I’m writing this weeks blog from Barcelona, on a trip checking out the eco-credentials of hotels using the Travelife system for which I’m a registered auditor. It’s been an interesting week, and on the whole I have been impressed with efforts in Catalunya to promote more sustainable tourism. But as the shift from pre-packaged holiday hotels to independent self catering breaks gathers momentum, I can´t help wondering where holiday rentals fit in to this whole idea of sustainable travel? Can, or indeed should, holiday property owners be doing more to be eco-friendly? Read more
Revealed: The Extras Your Holidaymakers Want
/0 Comments/in Business Planning, Guest Service, Holiday Rental Blog, Industry News /by Louise BraceSelf-catering holidays used to be simple affairs: rudimentary facilities and little opportunity for holidaymakers to find out much about where they were staying before they arrived. That’s all changed with the rise of the internet and social media. Read more
What Happens When You Aim for A Holiday Niche… And Deliver!
/0 Comments/in Business Planning, Guest Service, Holiday Rental Blog, Marketing Tips, Villa Marketing Spain /by Louise BraceA couple of weeks ago I received a lovely email from one of our villa owners in Spain, with a glowing testimonial from some repeat guests she had staying. The villa is marketed by an agency we work with, family holiday specialists Tots to Travel, with whom the guests had booked their stay. Read more
Should You Advertise Your Holiday Property Address?
/2 Comments/in Advertising, Facebook, Holiday Rental Blog, Marketing Tips, Twitter, Web Design /by Louise BraceDisclosing the exact address of your holiday property is something that causes great debate among the holiday lettings community, and with good reason.
How To Ensure Your Holiday Property Appeals to The ‘New Middle Class’
/0 Comments/in Business Planning, Holiday Rental Blog, Marketing Tips /by Louise BraceA report in The Sunday Times at the weekend stated that 7 out of 10 Britons describe themselves as Middle Class. There were various sub-groups under this banner, but then it went on to name “50 things that make you middle class”. I’ve had a quick scan through and picked out the ones that should ensure your holiday property will appeal to 70% of the British (all written with my tongue very firmly in my cheek I have to point out!). Read more
5 Easy Ways to Run a More Eco Friendly Rental
/4 Comments/in Business Planning, Eco-Friendly Rentals, Holiday Rental Blog, Villa Marketing Spain /by Louise BraceI’m writing this weeks blog from Barcelona, on a trip checking out the eco-credentials of hotels using the Travelife system for which I’m a registered auditor. It’s been an interesting week, and on the whole I have been impressed with efforts in Catalunya to promote more sustainable tourism. But as the shift from pre-packaged holiday hotels to independent self catering breaks gathers momentum, I can´t help wondering where holiday rentals fit in to this whole idea of sustainable travel? Can, or indeed should, holiday property owners be doing more to be eco-friendly? Read more
Do You Have a Wear and Tear Fund for your Holiday Rental?
/0 Comments/in Business Planning, Guest Service, Holiday Rental Blog /by Louise BraceAre you a non-resident holiday rental owner? If so it’s likely that sometime in the next few weeks you may be going to visit your property to check it at the end of the summer season and prepare it for winter. Read more
Does Your Holiday Rental Need a Spruce Up?
/0 Comments/in Business Planning, Holiday Rental Blog, Interior Design /by Louise BraceThe Holiday Lettings industry has a very seasonal nature, that’s why its important to take stock towards the end of season and begin thinking about your low season to do list. So, has your holiday rental property had a bit of a battering this season? Are you planning on a bit of a spruce up this winter? Read more
Why Holiday Rental Owners Should Take Tips From Fashion
/0 Comments/in Facebook, Holiday Rental Blog, Marketing Tips, Pinterest, Social Media, Twitter /by Louise BraceIt’s not normally a world in which a hotel or rental owner would look for advice (except perhaps in terms of interior decor) but the fashion business is a leader in using social media to engage and excite their customers. As an industry that actively chases the ‘new’ it isn’t surprising that fashion bloggers and new social platforms are snapped up by those always looking for ways to either find out what’s up and coming or create it themselves. Read more
Dealing With Unusual Events in Your Holiday Rental Business
/0 Comments/in Holiday Rental Blog, Marketing Tips, Social Media, Villa Marketing Spain /by Louise BraceThe 2012 holiday season has been quite an unusual year for businesses catering to British holidaymakers thanks to some extraordinary events. Amongst these have been the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, then the World Olympic Games and Paralympics which seem to have gone on for the whole summer. Events have been taking place across the whole country to tempt holidaymakers into staying in England and enjoying the fun. Read more
Security Deposits – do you or don’t you?
/1 Comment/in Business Planning, Holiday Rental Blog /by Louise BraceWhen starting a holiday rental business setting up a security deposit arrangement seems to be the obvious thing to do. It will guard you financially against damages, is easy to manage and “everyone” does it. But does it really and do they really? Here are some pros and cons of security deposits based on our experience of running holiday rentals… Read more