Beautiful, historic Annapolis has plenty to attract tourists. If you bought a short-term rental in this popular tourist spot, you probably didn't worry too much about whether you'd get bookings.
But even top tourist spots have quiet periods, and the secret to vacation rental success is increasing bookings in slow months. Here are some top tips for attracting guests in the off-season.
Provide Discounts for Off-Season Vacation Rentals
The best way to attract customers when demand is low is by offering some head-turning discounts. That approach works well in any business and will work in your rental, too.
Encourage people to sign up for extra nights with incentives for extended stays. Provide generous discounts for last-minute bookings. It will help you fill vacant periods when you're away from peak tourist season.
Talk About Local Events
Just because you are promoting a rental off-season doesn't mean your guests won't have anything interesting to do or see.
There is always plenty to do in Annapolis, so look at monthly events and mention them in your property listing. You could go one step further and contact the organizer for a special discount as an added incentive for potential guests.
Adapt Your Property to the Weather
Off-peak periods like the winter can make guests cautious about holiday properties. They may wonder if your rental is suitable outside of the warmer tourist months.
Turn this into an opportunity by creating an attractive interior perfect for these off-peak periods. Upgrade features like your bathroom suite to make them warm and welcoming. Add cozy decor to your interior, like:
- Throws
- Candles
- Soft rugs
If your rental includes a beautiful outdoor space, you could also renovate these to suit any weather. A sheltered, heated patio or fun fire pit will appeal to guests.
Broaden Your Target Demographic
Short-term rentals don't need to focus solely on the tourist market. There are lots of people looking for a space to get away, such as:
- Remote workers and digital nomads
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners visiting for client meetings
- Workers on short-term contracts
- People visiting family
When marketing your property, consider these demographics and the types of features that might be of interest. Mention fast broadband or connections to major transport hubs, for example.
Create Vacation Packages
Turn your property into an experience by creating an attractive package for guests. It will help you stand out from other properties, which is crucial when marketing at off-peak times. You could offer:
- Spa weekends
- Fine dining packages by partnering with a local high-end restaurant
- Guided tours
Think about creating packages that offer something unique. Uniqueness will make your property memorable, which could also improve your guest reviews.
Attracting Guests in the Off-Season
Attracting guests in the off-season takes a bit of creativity but the effort is worth it. Back-to-back bookings are the best way to maximize your profits with a short-term rental.
PMI Annapolis is part of one of the fastest-growing franchises in the USA, thanks to our commitment to service and our experienced team. Find out how we can help you with your vacation property by heading here.
