3 Ways for Vacation Rentals to Attract Business Travelers
How to Get Business Travelers
Business travel may have taken a hit during the pandemic period, but it is back with even more of a vengeance than ever before. Close to 1 trillion dollars was spent on business travel last year, and more and more vacation rental owners are taking notice of this segment’s reinvigoration following 2020’s disastrous lows.
So how can you appeal to business travelers and those who now have the freedom to work from anywhere with an Internet connection? Today, we’ll share 3 easy ways you can attract business travelers and remote workers to your short-term rental.
Upgrade Your Vacation Rental Amenities to Appeal to Business Travelers
Business travelers are often used to traveling in first class and staying in top-of-the-line luxury hotels and accommodations, so to attract them to your vacation rental, you’ll have to really step up your game when it comes to amenities. There are certain things that business travelers need to have in order to complete their work responsibilities, along with other amenities that busy workers desire, such as:
Dedicated Workspace: There’s nothing business travelers and remote workers crave more than an inviting workstation. Ensure you pick a comfortable chair to go along with the desk and offer plenty of places for guests to plug in their various devices. Also, try to choose a relatively peaceful part of the home for your workstation–workers won’t want any distractions or disturbances, especially during video calls and meetings.
Blazing Fast Internet Connection: In order for business travelers and remote workers to complete their daily tasks, the Internet is not just a wishlist item–it’s required. Pick a modem and router that your guests can rely on to prevent any Internet connectivity problems.
Well-Stocked Coffeemaker: Caffeine is a must for any overworked business traveler, and it can be a pain for workers to have to travel outside of the vacation rental to get their coffee fix each morning. A well-stocked coffee maker or espresso machine can go a long way in attracting business travelers to your short-term rental.
Washer and Dryer: No one wants to look scruffy and disheveled when attending work meetings or important conferences, so it’s important to provide business travelers with ways to keep themselves fresh, like a washer and dryer or an iron and an ironing board to bust away those wrinkles.
Home Fitness Center: It can be tough to stay fit when you’re always on the road, so business travelers and remote workers appreciate when their accommodations give them the ability to do so. Installing a full home gym can be an expensive endeavor, but buying a weight set, a few resistance bands, and a yoga mat is a good starting point.
Ways to Unwind and Relax: Traveling for business can be a stressful endeavor, so provide your guests with ways to relax and unwind, whether that’s by purchasing a cozy couch to sit in front of the fireplace or going all-out to install a hot tub on your property.
Highlight Features Business Travelers Want in Your Listing
Now that you’ve turned your vacation rental into a business traveler’s paradise, it’s time to update your listing to reflect that and let potential guests know that you are a business-friendly rental. When you’re working on your listing description, be sure to highlight the types of amenities we’ve listed above, along with any other amenities that you think a business traveler might enjoy, such as a hot tub for them to relax in after a long day of work and meetings.
Another important aspect to highlight in your listing is your location. Are you close to any large conference centers or corporate headquarters? If so, are they accessible by public transportation so that business travelers won’t have to shell out money for an Uber? Be sure to mention these things in your listing, because it not only signals to potential guests that you’re a perfect fit for an out-of-town conference or retreat, but it also shows that you are catering to business travelers as a whole and know your audience well.
Offer Flexibility With Check-In and Check-Out Options
Checking in and out of a vacation rental shouldn’t be a hassle for any of your guests, but this holds especially true in the case of business travelers. Oftentimes, these types of travelers have no control over when their flights and meetings are scheduled, meaning that it can be hard for them to get the timing right for check-ins and check-outs.
To better appeal to business travelers, it’s important to offer some flexibility when it comes to early check-ins and late check-outs. While offering this flexibility can make it more difficult for you as a vacation rental owner to schedule necessary things like post-checkout cleanings and inspections, it shows your business traveling guests that you truly care about their needs. This can go a long way when it comes time for them to leave you a review, which in turn can help more business travelers to learn how perfect you are for their next business trip.
Find Out More Ways to Make Your Rental Stand Out
Business travel may not be quite back to its pre-pandemic peaks, but it is still a booming industry that short-term rental owners should pay close attention to. By upgrading your amenities, highlighting features that business travelers want in your listing, and offering increased flexibility when it comes to checking in and out, you can signal to these travelers that they’re more than welcome in your home.
Searching for a few more ways to set yourself apart from the vacation rental competition? Check out our data-driven breakdown of short-term rental platforms or our guide to creating a pet-friendly rental.