Clear strategy for hospitality and tourism teams.
Without the noise.
We work with vacation rentals, boutique hotels, property managers, and destinations to reduce complexity around strategy and systems.
So growth feels steadier and guest trust has time to build.
From promise to practice.
Hospitality isn’t off the shelf. The way we work with you isn’t either.
You’re building more than bookings—you’re building trust. Let’s make it last.
You create the moment. We make sure it echoes.
You deserve a partner who understands how you work—not just what you do.
Just Strategy That Fits You
From mountain lodges to coastal towns, we tailor strategy to how you actually operate.
& Positioning
Bring back past guests. Attract new ones. We help you speak to both—clearly and creatively.
Stratgies
From voice to visibility, we build strategy that works—for your brand, your bookings, and your team.
Human Hospitality
We apply AI where it works—so you can focus on what matters most: connection.
Rooted in Experience. Focused on What Matters.
Smart Pineapple was founded by Kay Walten—a hospitality and tourism marketing expert who's been in your shoes since 1996.
We’re hospitality people—not tech bros. We know what it’s like to juggle bookings, exceed expectations, and still breathe. We help you grow with clarity, warmth, and strategy that works.
Straight talk. No sugarcoating. Happy clients, happy guests.
Smart Innovation. Long-Term Partnerships. No Hype.
Real Strategies.
Real Results.
Built Around You.
Work with real people, not pre-set plans. Strategy, tools, and support shaped by how your business actually runs.
That's right, hospitality and tourism never sit still. We help you realign your strategy, focus on what matters now, and move forward with clarity.
Not everyone needs the same level of support. Done-with-you or done-for-you, we tailor the experience to fit your goals—no runaround, no one-size-fits-all.
Support Built for Hosts. Powered by People.
Build momentum on your terms. We help small teams like yours work smarter and move faster—without the overwhelm.
For the Hosts Who Give a Damn.
We do too. Let’s skip the fluff—just a focused chat to get you unstuck and moving.
Don’t believe us? People talk
If hospitality and tourism are your core, we’re your people.
These are some of the questions we get asked by our clients, partners, and community.
Vacation rentals, boutique hotels, property managers, destinations, and tourism brands. We work best with businesses that live and breathe hospitality and tourism.
Not at all. We meet you where you are. Whether you’re just curious or already experimenting, we’ll make it practical and understandable.
Yes. From content and campaigns to email flows, booking funnels, and website optimization—we help you create a guest experience that connects.
Both. Some clients bring us in for a reset or a special project. Others work with us long-term for consistent support.
Only a few each year—so we can stay hands-on, collaborative, and clear.
What You Can Expect From Us
Drop me a note.
I usually reply within 24–48 hours. Monday–Friday, business hours, with coffee in hand ☕️.
Moves That Matter
Most operators focus on the booking moment, but trust is won or lost in the quiet that follows. When pre-arrival communication orients instead of sells, direct bookings feel as safe as the OTA—and guests stop defaulting to platforms.
When everything works smoothly, guests don’t always lean in — they settle. This piece explores how comfort can quietly narrow curiosity, and why small, intentional cues matter more than more amenities.
Guests rarely decide everything at once. Instead, they narrow their options based on how clear and manageable the experience feels in the moment. Understanding that shift helps hospitality teams design stays that feel easier, calmer, and more inviting from the start.
Real Hospitality.
