iTrip Vacations: A Galveston Success Story
May 17, 2021
Remote work looks set to stay and online schooling is on the rise as returning to school after COVID-19 remains a touchy topic for many parents. Those with the financial means are escaping the rat race and continuing their day-to-day activities from the comfort of a second home outside the city. There are currently over 9 million second homes in the US and second home purchases are driving the surge in real estate sales with twice as many sales in January than the previous year.
The vacation rental industry is growing at an unprecedented rate despite the pandemic, and private rentals continue to outperform the hotel sector. A new wave of consolidation, mergers, and acquisitions continues to shape the future of our industry and the vacation rental franchise model is becoming more popular as property management companies seek to break into new markets and offer new destinations to their guests.
iTrip Vacations Galveston minority and military veteran business owners, Winter and Lonnie Bush, were recently showcased among leading franchise business owners across the world in the February 2021 issue of Franchise Journal magazine.
“Owning and operating a local short-term rental property management company presents rewards and challenges,” says Winter. “The most fulfilling aspect of operating our iTrip franchise business is seeing our vision come to fruition year after year. It’s like watching a child transition from an infant to a toddler – it’s not always easy, but it is very rewarding.”
Winter and Lonnie have enjoyed unexpected success in the short-term rental space despite the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic. They continue to build their presence in the Galveston vacation market, partnering with local businesses, investing in the community, and offering their guests unparalleled customer service.
Winter says “The vacation rental industry has had an amazing trajectory over the last 10 years and continues to grow even during these unpredictable times. As traveler confidence increases, we anticipate active spring and summer seasons and look forward to serving more short-term rental property homeowners.”
Traveler confidence is indeed at an all-time high with the news of vaccination roll-outs and relaxed travel restrictions for vaccinated Americans. Property Managers across the US are already seeing a surge in bookings and record occupancy levels for the summer months and the good news for Winter and Lonnie, beach destinations are trending!
Vacation Rental Franchising
A vacation rental franchise presents a business opportunity that suits your lifestyle and allows you to live and work in your dream destination. Founded in 2008, iTrip Vacations is one of the fasted growing franchising businesses in the private accommodations sector with over 2,500 properties in 100 resort destinations across the US and Canada.
Vickie Storm, V.P. of Franchise Development for iTrip Vacations says “Now more than ever, we see people looking for a new chapter in their career and their life. Our franchise model offers a way to own a business without starting from scratch. Our franchisees receive training, technology, processes and marketing – all of which have been successfully duplicated and proven over time. iTrip Vacations provides a fresh start for your new chapter with hundreds of exclusive territories available.”
iTrip’s proven franchise model provides its franchisees with all the tools to build a thriving vacation rental property management business, in a dream location, with success!
What are the benefits of a Vacation Rental Franchise?
Franchising gives you the automation, efficiencies, and marketing strategies you need to operate your business, without any industry experience!
Let’s take a quick look at the benefits of a vacation rental franchise:
- Low initial investment
- Exclusive territory for your destination
- Create your own lifestyle and work from home
- Industry-leading technology and award-winning software at your fingertips
- State of the art operating systems in place
- Digital branding and marketing strategies to drive rental traffic and market growth
- Large distribution channels to reach a broader audience
- Customized content for your business
- Extensive hands-on training so no industry experience required
Congratulations to Winter and Lonnie Bush on their iTrip Galveston success story!
