With the rise of international tourism, short-term rentals have become an increasingly attractive option for travellers from around the world. But attracting these guests requires more than just a good advertisement; it involves knowing their needs and preferences, and adapting the property to offer a comfortable and memorable experience. In this article, we explore how property owners can adapt their properties to attract international tourists and how renters can ensure they find accommodation that meets their expectations.
1. Know Your Audience: What Are International Tourists Looking For in a Vacation Rental?
To attract the attention of guests from different parts of the world, it is important to understand what they are looking for. International tourists tend to prioritize aspects such as:
- Connectivity and location: They want properties that are well located, close to tourist attractions and easily accessible.
- Modern Comforts: From high-speed internet to basic appliances, tourists expect comfortable and functional accommodations.
- Adaptability and multilingual assistance: Guides or instructions in multiple languages and the support of an accessible host are big draws.
Advice for Owners: Research the most popular markets in your area and adapt the property to meet their expectations. This may include improvements to the décor, amenities and surrounding information.
2. Prepare your property for international tourism
To attract guests from other countries, consider making some adjustments that make the experience more enjoyable for international travelers:
- Robust Wi-Fi Connectivity: For travelers, having high-speed internet is essential, not only to stay connected with loved ones but also to plan local activities.
- Secure storage spaces: Offering options to store your belongings and important documents gives travelers a greater sense of security.
- Basic and international amenities: Make sure the property has plug adapters, kitchen utensils, toiletries and local maps. Also consider including welcome details typical of the area, such as an information booklet in several languages.
Advice for Tenants: When looking for a short-term rental, check that the property has a central location, good reviews, and a detailed description of the amenities included.
3. Communicate in Multiple Languages and Platforms
If you want to attract international guests, offering multilingual communication can make your listing stand out on global platforms.
- Announcement in multiple languages: Translating your ad into the languages of your main international tourist markets can significantly increase your reach.
- Multilingual Welcome Guide: Providing a welcome guide in multiple languages with information on appliance usage, property rules, and nearby attractions enhances the guest experience and makes their stay easier.
- Support in other languages: If possible, offer support in additional languages. If you don’t speak the language, use translation apps to make it easier to communicate with guests.
Advice for Owners: In addition to traditional rental platforms, explore global options or tourism networks to expand the reach of your listing.
4. Enhance the Cultural and Local Experience
International tourists value authenticity and want to experience local culture. Incorporating local elements and recommendations can enrich their experience:
- Local and themed decoration: Including decorative touches that reflect the culture or history of the area gives the property a unique identity.
- Local Activities Guide: Provides a list of popular activities, restaurants, and attractions nearby. You can also include transportation recommendations, routes, and local events.
- Personalized experiences: Some hosts go above and beyond by offering cultural experiences, such as local cooking classes or guided tours, to help guests enjoy their stay even more.
Advice for Tenants: Before booking, check out the area and local attractions, as well as any information the host includes about cultural activities. This will help you plan an enriching experience.
5. Flexibility and Services Adapted to International Tourism
Flexibility in dates, check-in and check-out times, and payment methods are attractive to international travelers who often face time and currency exchange challenges.
- Flexible cancellation policy: Flexible cancellation policies appeal to international travelers who may face last-minute changes to their plans.
- Flexible check-in and check-out options: Flexible check-in and check-out options are convenient for travelers arriving on long flights or at odd hours.
- Payment in international currency: Facilitating payment in currencies such as the dollar or euro, or through international platforms, makes the booking process easier for international guests.
Advice for Owners: Offer a cancellation policy and check-in and check-out times that are as flexible as possible to attract tourists who come from other countries and have tight itineraries.
6. Create Ads that Highlight Your Attributes and Advantages for International Tourists
To capture the attention of international tourists on rental platforms, it is essential that your listing is visually appealing and detailed. Some tips include:
- Professional photographs: Investing in good photos makes your property stand out and allows guests to imagine their stay.
- Full and detailed description: Explain the amenities you include, area attractions, and any important guest policies, such as cancellation policy or check-in times.
- Ratings and testimonials: Guests trust the reviews of other guests. Maintaining a good rating and having positive reviews will make you more attractive to new guests.
Advice for Owners: Highlight in your ad all the features that will attract travelers from other countries, such as a central location, easy access to transportation, and international payment options.
7. Offer Accessible and Friendly Customer Service
Excellent customer service is crucial to a good experience in any vacation rental, especially for international tourists. Some aspects to consider are:
- 24/7 assistance: Tourists appreciate having a host who is available to answer questions, provide assistance in case of emergency or recommend activities.
- Digital guide: Create a digital guide with property and contact information, allowing guests to access it at all times.
- Quickly answers: Maintain efficient communication to answer any questions or clarifications before and during the stay.
Advice for Tenants: When evaluating a vacation rental, look to see if the host responds quickly and has a good customer service rating, which reflects their commitment and accessibility.
Conclusion: Attracting and Satisfying International Guests is an Added Value in Temporary Rentals
Attracting international tourists is an excellent opportunity for property owners who want to differentiate themselves and maximize their property’s potential in the short-term rental market. With a focus on adaptability, communication, and exceptional customer service, you can transform your property into a preferred accommodation for guests from around the world.
Tenants, for their part, can find in short-term rentals an authentic, comfortable and affordable accommodation option, which allows them to get to know the destination better. Ultimately, a well-managed and tailored experience translates into memorable stays and positive reviews that will benefit both parties.
