When marketing your vacation rental properties you put much time and energy into the proper method, the message, the branding, price/impact and timing of your plan. You scrutinize every detail. You may look to what has worked in prior years, industry standards, competitors business marketing models or what has worked for your colleagues in years past.
When we work to analyze our part of the industry every year, we do many of the same things to be able to suggest to you items and ideas that will best promote your vacation rental businesses. What have the last 10 years working with our vacation clients told us about the vacation rental business and promotional offerings? What have been the most successful marketing promotions in calling your guests to action? How to keep good homeowners and let them know you care about representing their properties. All of these questions and many more help to guide our recommendations to you.
Why then when dollars are tight would we strongly recommend welcoming and marketing to potential guests traveling with pets?
According to the Travel industry Association 30 MILLION people have indicated that they have traveled more than 50 miles with their pets in the past three years. More than ever people are looking for vacation accommodations that allow them to comfortably bring their pets. A variety of websites actually evaluate how various business rate in offering services to pet traveling families. Americans are spending more and more on their pets and this segment of the economy has seen significant growth. Vacation rental companies need to consider how they can best market to and accomodate this continually growing part of the travel industry.
As an example of what the competition is doing this holiday season, we can point to a large vacation resort that has introduced a program this year marketing to their guests four-legged friends with special rates and amenities. Each is welcomed with a pets brochure, which includes a listing of pet services available at the resort, including dog-walking routes and information on nearby veterinarians, pet shops, groomers, pet attractions, pet-friendly restaurants and other resources. Guests also receive a special pet welcome or amenity kit that includes pet placemats with food and water bowls, dog tags, treats, scoop bags and a “Do Not Disturb” sign that lets housekeeping/maintenance know when a pet is in the home. Pet walking and pet sitting services are available through the companies’ concierge desks.
Saying you have Pet friendly homes is a first step, but truly accommodating, catering to and even spoiling your guests precious companion is critical. What will you be doing to capture the 30 million pet owners that travel with their pets in the next four years?
I wouldn’t travel anywhere that did not spoil my pets. They are as important to me as children are to others. No, I am not saying they are the same rather pet accomodations and special treatment making my travel easier is very, very important to me.
By: Sue on December 3, 2009
at 1:18 pm
“Spoiling” is the right word. There are a lot of lodging establishments that are “pet friendly,” but those of us who consider our dogs our children want that personal pampering of our pooch. Years ago we decided to become a dog friendly vacation rental company and having that niche has given us an edge over our competitors. We have always loved dogs so it was a natural fit and as it turned out an excellent business model. My only advice for businesses thinking about being “dog friendly.” Dog lovers know a fraud when they see one, so make sure you talk to Steve at Beach House Logos or others who have successfully built dog friendly businesses before you start marketing yourself as dog friendly. Woof! Woof!
By: Robert W. Bennington on January 20, 2010
at 6:18 pm