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Access to a Growing Market
With its rise in popularity, Airbnb has opened doors for both local and international travellers looking for unique and flexible accommodations. While hotels and resorts often rely on traditional booking systems or partnerships with travel agencies, Airbnb offers access to a broader market.
For example, we helped a mid-sized resort in Cebu list a few of their villas on Airbnb during the low season. They were able to attract budget-conscious travelers who might not have otherwise booked directly through the resort’s website. The result? A 15% increase in off-peak bookings!
Airbnb allows hotels to maintain flexible pricing and listing types, letting you cater to different guests—whether they’re looking for a single room or an entire villa.
Setting Up Your Airbnb Listing
Setting up your listing is one of the most crucial steps in making sure you stand out in the highly competitive market.
Choosing the Right Listing Type
Start by deciding what type of listing best suits your hotel or resort. Are you offering an entire villa, a private room, or something unique like a beachfront cabin? Each type of listing appeals to different types of travelers, so choose wisely.
For example, one of our clients, a boutique resort in Palawan, decided to list their seaside bungalows as individual units instead of renting out the entire resort. This decision brought in more bookings from solo travelers and small groups looking for an intimate getaway.
Writing an Effective Listing
Your listing needs to sell your space, not just describe it. Highlight unique features of your property, such as proximity to tourist attractions, beautiful views, or local cultural experiences.
Don’t forget to include keywords that will help your listing appear in searches, such as "luxury resort in Cebu," "beachfront property," or "family-friendly accommodation."
For more tips on showcasing your property, take a look at our Budget Planning for Hotel Supplies: Tips for Small Hotels in the Philippines blog.
Pricing Strategy for Maximum Bookings
Dynamic Pricing for Peak and Off-Peak Seasons
One of the advantages of Airbnb is the flexibility it offers in terms of pricing. Use Airbnb’s dynamic pricing tools to automatically adjust your rates based on demand, local events, and seasonality.
For instance, a hotel we worked with in Boracay regularly adjusts their rates depending on the season. They noticed that setting higher prices during peak tourist seasons didn’t deter guests—instead, it helped maximize revenue.
Offering Special Discounts
Special offers and discounts, like early bird discounts or long-term stay discounts, are proven strategies for attracting guests. Offering deals for weekly stays or giving discounts to first-time guests can help keep your rooms filled, even during the low season.
For more insights on pricing strategies, read our blog Comparing Prices: Where to Get the Best Deals on Hotel Supplies.
Managing Guest Expectations
Clear Communication is Key
Managing guest expectations starts with clear communication. Respond to inquiries quickly, and make sure guests know what to expect when they arrive. Whether it's check-in details, house rules, or directions to your property, the more transparent you are, the smoother the experience will be for both you and your guests.
A hotel in Manila that we service implemented an automated messaging system that confirmed bookings, provided check-in instructions and even offered recommendations for nearby restaurants. Their guests appreciated the proactive communication, and their reviews improved dramatically.
Setting Clear House Rules
It’s important to establish house rules that align with your property’s standards. This could include policies on noise levels, smoking, or even the use of hotel amenities. Be upfront about these rules in your listing, so guests know what’s expected.
For example, a resort we work with in Tagaytay clearly outlines its rules on quiet hours and pool use. Guests appreciate the clear boundaries, which leads to fewer complaints and smoother operations.
To make your hotel even more guest-friendly, check out Essential Cleaning Supplies for Every Hotel.
Maintaining High Guest Ratings
The Importance of Reviews
Positive reviews are crucial to your success on Airbnb. Guests rely heavily on reviews when choosing where to stay, so ensuring a great experience is key to receiving those five-star ratings.
For example, a boutique hotel in Siargao saw an uptick in bookings after consistently receiving glowing reviews. They credit their success to attentive service, clean rooms, and personalized touches like leaving a welcome note for each guest.
Managing Negative Feedback
While receiving negative feedback is inevitable, how you handle it makes all the difference. Address any issues promptly and professionally, and offer solutions that improve the guest’s experience. Turning around a negative review with excellent customer service can even earn you loyal, repeat guests.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations in the Philippines
Navigating Airbnb Regulations
While Airbnb is a great platform, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with local regulations regarding short-term rentals. Make sure you check with your local government or city hall for the most current rules regarding taxes, permits, and guest documentation.
In 2021, a hotel owner in Baguio faced issues for not properly registering their Airbnb activity, leading to fines. Since then, they’ve worked with local authorities to ensure compliance, allowing them to continue hosting without any legal troubles.
Handling Taxes and Fees
Airbnb automatically collects certain taxes in some regions, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re compliant with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other relevant authorities. Understanding local tax requirements will save you headaches in the long run.
For more information on legal compliance, check the Department of Tourism’s regulations on accommodations.
Optimizing Your Airbnb Listing for Visibility
Use Relevant Keywords
Airbnb’s search algorithm favors listings with relevant keywords, updated calendars, and competitive pricing. Be sure to use descriptive terms in your listing that travelers are likely to search for, such as “family-friendly resort in Palawan” or “luxury beachfront property in Cebu.”
Keep Your Listing Updated
Updating your listing frequently signals to Airbnb’s algorithm that your property is available and well-maintained. Adjust your pricing for local events or peak seasons, and always ensure your calendar is up to date.
A boutique hotel in Davao that we worked with found that simply updating their listing's availability more frequently led to an increase in last-minute bookings, especially from international travellers.
Offering Additional Services for Extra Income
Airbnb Experiences
Airbnb now offers the ability to host “Experiences,” allowing you to create unique activities for your guests. Whether it’s a guided tour of local landmarks, a cooking class, or a snorkelling adventure, these experiences can boost your revenue while giving your guests unforgettable memories.
Upselling Hotel Amenities
Offering additional services such as airport transfers, spa treatments, or in-room dining can enhance your guest’s stay and increase your overall revenue. By bundling these services with your Airbnb listing, you can provide added value that encourages guests to choose your property over others.
Conclusion
Hosting on Airbnb in the Philippines is a fantastic way to reach new customers, increase your hotel or resort’s visibility, and grow your revenue. By setting up an appealing listing, managing guest expectations, and keeping your property well-maintained, you can ensure long-term success on the platform.
Remember, success comes down to offering a great guest experience, staying responsive, and continually optimizing your listing. Whether you’re running a large resort or a small boutique hotel, Airbnb provides endless opportunities to boost your business. So why not start hosting today and watch your occupancy rates soar?
For an additional guide, check out this article: https://www.airdna.co/blog/airbnb-guidebook-how-to-create-a-guide-guests-will-love
For more practical tips on how to run your hotel efficiently, check out our Complete Guide to Hotel Linens and other resources available on Allora Linen's blog.
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