Why you shouldn’t be scared of Airbnb
At the mention of Airbnb, you might shudder as you feel a sense of anxiety sweep over you, as an accommodation provider.
This booking site built on the sharing economy has probably changed your approach to business.
It’s immensely popular and used by travellers across the globe — many of them millennials — and it’s causing the average daily rate (ADR) of major hotel chains to come down.
But you don’t need to be scared of Airbnb. In fact, quite the opposite. You can take its popularity and use it to your bed and breakfast’s advantage.
Why accommodation providers are scared
Hotels are worried because Airbnb is growing more popular by the minute. Millennials, in particular, enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture and they value experience over added amenities.
Rather than staying at a chain hotel with a pool, on-site fitness centre and continental breakfast, they would prefer to stay in a unique and authentic local accommodation where they can feel a part of the community they are exploring.
In addition, hotels are frustrated because Airbnb hosts are not held to the same regulations as they are. Hotel operators are lobbying for increased regulations of Airbnb.
Why yours shouldn’t be
But you don’t need to be nearly as scared.
There are many travellers who aren’t comfortable booking over the platform, because Airbnb is not subject to the same regulations as other accommodations providers, forcing some to question its safety and its reliability. Some travellers might have tried it and come away being disappointed with the end product.
The fact is that Airbnb’s popularity proves that more travellers are looking for small, local and intimate places to stay when they visit a new destination. They may not feel comfortable with Airbnb, but they may still want to find someplace a little more personal than a hotel room in the middle of the city.
This is where you come into play. You can market your unique options and personalised service, and grab the customers who aren’t ready to book over Airbnb.
How to compete
• Market what makes your property different. Showcase the amenities that you have that homes and apartments may not be able to offer. Promote your guest lounge, a tea room or a fountain garden.
• Invest in your website. Use high-resolution photographs and make sure that it’s responsive. Allow people to book on mobile devices.
• Become a local expert. Know your region of the world, and offer value-added services that will enhance the guest experience.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
