Tips for property owners
When potential guests attempt to identify possible accommodation for their travels booking engines including Airbnb, Holiday Lettings and Homeaway, immediately request the following information:
1. Destination;
2. Date of check-in and check-out; and
3. Number of persons seeking accommodation.
Destination
Every destination has its own unique attributes and the purchase of the property in such an area would be a decision taken by the property owner due to a range of aspects.
Not all accommodation in a particular area may be appropriately market priced thus it is imperative that a close analysis is undertaken of the going rate for the area and if your property is located outside of the key tourist areas whether you will be able price yourself to compete for the excess demand. For example, guests seeking accommodation in St Julian’s may be willing to consider properties in Swieqi, Sliema, San Gwann, Madliena and other areas.
Date of check-in and check-out
Keep your calendar up to date and if you are using multiple booking engines you may wish to use the syncing tools, thus reducing the hassle of updating all your calendars and just maintaining one master calendar. Also, with an updated calendar you do not receive requests for dates that you are unable to satisfy, making the booking process more time efficient for both parties.
Number of persons seeking accommodation
This attribute can have a large bearing on the number of properties brought up in the search results. For example a person looking for accommodation for one person with an unlimited budget may have hundreds of properties to choose from. It is important that your property has an appropriate bedstock and accompanying bathroom facilities without negating on the guest experience.
