SEO for Tourism-Focused Businesses in the Poconos & PA Dutch Country

These days, vacation planning starts with a search. Before travelers book a campground near Dorney Park or grab hotel info for Dutch Wonderland, they’re looking online. That’s why SEO for tourism-focused businesses in the Poconos & PA Dutch Country matters. 

With so many attractions in this region—from family-friendly parks and local restaurants to vacation rentals and nature trails—competition is real. That’s where we come in. As marketing experts, we help tourism businesses stand out where it counts most: in search results.

In this blog, we’re sharing how to use search engine optimization to get more visitors to your website and through your doors. From keywords and local listings to content tips and tracking tools, we’ll show you what actually works.

Key Takeaways

• Be specific with your keywords so the right travelers find you.

• A fast, easy-to-use website can turn casual clicks into real bookings.

• SEO isn’t magic, but with the right strategy, it sure feels like it.

1. Go Hyper-Local

General terms like “Poconos” or “Lancaster” might sound helpful, but they’re way too broad to get you noticed online. These areas are packed with attractions, cities, parks, and campgrounds, so if you want to show up in search, you’ve got to get specific.

Broad keywords don’t cut it

When someone searches “hotels in PA,” Google shows results all over the state. 

That’s not helpful to a traveler looking for a family campground near Dorney Park or a cozy spring weekend rental in Lititz. And it’s definitely not helpful for your business if your site doesn’t mention those specific locations.

To get seen by the right people, you’ve got to speak their language. That means getting granular with your keywords and page content.

Create pages for specific locations

We always recommend creating location-based landing pages. 

If you’re near Dutch Wonderland, write a page titled something like: “Family Suites Minutes from Dutch Wonderland.” Talk about what’s nearby—restaurants, art museums, playgrounds, snack shops, hiking trails—anything that paints a picture of the visit.

Do the same for each area you serve. Near Stroudsburg? Add a page about fun things to do in that town and how your property connects to it. Close to a city like Bethlehem? Add a page for that, too. 

These pages help search engines understand where your business is and who it's relevant for.

Use specific keywords that match the search intent

People search with a goal in mind. They might look for:

• “Pet-friendly cabins near Lake Wallenpaupack”

• “Romantic weekend rentals in the PA Dutch Country”

• “Campgrounds with playgrounds in Lancaster County”

These are the kinds of search terms that help your site show up in front of the right audience. Mention those keywords naturally in your website content—headings, page titles, photo captions, and meta descriptions.

Being specific doesn’t limit your reach. It gives you a better shot at connecting with visitors who are already halfway to booking.

2. Plan for Seasons

Tourism in the Poconos and PA Dutch Country runs year-round, and your content should, too. 

Visitors come for summer fun, fall foliage, spring hikes, and even off-season rest. If your campground, hotel, or rental property only highlights one season, you're missing a big part of the market.

Use the right keywords at the right time

One way to serve up the right content is by mixing evergreen keywords with seasonal ones.

Evergreen keywords like “family rentals in Pennsylvania” or “vacation property near Lancaster” work year-round. Seasonal keywords like “fall foliage drives near Erie” or “summer cabins with lake views” tap into timely searches that spike during certain months.

This kind of content signals to search engines (and guests) that your website is fresh, relevant, and tied to what people are looking for right now.

Stay ahead with a simple content calendar

We’re big fans of planning ahead. A content calendar doesn’t need to be fancy. It’s just a way to map out when you’ll post what. For example:

• March: “Top Spring Attractions in the Poconos”

• June: “Best Summer Rentals with Lake Access in PA”

• September: “Fall Photo Spots Near Lancaster County”

• December: “Family-Friendly Indoor Attractions in Dutch Country”

This keeps your content aligned with search trends and helps visitors find you during the times they’re most likely to book.

3. Create Content Tourists Want

Most people aren’t just looking for a place to stay—they’re chasing a feeling. Fun with friends, a relaxing weekend, or a break from the city. Your content should reflect that. Instead of only listing features like “suite with full kitchen” or “property with furniture included,” paint the full picture.

