As Andy Williams would sing: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, it’s the happiest season of all.” And after the way 2020 has been progressing, there are many families, businesses and individuals looking to escape and enjoy the magic that is the holiday season.
As professionals in the short-term rental space, I think it is our responsibility to accelerate this experience and bring the spirit of the season to guests. As property management companies and professional hosts, here’s how you can make sure your guests enjoy festive experiences at your properties:
Christmas Eve & Christmas (December 24th – 25, 2020)
I am sure everyone has a listing or two (or even more) that they are extra proud of. Consider decking them out with visually-stunning Christmas decor and create a deal for families looking to stay over the holiday, but prefer not to bring along their own decor. You can highlight these listings as “decor already included” and visually merchandise them to prospects, noting that this type of stay comes at an additional cost. Consider including twinkle lights and stockings, whilst for other listings you may choose to include a Christmas tree.
You may be already thinking that these listings are already booked over Christmas. That’s okay – you can always market this package to confirmed guests at an additional cost. And remember, when deciding what listings to choose, consider location: The City Centres of beautiful major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Brisbane, etc.), the inner-city areas and never forget the surfing Santa locations like Bondi Beach.
Boxing Day (December 26, 2020)
As a lot of hosts don’t permit checkouts on Christmas Day, extend your services to guests over Boxing Day, offering amenities to help them enjoy the national shopping event of the year. You can provide tablets with catalogues of the best deals this year (or even go old-school and leave them new catalogues on the dining room table).
This is super relevant when it comes to listings that are close to major shopping centres so that guests can avoid getting into crowded trains. If you’re in Sydney consider promoting these locations: Paramatta, Bondi Junction, Sydney CBD or Cronulla/Miranda.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day (December 31, 2020 – January 1, 2021)
With the new year upon us, many are relieved to leave 2020 behind. If you’re in Sydney, you might not know if the famous NYE fireworks are happening. However, it doesn’t hurt anyone to have a great view of the Sydney Harbour.
If you do, ensure you market your listings as an experience to ring in the new year with a view and consider offering a package that delivers a 3-course gourmet meal to the property from a top-notch restaurant nearby. These add-ons enhance the guest experience and make sure those staying in your listings are experiencing the holiday safely, while also having a taste of luxury.
If you do happen to have a great view of where the fireworks will be, you can include photos from last year’s display to entice travellers to book with you. Crowds may not be allowed this year and it may be virtual (like the Melbourne Cup), but anyone within proximity will still be able to experience their magic.
Remember, New Year’s Eve is all about convenience, luxury, beauty and new beginnings. Make that the theme of your marketing campaign!
Happy Holidays!
I hope that this has inspired you this holiday season and that you have great success and special time with your families. If you adopt any of these strategies and they have really worked for you, send photos and success stories to us at team.anz@guesty.com.