5 essential tips for Airbnb and vacation rentals
International travelers represent an incredible opportunity for short term property managers. With global tourism reaching new heights and travelers increasingly seeking authentic, local experiences, attracting international guests can transform your vacation rental business. Adapting your operation to attract and cater to international travelers over traditional hotels requires some thoughtful preparation, but the increased occupancy and higher revenue potential make it well worth the effort.
Here are five essential tips to help you attract and delight guests from around the world.
1. Attract guests with localized property descriptions
What do a family from Tokyo, a couple from São Paulo, and a group of friends from Berlin have in common? They could all be your next five-star guests – if only they could read your listing. While the world is generally becoming more accessible, language barriers can still prevent you from connecting with a sizable pool of international travelers.
“Charming” and “cozy” might mean different things in different cultures, and you want to maintain control over the content of your listing description instead of relying on automated translations from search engines. That’s where proper localization comes in. When international travelers can read about your property in their native language, they’re not just understanding your listing – they’re imagining themselves there. Modern property management platforms now offer multi-language support, making it easier than ever to create authentic, localized descriptions that resonate with international audiences. Guesty, for instance, enables users to add property descriptions in multiple languages when listing on Airbnb, Vrbo, and your direct booking website.
There’s another powerful benefit to localized property descriptions: enhanced search visibility. When you provide high-quality content in multiple languages, you’re not just speaking to potential international guests – you’re also improving your property’s discoverability across different regions. Search engines recognize and reward well-written local language content, potentially boosting your rankings in regional search results and across various OTAs. This increased visibility can lead to more bookings from international travelers actively searching in their preferred language.
2. Highlight local attractions and experiences
International travelers aren’t just booking a place to sleep – they’re booking a slice of local life. Make it easy for them to fall in love with your area by creating a curated guide to local experiences:
- That hidden gem of a café that serves the best regional specialty
- The weekend market where local artisans gather
- The scenic route to the nearest cultural landmarks
- Those seasonal festivals that even some locals don’t know about
- Insider tips on navigating public transportation like a pro
Consider creating digital welcome guides in multiple languages to help your guests make the most of their stay. Touch Stay, Orana Stay, and Folio all offer excellent digital guidebooks, and they’re all Guesty partners that can be found in our Marketplace. Stay tuned for Guesty’s own guidebook, coming soon!
3. Emphasize unique property features for international guests
Small touches make big impressions. Think about what makes international travelers say “Now this host gets it!” Consider highlighting:
- Universal power outlets (because nobody likes that sinking feeling of realizing their charger doesn’t fit)
- Lightning-fast Wi-Fi with instructions in multiple languages (because posting those vacation pics can’t wait)
- Smart TVs with international streaming options (perfect for those jet-lag nights)
- Kitchen appliances with clear, multilingual instructions
Remember: It’s not just about the amenities – it’s about making guests feel at home, no matter where they’re from.
4. Offer flexible check-in/check-out options
Managing time zones can complicate the check-in process. What’s a convenient arrival time for your international guests might mean an inconvenient hour for you. Modern solutions like keyless entry systems have made this challenge much easier to handle, allowing for seamless self-check-in regardless of arrival time. Tools like our Locks Manager can integrate directly with your property management system, making secure, flexible access simple to manage.
Consider implementing a digital check-in process that guides guests through arrival in their preferred language. This not only makes their experience smoother but also helps you manage multiple properties more efficiently.
5. Support multi-language communication for international guests
Clear communication is the foundation of exceptional hospitality, but language differences can create unexpected challenges. Many potential guests might hesitate to book if they’re unsure about their ability to communicate effectively before and during their stay.
Fortunately, technology has made multilingual communication more accessible than ever. From automated translation tools to AI-powered messaging systems, there are numerous ways to ensure smooth communication with your guests in their preferred language. Solutions like Guesty’s ReplyAI can handle multilingual communications automatically, helping you maintain quick and accurate responses regardless of language barriers. Consider setting up message templates in multiple languages for common situations to make your guests feel even more welcome.
The world is full of adventurous travelers looking for their next perfect stay. By implementing these tips and leveraging smart tools, you’re making your listing more globally attractive.
Ready to go global? Start with that first step – localizing your property descriptions – and watch as the world discovers what makes your property special. After all, great hospitality is a universal language.
A B2B marketing professional with deep familiarity in the short-term rental industry, translating complex ideas into clear, engaging content. Writes blogs, web copy, and industry reports that inform and inspire. Uncompromising on the Oxford comma.
