Booking Agent/Travel Agent Requesting a House Tour

[Suzzanne0]

Hello. I have a travel agent requesting to tour my home prior to finalizing a reservation for their client. Is this standard practice in Cape Town? (The booking travel agent has 4.9 stars and has dozens of good reviews both as a guest, host, and from hosts who have rented to their clients.) If this is a standard practice, what are they looking for? Thank you.

[Rebecca]

Hi @Suzzanne0 👋

Thanks so much for your question. Do they book this as a third party, or would it be through Airbnb for Work? I'll tag in @Linda-and-Peter0 and @Shelley159 - although not from Cape Town, they may be able to advise you. 😊

[Suzzanne0]

Thank you.

[Shelley159 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Suzzanne0 

I can confirm it's absolutely not standard practice in Stellenbosch, which I'm sure is close enough 😀

My money is on the fact that this agent (whom you say has reviews as a host) is trying to find a way to see the listing and to meet you in person. They will then probably try to strike some sort of deal with you, asking you to allow them to take bookings on your behalf. There may or may not be an actual potential guest lined up. Even if there is, the agent certainly has no intention to book through Airbnb.

If it were me, it would be an immediate "no" on the first suggestion of a viewing.

Even if you consider using the services of an agent, I would be concerned that an individual who works in the travel industry and has a profile as both a guest and a host on Airbnb, feels comfortable violating Airbnb's terms of service in such a direct way.

Here's the Airbnb policy about parties asking to visit a listing before booking:

When a guest asks to visit your home before booking - Airbnb Help Center

[Suzzanne0]

Thank you. I did decline the request with a polite "as a fellow Air BnB host, I am sure you understand the risks involved in this type of request." I truly appreciate your time and perspective. As a new host, it has helped me tremendously.

[Devid12]

I handle “agent tour” requests by keeping all messages on Airbnb, confirming the end guest’s name and reason for travel, and starting with a short virtual walk-through. If an in-person visit is still needed, I offer a 15–20 minute, chaperoned look at common areas only, no photos, scheduled between turnovers; to avoid curbside waiting, I’ve had visitors use a point-to-point car ** Does your agent share the guest’s profile and agree to a quick virtual tour before coming?

**[Link removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]