A clean Airbnb rental ready to host guests this festive season. Picture: Supplied
As South Africa’s holiday season kicks into high gear, Airbnb hosts are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year.
According to Lourandi Kriel, CEO of Sweepsouth, with a surge in bookings and back-to-back guests, it can be challenging to maintain the high standards that travellers expect.
“To make things trickier, many domestic workers head home to be with their families, leaving hosts in need of extra support. Your domestic worker may be travelling home for a well-deserved rest, however, the show must go on,” said Kriel.
If you’re an Airbnb host preparing for guests this season, Kriel offers five practical tips to help you stay on top of your game while offering a welcoming and memorable stay for your guests.
Prepare for quick turnarounds
Kriel noted that the holiday season usually brings a rush of bookings that come in quickly and keep you busy.
“You may need to prepare your property for the guests without downtime in-between visits. It's important to have a process set up to handle quick turnaround times so that your place is ready for guests promptly.
“From linen to spotless bathrooms and kitchens, keeping up standards during turnovers is crucial for receiving good reviews and ensuring guests come back again,” she said.
Be prepared for bookings made at the minute
The expert said that spontaneity is an element of the holiday vibe as visitors frequently reserve stays at the eleventh hour.
She added that to stay ahead in the game and cater to these bookings effectively, you might want to think about arranging cleaning services, such as those offered by Sweepsouth or develop a checklist for managing quick turnovers.
“Being prompt and responsive can significantly impact guest impression, great word- of-mouth referrals and, of course, boost your ratings overall,” said Kriel.
Don’t overlook outdoor spaces
Kriel highlighted that during the summer season when the African sun is blazing hot and inviting, travellers seeking a getaway experience will most certainly be spending a lot of their time outside.
“Remember outdoor spaces such as patios or gardens along with pools become key attractions for many visitors. They’ll definitely be eyeing relaxation and leisure activities at rental properties or accommodations of their choice,” she said.
The expert also noted that creating an impression is crucial in making these areas inviting and appealing to guests by ensuring they are neat and well maintained with thoughtful details such as arranging outdoor furniture stylishly and keeping pathways clear for easy access.
“Also maintain the pool's cleanliness to provide that extra 'wow' factor for an unforgettable stay experience,” said Kriel.
Collaborate with experts
She also said that the busy holiday season can get pretty hectic at times, so it’s such a relief to have professionals to help out and ease the burden on you a bit.
“Whether it's cleaning services or maintenance specialists you need assistance from. Having experts ensures that your property remains well-maintained and gives you that sense of security we all crave.
“This kind of support is especially valuable if you're juggling properties or have a jam-packed schedule, with bookings coming in left and right,” said Kriel.
Pay attention to the guest experience
Kriel said that creating an experience for guests is key to receiving reviews and attracting more bookings at your accommodation or rental space.
She said that in addition to ensuring a well-cared-for environment as the foundation of guest satisfaction.
“It's worth considering adding touches such as personalised welcome messages, locally sourced goodies for guests to enjoy or providing information about nearby places of interest.
“These thoughtful gestures can leave a lasting impact on visitors and motivate them to become regular visitors of your place,” said Kriel.