Winning new guests is every property manager’s mission, but did you know it’s much cheaper and more effective to focus on those who’ve already booked stays at your properties? Shift your rental occupancy strategy toward gaining guest loyalty this year and see a boost in future bookings.
The likelihood of guests returning to a vacation rental hinges directly on their experience and satisfaction. Memories have become more valuable to people than material possessions, making it essential to create the perfect setting and support your guests in planning their desired trip. This approach increases their return on experience (ROE) and boosts your chances of gaining repeat bookings.
Here are the five best ways to give your guests a five-star experience that keeps them coming back every season:
5 Easy Ways to Create Return Guests
1. Understand Their Needs
Knowing what your guests want from their stay is the first step to offering an exceptional experience. Research shows that two-thirds of customers expect companies to understand their needs. Staying informed on industry trends allows you to personalize your properties to meet evolving guest expectations.
Current trends include:
-
Smart home technology
-
Sustainability
-
Wellness-focused amenities
By aligning your offerings with these trends, you can create a stay that resonates with today’s travelers.
2. Offer Incentives
Loyalty cards, reward points, and discounts are powerful tools for encouraging repeat stays. Everyone loves a good deal, and providing these opportunities adds value to your properties. Partner with local attraction providers to offer guests free day passes or discounted activities for every day of their stay—a win-win for your business and the guest experience.
Another effective strategy is launching a referral program. Word of mouth drives trillions of global sales annually and is a strong revenue driver often underestimated. Studies show that up to 78% of people talk about their favorite experiences at least once a week. Leverage this by incentivizing guests to spread the word about your rentals.
3. Create Unforgettable Experiences
Guests vacation to make lasting memories, and you can help by ensuring their experience is unforgettable.
-
Assist with Trip Planning: Provide recommendations and easy access to the best local restaurants and attractions or offer discounts to nearby activities. Make it as easy as possible for guests to achieve their dream vacation, and they’ll be more likely to return. Services like Xplorie can help you create a lasting impression and keep your guests coming back for more.
-
Accommodate Large Groups: Set up your rentals with large dining tables, spacious lounges, or outdoor seating areas to cater to families and groups. This trend continues to grow, with AirDNA reporting a significant increase in bookings for 5+ bedroom rentals in recent years.
4. Deliver Quality Customer Service
Quality customer service is more important than ever, especially for Millennials and Gen Z travelers. Over half of Millennials admit they’d switch to a competitor after a single bad experience.
Since unexpected issues can arise, how you handle them is critical. Prioritize clear communication and ensure guests have access to support throughout their stay. Quick, informative responses can turn potential complaints into opportunities to build trust and loyalty.
5. Focus on Convenience
In today’s hyper-connected world, guests expect instant access to information and seamless service. Many travelers mix work with vacation time or value every minute of their time off, making convenience a top priority.
-
Implement Contactless Technology: Streamline processes like check-in with digital solutions.
-
Offer Self-Service Options: Use in-app tools or automatic chat technology to let guests resolve issues independently.
Guests increasingly prefer digital self-service for its efficiency, with younger generations especially valuing this convenience. By adopting these tools, you can provide a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Loyal customers can significantly contribute to your business’s success, so it’s crucial to focus on delivering an exceptional stay for your existing guests. By personalizing experiences, embracing technology for convenience, and providing top-notch customer service, you can create a memorable vacation that guests will want to relive—again and again.
