Vacation Rental Owners and managers are faced with one of the most challenging rental seasons in 2017 as HomeAway moves to the "Best Match" business model and away from the subscription level choices. No longer will the property owner or manager be able to purchase premium listings to move listing to the top of the searches. One fee listings are now offered. Travelers will be matched to properties through an algorithm giving priority to the listings that allow online bookings on their sites. This business model is well known to Expedia who recently acquired HomeAway and VRBO. Online travel agencies like Expedia and Airbnb have been charging travelers for years who book on their sites. Many loyal HomeAway/VRBO travelers are calling the shift the "Worst Match:.
To assist VROwners in filling their 2017 calendars, Alabama Coastal Properties, Inc. has partnered with RedAwning who will market our property listings on multiple media channels such as Booking.com, FlipKey, Expedia, and Airbnb, along with many other similar online travel agencies in an effort to minimize the end consequences to the VROwner. It is yet to be seen if the market will absorb the increased expenses for their vacations.
What this really means..... Rates and occupancy can be affected by this industry evolution. At, ACP, we are addressing these industry shifts by being proactive in educating our previous travelers to book direct.
- Our comprehensive marketing and management plan will engage travelers to book direct on our company site.
- Our social media profiles are in place to give your Vacation Rental even more online exposure.
- Our partnerships are in place with local chambers and the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Our participation with online travel agencies are in place for 2017.
- Our direct snail mail and e-mailers will be used to reach rental prospects.
- Our Micro Site program gives VROwners an avenue to book their Vacation Rentals direct with friends and family through their very own website.
- Our association memberships are in place to be our advocate for protecting the industry we serve.
- Our professional photography, videos, products and linens are all premium quality services provided at no fee.
- Our vendors are staffed and ready to help us create Happy Vacations.
Alabama Coastal Properties, Inc. charges competitive commissions, pays all credit card fees, offers hybrid maintenance programs and provides a complete business plan to create a road map to success. Don't let the larger companies lead you to believe that smaller companies can't compete in today's markets. At Alabama Coastal Properties, Inc., we have solutions that take all the stress out of owning vacation rental property. We look forward to serving you!
Call us to get your business plan in motion 251.981.2345. We look forward to serving a great 2017 Vacation Rental Season!
