Tourism is a cyclical industry. What this means is that there are high seasons of tourism and lower seasons of tourism. As lovely as the wintertime can be, with all of the holiday excitement and Christmas lights, it can be bad news for Airbnb hosts. This is because the season slows down. While it is one of the busiest times of year for travel, many people are traveling to stay with their families. They may also travel a short distance to visit their loved ones during the holiday season. And after the holidays have wrapped up, everyday life commences in the cold. Operating an Airbnb during the winter season can be difficult when things slow down, especially for those who rely on their Airbnb(s) as their primary source of income. However, difficult does not mean impossible. Let’s dive in and find the best steps to optimize your Airbnb during winter.
Why Things Slow Down
As previously stated, the tourism industry is cyclical. The peak time for tourism is usually the summer, between June and August. It is when the weather is most pleasant and convenient because those who have children do not have to take them out of school. While many still travel over the holidays, the reason for the travel is different. Over the summer, many people are likely going to a new destination with their friends or family. During the holidays, many people travel to stay with their families. Because of this, they are also likely to remain with their family, making an Airbnb or hotel irrelevant to them at the time.
Know Your Expenses
Knowing the monthly expenses of your Airbnb is crucial. Being able to sustain your Airbnb through the slow season is necessary for those who rely on Airbnb as their primary source of income. Even for those who only host on the side, your income will take a hit in the slower season, but it is essential to plan ahead and be aware of the cost of maintaining your property. If you do not keep up with your property’s maintenance, you may have more problems when tourism picks up again. By neglecting your property this way, you may find that your pipes freeze and burst during the winter. This can affect your future stays if you find out about it at the last minute and cause further damage to your Airbnb if it goes unnoticed for too long.
Consider Same Day Bookings
While same-day bookings during the regular or peak seasons can be somewhat chaotic, they can benefit your Airbnb business during the slow season. Since things will likely be slower for you, you will have enough time to get these guests and your Airbnb ready for their arrival in plenty of time. By allowing for same-day bookings, you will increase your chances of receiving bookings during the slow season. It will not guarantee anything, but you will have the opportunity to host more stays during the slow season.
Consider New Pricing Strategies
To optimize your Airbnb during the slow season, consider a different pricing strategy. One of the best things to do is drop your prices for the season. Of course, the goal is still to create a profit, so make sure to find the best prices for you and your property. However, a few bookings at a lower cost are better than no bookings at all. Additionally, since dropping your prices has a greater chance of increasing the number of bookings you receive during the season, you still have opportunities to make a profit.
Prepare Your Airbnb For Anything
One of the challenges of hosting an Airbnb during the slow season is distinguishing between high-quality and low-quality guests. Unfortunately, the cold, slower season makes it more likely to receive low-quality bookings. Low-quality bookings are those whose guests are looking to come party. These groups will usually be younger and local to the area, only coming for one night. While it is excellent to get bookings during the slow season, it is important to take appropriate measures to protect your Airbnb from party guests. While it may not be the best option for you to deny these bookings altogether, there are ways you can help ensure your property stays protected from parties. Aside from charging security deposits and making sure your house rules are available. You can install a monitoring device in your home, such as Alertify.
Alertify is a device for Airbnb hosts and hoteliers that monitor noise, cigarette smoke, temperature changes, occupancy, and even mold. It works on a room-by-room basis, and hosts receive customizable notifications if any activities occur. Alertify allows hosts to intervene before any possible damages or noise complaints arise. With Alertify, Airbnb hosts can also view an online portal where they can access reports of what activities occurred and when allowing them to have proof should they need it. Install Alertify today in your Airbnb to keep it safe during the slow season.