Tell a story, not just the stats

Blogs like “5 Hidden Attractions Near [Your Town]” or “Weekend Itinerary for Art Lovers in PA Dutch Country” can turn casual visitors into paying guests. Mention nearby parks, markets, and events—things that make your location feel worth the visit.

Use real visuals

Photos and videos help people imagine their stay. Show your sign out front, the view from your suite, or a video walkthrough of your property. Content with visuals gets shared more, especially on platforms like Facebook.

Keep people on your site

Well-written guides, local tips, and helpful resources keep visitors engaged. The longer they stay, the more likely they are to book, and the better your site performs in search. Great content isn’t just for clicks. It’s what builds trust and keeps your calendar full.

4. Own Your Listings

If you want to show up in local searches, your Google Business Profile and tourism directory listings need to be in top shape. This is often the first thing people see when they search for a campground, rental, or park in your area, so it better be accurate and inviting.

Keep info consistent

Your name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be exactly the same across all platforms—Google, Facebook, travel sites, and local directories. If your hours, contact info, or property details don’t match, it can hurt your visibility and confuse guests.

Highlight what matters

Use listings to share the details people care about: pricing, property features, safety info, and hours. Add quality photos of your sign, suites, and any unique features. A short video walkthrough can help, too. It gives guests a better feel for your property before they visit.

Ask for reviews

Guest reviews carry weight. They build trust and influence decisions. Ask happy clients to leave feedback, and always reply—even to the tough ones. It shows you’re active and care about the experience.

Getting your listings right helps you stand out in search and creates a solid first impression. It's a simple step with a big impact on visits and revenue.

6. Speed Up & Simplify

If your website takes too long to load, guests won’t wait around. They’ll hit the back button and visit another park, campground, or rental instead. Site speed directly affects how well your site ranks and how many people stick around.

Make mobile a priority

Most travelers search from their phones while in the car, at a rest stop, or over lunch in a nearby city. Your website needs to look great and work smoothly on smaller screens. 

That means text should be easy to read, buttons should be tap-friendly, and your pages should load quickly on mobile connections.

Keep calls to action clear

Make it easy for guests to take the next step. Whether it’s “Book Now,” “Get Directions,” or “Check Hours,” your calls to action should stand out and match the reason someone visited your site. Don’t make them dig through your pages for basic info like pricing or availability.

Run site speed tests often

Use free tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test how your site performs. These tools flag what’s slowing you down, from oversized images to clunky hosting. Fixing these small issues can have a big impact on user experience and your ability to convert traffic into bookings.

A fast, user-friendly site shows you're serious about your business and makes it easier for guests to say yes. It’s one of the simplest ways to support SEO and keep visitors happy.

7. Track What Matters

You’ve put the work into your SEO, now it’s time to see what’s working. Tracking your performance helps you understand how guests are finding your site, what content they’re engaging with, and which pages are driving real results. 

Guesswork doesn’t help your campground or property bring in revenue. Data does.

Use the right tools

Start with Google Analytics and Search Console. Together, these give you insights into how visitors find your site, which search terms they use, and how long they stick around. 

You can see which cities or states your traffic comes from—maybe you’re getting a spike in visits from Tennessee or Virginia. That’s a sign your content is connecting.

Look at what converts

Traffic is great, but conversions are what really matter. Use tracking tools to monitor which pages lead to bookings, inquiries, or form submissions.

Maybe your park overview page is doing well, but your rent-a-cabin page could use clearer calls to action. The more you know, the easier it is to refine your content and move guests from interest to action.

Adjust based on data

Once you know what works, apply it. Update underperforming pages with stronger keywords, better headlines, or refreshed features. Move high-performing content into key spots on your homepage. 

Data is your best resource for ongoing success, and it keeps your SEO strategy from going stale.

When your management decisions are backed by numbers, not just hunches, it becomes much easier to grow your online presence, serve your clients better, and increase revenue over time.

Work with a Team That Knows Your Market

You have the property, the experience, and the guests. Now, it’s time to get more eyes on your business through strategic marketing.

LeaseMyMarketing is a full-service fractional digital marketing agency. We provide expert-level SEO, content marketing, websites, digital advertising, automation, and analytics without the overhead of an in-house team. Everything we do is tailored to your business, location, and goals.

