This research is designed to examine the factors contributing to the enhancement of tourists' stay experiences and their role in the marketing of eco-lodges in East Azerbaijan Province. The present study is applied in terms of objective and quantitative in terms of methodology. Library research and questionnaires were employed for data collection. The participating population consisted of tourists who had stayed at eco-lodges in East Azerbaijan Province. Descriptive and inferential findings derived from the analysis of questionnaires completed by 384 tourists revealed that interaction with the local community, environmental conservation, and service innovation have a positive and significant effect on improving tourists' stay experiences, accounting for 55.3% of the variance in stay experience. Furthermore, the use of social media and staff training significantly influenced tourist attraction and satisfaction, while memorable experiences—both cultural and environmental—played a key role in achieving competitive differentiation and the sustainable development of eco-lodges. From the tourists’ perspective, the hospitality of the local community, access to natural attractions, and the memorability of the stay experience stand out as primary strengths; however, high-quality digital content and online user reviews exert a strong influence on accommodation choice, underscoring the need for investment in professional digital marketing. Overall, although the province's eco-lodges have been relatively successful in delivering a positive experience, attaining a sustained competitive advantage requires targeted planning aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability, fostering cultural engagement with the local community, and developing an integrated digital marketing strategy.