B2 – Upper Intermediate
Shoulder season is the period between a destination’s peak tourist season and off-peak season. During this time, travel demand is moderate, so hotel prices and airfare are usually lower than during peak season, but higher than during off-peak periods.
Travel rates often differ during peak, off-peak, and shoulder seasons, so successful hotels prepare for these fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Read the article about shoulder season and how hotels can avoid losing business during these periods.
https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/hospitality/what-is-shoulder-season
Vocabulary Questions:
- Differentiate “peak season”, “off-peak season” and “shoulder season”. “From peak season to off-peak season to shoulder season, successful hotels anticipate the fluctuations that are likely to happen and strategize accordingly.” Use the terms in sentences.
- What does “to leave a stone unturned” mean? “Leaving any stone unturned can leave revenue on the table.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to simmer down” mean? “Restaurants, area attractions, and local tourism booms in the area, and then simmers down.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling during shoulder season?
- Talk about a time when you traveled during shoulder season.
- Share your insights on this, “Seasonal travel grows in proportion to the general growth of tourism in an area.”
- What challenges do hotels face during shoulder season?
- Do you think discounts and promotions are effective during shoulder season? Why or why not?
- Should hotels lower their prices significantly during shoulder season? Explain your opinion.