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The Real Cost of an Outdated Resort Website

The Real Cost of an Outdated Resort Website

May 15, 2025 — 3 min read
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If your resort’s website hasn’t had a refresh since guests were still using MapQuest to find you, it’s time to talk. Your website is your digital front door and whether you like it or not, it’s making the first impression for every potential guest.

And here’s the thing: guests don’t just glance and go. They judge. They compare. And if your site feels dated, slow, or hard to navigate, they’ll click right over to the resort down the road (or the next search result).

In the hospitality business, you wouldn’t greet a guest with peeling paint in the lobby. Your website deserves the same standard.


Why Your Website Is Your Hardest-Working Employee

Your site is open 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s giving tours, showing off rooms, answering questions, and (ideally) closing bookings while you sleep. But if it’s out of date? It’s like having a front desk agent who keeps putting people on hold.

A modern website:

  • Loads fast (because guests don’t have patience for “loading…”)
  • Looks great on mobile (because that’s where most guests are browsing)
  • Clearly guides visitors to book
  • Matches your brand’s vibe so guests already feel like they’re there

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Studies show 75% of consumers judge a business’s credibility based on its website design. And in hospitality, credibility = trust = bookings.

We’ve seen resorts get a measurable lift in:

  • Online bookings when the booking button is obvious and the process is smooth
  • Guest inquiries when people can actually find your contact info
  • Event sales when your weddings/meetings pages are built to inspire action

And yes, it’s not just about design, it’s about what you’re showing. Pairing a modern site with fresh, professional photography creates an experience that’s as close to “being there” as your guests can get from their couch.


Signs Your Resort’s Website Needs a Refresh

If you check more than one of these boxes, start budgeting for an update:

  • Your last redesign was more than 5 years ago
  • It’s slow to load or not mobile-friendly
  • You’ve got outdated photos (winter shots on your summer home page… in August)
  • Guests have trouble finding basic info like rates or availability
  • It doesn’t reflect what your resort actually looks like today

Website Refresh = A Competitive Edge

Think of your competitors: the other resorts, hotels, and rentals your guests are comparing you to. If their site is faster, cleaner, and easier to use, you’re at a disadvantage before you even get to show them what makes you special.

A modern website not only levels the playing field, it can tilt it in your favour. Guests can see, in seconds, why you’re worth booking over anyone else.


The Takeaway

Your resort’s website isn’t “just” a marketing tool, it’s your digital front door, lobby, and concierge rolled into one. Updating it is one of the most effective ways to increase bookings, strengthen your brand, and give guests the confidence to choose you.

And if you’re going to invest in a refresh, make it count: pair a modern design with stunning, professional photography so you’re showing your resort in its best light. Literally.

David Shephard

— Founder & Managing Director

David Shephard is the Managing Director of Jib, a creative agency specializing in strategy, design, and B2B marketing for sustainable infrastructure and the built environment. A longtime advocate for renewable energy, he co-created Canada’s first portable solar generator and continues to champion carbon-friendly solutions, including mass timber and offsite construction.