By Daniel from Spain and @Felicity11 from Australia. Members...
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By Daniel from Spain and @Felicity11 from Australia. Members of the Host Advisory Board.
In Pride month we want to raise...
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Who's Checking In? An Exploration of Airbnb Guests and Their Wishlist!
The Vacation Vibes Crew (Leisure Travellers)
Whether it's a vacation or a staycation, the focus is on prevalent trends. Leisure enthusiasts prioritize making travel enjoyable by selecting destinations that provide both diversity and comfort. They seek a balance between relaxation and exploration. Spacious, clean environments with a comfortable and stylish ambiance are particularly appealing. Providing comprehensive local insights on cuisine, culture, and specialties through a detailed guidebook is essential. Additionally, a well-equipped kitchen for the odd hour hunger pangs enhances the hospitality experience. Offering thoughtful pricing options ensures continuous engagement.
The Suit & Tie Squad (Business Travellers)
The discerning business traveler selects accommodations based on essentialities. A convenient location is paramount, prompting them to choose a centrally situated Airbnb for ease of commute. Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi is essential for maintaining connectivity, and a dedicated workspace is beneficial for impromptu work calls. Flexibility is crucial, so they value check-in and checkout times that align with their travel and business' schedules. They favor tranquil neighborhoods that are centrally located yet removed from excessive noise. A restful night's sleep is vital, making comfortable beds, efficient air conditioning, and high-quality linens a priority, along with superior amenities. While they are selective, they are not overly concerned with the details of decor, collectibles, or price.
The Wi-Fi Wanderers (Digital Nomads)
This group represents the Gen Z demographic and their peers, who prioritize flexibility in their living spaces. They consider wherever they reside as their home, office, café, gym, and relaxation area. To ensure their satisfaction, provide stylish decor, technology-friendly spaces, versatile furniture, and reliable internet access (they will request the Wi-Fi password before arriving at your Airbnb). A dedicated work desk helps them stay organized. They are consistently seeking discounts and deals. A fully equipped kitchen along with utility and laundry facilities are essential for them. Keep their preferences in mind (without taking it personally), as they are crucial for generating referral codes and securing repeat bookings.
The Budget Backpackers (Easy Goers)
They are widespread and their inquiries assist in shaping your Airbnb. The destination enthusiasts can transform any location into their cozy retreat, but they are not interested in a five-star price. Forget about extravagant amenities; they prioritize affordability and safety. A clean, simple, and presentable environment with a minimalist style and clear content is inviting to them. They are self-sufficient individuals. While supplies are not essential, they add value. They seek elegance and comfort, with luxury not being a priority. Stay informed about local happenings, as they appreciate receiving local tips. The experience may be brief and budget-conscious, but it is certainly worth appreciating. We might even find ourselves inspired to explore local specialties.
The Culture Buffs (Authentic origins)
The package is yours, but the unwrapping requires a collaborative effort. Welcome culture enthusiasts and tradition seekers. Be the expert and proudly display the decor; they are eager to experience it. Share your collection, reveal your treasures, and evoke emotions. As world travelers, they appreciate those extra touches. Maintain cleanliness and eliminate clutter, enhancing the ambiance with the finest colors. Build trust with reputable brands, utilize additional services, and remember that presentation is crucial. Immerse them in local cuisine, stories, and traditions to ignite their enthusiasm. Attention to detail keeps things engaging, so ensure the best information is prominently displayed. The desire to reconnect is evident; foster community connections and train your team for healthy interactions. Be a friend, thinker, and guide. There's potential for future connections; hosting transcends borders, creating an irresistible appeal. They might extend their stay—hopefully, your calendar is open.
The Super Parents (Families and Kids)
Parenting requirements are extensive yet straightforward. Families seek larger accommodations with open spaces and childproof features, such as protection from sharp edges, safe electrical sockets, and child-friendly essentials like cribs, safe toys, clean sheets, spacious beds, an extra bed, additional supplies, and flexible check-in and check-out times to accommodate special circumstances (oops ! my baby is sleeping and I cant ,pack right away!). A spacious, fully-equipped kitchen is essential. Family-friendly amenities, including board games and a comprehensive entertainment package with full TV channel access, are highly valued. Ideally, the location should be in a quiet neighborhood that remains undisturbed by external noise while being tolerant of in-house disturbances. Convenient access to a parking spot that accommodates an SUV is crucial. Proximity to family-friendly attractions is advantageous. Exceptional hospitality is essential, with a readiness to handle minor incidents like broken glassware. A first aid kit should be readily available among other supplies. While the experience is enjoyable, it can be exhausting, so selecting an appropriate pricing strategy that includes additional services, extra charges is important to maintain efficiency.
The Luxury Lovers (Ultra Clientle)
Luxury with comprehensive amenities is undoubtedly a winning choice. It should be a remarkable, secluded, and Instagram-worthy retreat. Envision chic, stylish interiors, innovative concepts, and exceptional comfort. First-rate services, a private pool, lush green surroundings, patios, aquascaping, and more are essential. A sophisticated in-house catering service with a wide array of options is necessary. Exclusive locations and private areas are advantageous. Amenities and services should rival those of a hotel brand, with the added benefits of privacy and indulgence. Popular tourist destinations and modern locales are highly sought after. Price is not a concern; the focus is on unparalleled comfort and excellent service. While there are seasonal demands, substantial returns are assured.
