It’s becoming more and more common for boutique hotels and resorts to enter the sharing economy on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. With this, a new question keeps arising: What next?
Many resort and hotel managers are left wondering how to succeed on marketplaces that were historically not set up to support traditional hospitality inventory. These companies are often considering a variety of strategies - from owning and developing their own private accommodation brands, to building short-term rental businesses. It’s a new world in the travel accommodation industry, and many hoteliers are uncertain how to navigate these platforms in a way that delivers results.
A recent article on PhocusWire captures some of the most relevant questions and concerns that affect hotel and resort managers today - particularly on Airbnb. Common questions revolve around pricing competitively on-platform, tracking the performance of listings, and effectively communicating with guests. The great news is: Jetstream is YOUR multi-purpose tool to navigate these waters successfully.
Here are 4 of the top ways that Jetstream can help your hotel or resort find success on Airbnb:
1. Pricing accommodation competitively
One of the most vital ingredients for Airbnb success involves setting the right price for your listings. Your competition consists of private owners who often have no problem yielding their rates to fill their single units for a night or two. We understand that this isn’t how your hospitality business works. Our channel coordinators and revenue managers monitor your listings and offer suggestions to keep your prices competitive – from applying well-timed promos, to yielding rates at certain times of the year when occupancy is lower.
2. Staying on top of new and evolving trends and regulations on vacation rental platforms.
One of Airbnb's newest regulations directly affects the fee structure for hotels and other hospitality businesses on-platform. While private owners receive their commission from Airbnb’s “shared host and guest fee” commission model, hotels are now required to abide by a “host-only” fee structure. Due to this structure, an additional 14% to 20% fee will now be factored into your rates on Airbnb. Your Jetstream account manager will work with you to ensure that you are priced competitively, despite any new or updated regulations. They will also help you navigate dealing with regulations that don’t compliment your usual way of doing business.
3. Keeping track of listing performance in a way that is both informative and relevant.
A number of tools are available to help you understand your market… and your competition on Airbnb. However, as you enter the homesharing space, you might be wondering about where to find data that is directly relevant to YOUR hotel or resort, and the performance of your listings. Jetstream can provide you with this tailored and highly-relevant data. Our in-house data specialists will compile reports for you to track the performance of your listings so that you can always make good, informed decisions.
4. Maintaining up-to-date content and consistent communication with guests.
The challenge of consistent contact is a new one for resorts and hotels. Airbnb’s unique structure demands that you communicate with guests on-platform, review them after their stay, and respond to their reviews on-platform. Your listing’s content will also need to be consistently updated with any closures, renovations or construction that may affect guest experience and lead to bad reviews. When you get in the Jetstream, you’ll be working with a team of Guest Experience Specialists to communicate with your guests and address their questions or concerns so that they arrive, and depart, with a smile. In addition, our Content Experts ensure that your listings are fully optimized and accurate so that guests are informed at all times.
When it comes to having your listings perform on Airbnb, Jetstream is your full-service solution. Make an appointment to chat with our team today and discover how getting in the Jetstream will bring you the results you want.