We’ve helped tourism businesses across Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee grow their visibility and increase bookings. Our clients rely on us for hands-on support, smart strategy, and measurable results.

Want to reach more travelers and turn clicks into visits? Call us today, and let’s start building your success.

Conclusion

Your campground, park, or rental property deserves to be seen, and SEO helps make that happen. From local keywords to faster websites and smarter content, every piece works together to bring more real-world visitors through your doors.

In a competitive market like Pennsylvania, it’s not enough to just have a great place to stay. The businesses that show up first are the ones getting booked. If you're putting in the work but not seeing results online, there’s a good reason to revisit your digital strategy.

LeaseMyMarketing is here to help. We’re dedicated to helping businesses like yours show up, stand out, and succeed online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SEO in tourism?

SEO in tourism helps your park, campground, or rental property show up in search results when people plan trips. It’s like putting up a digital sign that says, “This is the place you’re looking for in Pennsylvania.” 

With the right keywords, content, and setup, your site gets noticed by travelers ready to visit or book.

What businesses need SEO the most?

Any tourism business that wants more guests should care about SEO. That includes parks, campgrounds, rental properties, city departments, and even tourism websites. 

If you’re in a competitive market and want to get found before your competitors, SEO belongs on your to-do list.

What are the 4 types of SEO?

1. On-page SEO: Optimizing the content and keywords on your website.

2. Off-page SEO: Earning links and mentions from other websites.

3. Technical SEO: Making sure your site loads fast, works on mobile, and is easy for search engines to read.

4. Local SEO: Helping people find you in local search results and map listings.

How to do travel SEO?

Use the keywords travelers are searching for, like “parks in Pennsylvania” or “places to stay near Dutch Wonderland.” Create location-focused content, update your site regularly, and keep listings accurate. 

Good hosting, fast loading pages, and clear info all help visitors and search engines stick around.

How often should I update my tourism website?

At least once a season is a good rule of thumb. Updating content with new photos, seasonal events, or property features helps your site stay relevant and active in search results. 

Fresh content signals to search engines that your website is worth showing and gives guests a reason to come back.

Do I need a blog on my website?

If you want to reach more travelers, then yes. 

A blog is a great way to share updates, highlight park activities, promote local events, and give tips to guests planning a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It also gives search engines more content to index, which can help you rank in more categories.

Can SEO help my site compete with big travel platforms?

Absolutely. While you might not outrank a giant booking site overnight, good SEO helps your property show up in local search results, especially when guests look for specifics. 

With dedicated content, clear calls to action, and fast hosting, your website can attract direct bookings and keep more revenue in your pocket.

What role does Google Business Profile play in tourism SEO?

A big one. Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing travelers see when they search for places to stay, visit, or rent near your location. Keeping it updated with correct info, hours, categories, and photos helps guests trust you and helps you show up in local map results, too.

Should I include local events on my website?

Definitely. Featuring local events, like seasonal festivals, art fairs, or nearby park activities, gives travelers a good reason to plan their visit around your location. It also adds fresh content to your site and helps with SEO by tying your business to timely searches in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Is it worth adding guest testimonials to my site?

Yes, and not just for looks. Real reviews from past guests build trust and can highlight things you might not mention, like great management, clean properties, or peaceful views. Sprinkle them across key pages to help turn curious visitors into paying ones.

How important are internal links?

More than most people think. Linking between pages on your site helps visitors find what they need, whether it’s rental options, park details, or contact info and keeps them around longer. It also helps search engines understand how your website is structured.

Can SEO help me attract repeat visitors?

It can. When your site is easy to use, well-organized, and full of helpful info, guests are more likely to come back. A dedicated page for returning visitors, a blog with local updates, or seasonal offers can help keep your property top of mind and top of search results.

How does my site’s design affect SEO?

A lot. If your website is hard to use or slow to load, people won’t stick around long enough to join your guest list. A clean, mobile-friendly design with fast load times and smooth navigation not only improves the user experience but also signals to search engines that your site is worth showing.

Strong hosting and a modern layout go a long way in helping your site rank and perform well.