booking tomorrow.
How to Maximize Each Review:
- Ask for the review within 24 hours of checkout
- Share the best ones on Instagram with a thank-you
- Use them on your website, booking form, or WhatsApp messages
Real Example:
Karlene in Belmont includes this in her checkout message: “If you enjoyed your stay, a quick 5-star review helps us grow. Here’s the link—thank you again!” She now has 97 reviews and ranks top 3 in her area on Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
Turning Carnival guests into repeat customers isn’t about fancy software or big marketing budgets—it’s about connection. With just a few thoughtful systems in place, you can turn a once-a-year event into consistent bookings that fuel your business year-round.
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