The Health Hustlers (Medical Tourists)
There is a consistent demand for accommodation options near medical centers and specialty care providers. These should offer clean, quiet, and stress-free environments. Ensure reliable power backups, especially in the Indian context. Accessibility features must adhere to standards, be well-documented, and clearly presented. Anticipate the needs of your guests and be prepared to accommodate them. Longer stays and repeat bookings are likely. Maintain cleanliness with fresh linens (white is recommended), high-quality cleaning supplies, water purifiers, sanitizers, washing machines, and efficient waste disposal systems. Pricing should be considerate, with options for emergency cancellations. Be open to providing additional services, emotional support, and maintaining regular communication.
The Thrill Seekers (Adventure & Nature Lovers)
In the wilderness, hiking trails, steep cliffs, designated bonfire areas, winding streams, fishing equipment, tents, sleeping bags, a camping stove, BBQ grills, and bicycles. Are these part of your amenities list? Each element offers a thrilling adventure. Display your boots, a cowboy hat, world map wall art, and travel souvenirs in a rustic setting. Enhance the outdoor experience with the sounds of chirping birds, crickets, fireflies, and your dog as company. Eco-friendly accommodations, pristine landscapes, treehouses, mud walls, natural utensils, attics, and bunk beds contribute to the charm. Your pricing is your strength, self-assessed. It may not be in high demand, but it consistently receives excellent reviews because the connection with nature is the main attraction. Word spreads rapidly, making you the preferred destination for a select few.
The Lovebirds & Party Planners (Special Occasion Travellers)
Craft extraordinary experiences with your distinctive flair. You excel in creating surprises, transforming stays into memorable occasions. Your boundless creativity sets you apart. Personalized services, festive atmospheres, exotic themes, exclusive venues, private events, and special occasions are consistently in demand. Your expertise includes candles, cakes, champagne, fireworks, flowers, fragrances, cuisine, gifts, and themes. You have the freedom to set your own pricing. While hosting can be demanding, it is immensely rewarding and places you in the spotlight.
GatherEase (Families & Friends | 15-30 Guests)
Large family reunions and friend gatherings require spacious accommodations, child-friendly setups, and flexible sleeping arrangements to ensure a comfortable stay for all ages. A well-equipped kitchen, BBQ stations, and ample dining space cater to communal meals, while entertainment options like bonfires, karaoke, and board games enhance social bonding. Privacy and exclusivity are key, making standalone properties or large villas ideal. Tailored packages, such as private chef services, event photography, or guided local experiences, can add value. Pricing should be dynamic, with higher rates during peak seasons, discounts for extended stays, and tiered pricing for varying group sizes. Marketing should target family travelers and group planners, using social media ads, guest testimonials, and partnerships with event organizers to highlight the venue’s suitability for celebrations and reunions.
SyncUp Summits (Corporate Team Getaways | 10-30 Participants)
Corporate teams seek a balance between productivity and relaxation, requiring high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and meeting areas alongside team-building and wellness activities. A well-equipped conference room with projectors and whiteboards, combined with breakout zones and outdoor spaces, fosters creativity and collaboration. Guided team-building experiences, adventure activities, or farm-based leadership exercises add value, while on-site catering and wellness add-ons like yoga or meditation sessions enhance the retreat experience. Pricing should reflect premium corporate exclusivity, with weekday discounts, hourly rental options for workspaces, and early-bird deals for advance bookings. Marketing efforts should focus on LinkedIn, corporate travel platforms, and partnerships with HR professionals, business consultants, and event planners to position the stay as an ideal off-site venue for team bonding and strategic planning.
Passion Quests (5-20 Participants)
Passion-driven travellers—such as astronomy enthusiasts, farming learners, photographers, or yoga groups—prioritise hands-on experiences, access to specialized equipment, and expert-led sessions. Properties catering to these groups should offer stargazing setups with telescopes, organic farming workshops, or nature photography trails, ensuring a fully immersive experience. Dedicated learning spaces, open-air classrooms, or farm sheds can serve as collaborative hubs for workshops and discussions. Curated weekend retreats with structured itineraries, guest expert sessions, and rental options for specialized gear add value to the experience. Pricing should be structured around experience-based packages, with group discounts and customized add-ons for extended sessions. Marketing efforts should focus on social media groups, niche travel platforms, collaboration with influencers in specific fields, and direct partnerships with hobby clubs and educational institutions to attract passionate communities looking for unique getaways.
Understanding the needs and desires of those you encounter is essential for achieving success and maintaining stability. Be prepared to adjust your listing to attract the appropriate audience, enhance guest satisfaction, and receive exceptional reviews. Happy Hosting! 😄
Dr Jayanthi Ilamurugu
Super Host
Community Leader - Host Club of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, India
