Want to increase BnB occupancy? If you own a bed and breakfast or are thinking about buying one, 2025 could be your best year yet. Travel is on the rise, and more people are looking for unique places to stay. But to succeed, you need to take smart steps to increase B&B occupancy, boost bookings, and grow your income.
In this post, you will learn what is changing in the travel world and how to fill more rooms, improve booking numbers, and raise your occupancy rates.
Travel Is Growing Fast
The global travel industry is expected to reach 6 trillion dollars by 2027. That means more people are taking trips. In early 2025:
- Hotel stays increased by 2.5 percent
- U.S. personal income rose by 4.6 percent
- Gas prices dropped, making travel more affordable
All of these point to strong demand for places to stay. If you are ready, you can increase BnB occupancy and grow your B&B business.
Increase BnB Occupancy
While hotels are filling about 70 percent of their rooms, the average B&B fills only 45 percent.
Let’s look at what that means. If you have 6 rooms and charge $150 a night:
- At 45 percent occupancy, you earn about $148,000 per year
- At 70 percent, you could earn $230,000
- That is a difference of more than $80,000 each year
By closing this gap, you can increase B&B occupancy and boost your revenue without needing more rooms.
Increase BnB Occupancy by Attracting Modern Travelers
Many B&Bs have websites, but they are not doing enough to attract modern travelers. Younger guests share their trips online. They look for places that are easy to find, easy to book, and fun to talk about.
B&Bs that are improving booking numbers are doing the following:
- Making their websites mobile-friendly and easy to use
- Using SEO (search engine optimization) to appear in searches
- Posting fresh photos and updates on social media
- Letting guests book online with a personal touch
These steps help raise occupancy rates and keep your B&B visible.
Three Ways to Earn More from Each Guest
Increase BnB occupancy is one goal. But you can also grow revenue by increasing how much each guest spends.
1. Sell Packages
Don’t just offer a room. Create packages that include dinner, activities, or tours. A $150 stay can turn into a $300 experience. Guests enjoy easy, all-in-one booking.
2. Host Events
Your property can be a venue for weddings, retreats, or family parties. One event can earn as much as a full month of room bookings. This also helps fill more rooms during slow times.
3. Use Your Land
If your B&B is on a farm or in a scenic area, offer farm-to-table meals, outdoor workshops, or seasonal events. These experiences attract more guests and encourage repeat visits.
Update Your B&B to Attract Modern Travelers
Most B&Bs focus on tourists. But in cities and busy towns, business travel is a big opportunity.
Business guests tend to:
- Book at the last minute
- Pay premium prices
- Travel all year round
- Fill rooms during weekdays
This can help you increase B&B occupancy and reduce seasonal slumps.
How to Compete with Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
More vacation rentals mean more competition. But this can be a good thing.
Many travelers try rental homes, then return to B&Bs for the personal service, local knowledge, and charm. If you offer a welcoming, one-of-a-kind experience, you can attract more guests and turn them into loyal customers.
Your 90-Day Plan to Increase B&B Occupancy
Here is a three-month plan to help you attract guests and boost revenue
Month 1: Get Online Ready
- Make your website mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
- Improve your SEO, so guests can find you
- Set up or refresh your social media pages (click this link to visit B&B Consulting’s Pinterest Boards)
- Claim your business on Google and review sites
- Make sure booking online is simple (another way to increase BnB occupancy)
Month 2: Focus on Guest Experience
- Create two or three fun packages, such as romantic getaways or food tours
- Add stylish touches and places for guests to take photos
- Partner with nearby shops or restaurants
- Plan and schedule a few weeks of social media posts
Month 3: Increase Your Income
- Adjust your prices based on busy or slow times
- Promote your event space
- Offer packages to guests
- Ask guests for their email addresses so you can keep in touch
Thinking About Buying a B&B?
If you are thinking about becoming an innkeeper, here are a few things to know:
- Many buyers make a down payment of 20 to 30 percent
- Loans are based more on how the business performs than your credit score
- Seller financing is common in this industry
- You should have hospitality experience or a strong business plan
Work with a realty firm that understands the B&B market to make your next steps easier.
Increase BnB Occupancy : Take the First Step
The B&B industry is growing. Travelers want more personal and unique places to stay. The gap between successful B&Bs and struggling ones is getting wider.
Now is the time to:
- Increase B&B occupancy
- Raise your income
- Attract more guests
- Fill more rooms year-round
- Build a stronger, more profitable business
Research cited from the journal Bed & Breakfast Inns. (2025, May 19). Quarterly update.
Want help moving forward?
B&B Consulting works with current innkeepers and new buyers to grow revenue and guide smart decisions. Let’s talk about how to increase BnB occupancy in 2025 and going forward. Contact us today. We are ready to help.
Contact Licensed Realtor Rob Sales today. Not only does he have decades of experience as a realtor, he and his wife Jane owned & operated successful B&B inns.