VRMA : Arrival: Columns

Driving the Industry Forward

By: Jason Voelpel | Mar 27

This year is off to a great start—not too long ago, I returned from the 2023 Spring Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. At this year’s event, the keynote and breakout sessions were outstanding, the networking opportunities were lively, and the exhibit hall was full of impressive booths and discussions.

Your People Are Your Superpower for Increasing Direct Bookings and Guest Loyalty

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 20

At a recent VRMA event, one of our long-term KTN clients introduced me to a new member, adding a resounding endorsement something like: “Doug’s company does an amazing job training and coaching our people on reservations sales and guest hospitality.”

Putting Your Standard Property Appearance into Daily Practice

By: Michelle Williams | Feb 27

At the recent sold-out VRMA International Conference in Las Vegas, I had the pleasure of facilitating a table at the VRHP Roundtables session. The topic of my table was “Standard Property Appearance (SPA) and Service Standards.”

Direct Booking: A Priority in 2023?

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 20

Short-term rental bookings may be surging this year, but hosts and property managers face headwinds from another direction: an increase in supply, the return of the gap night, and a cost of living crisis.

Looking Forward to the Future

By: Jason Voelpel | Jan 17

As I write this, I’ve recently returned from the VRMA International Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s so exciting to see our industry come together again after being apart for so long. The energy, passion, and positivity of VRMA members is unmatched.

Why Vacation Rentals Are a Sustainable Travel Choice

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 5

In the travel industry, sustainability has been one of the biggest buzzwords of the last couple of years.

What’s Smart About Vacation Rental Properties?

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 24

Since buying a rental property in North Carolina last year, I’ve been making it a smart home. I live near Washington, DC, which means I keep an eye on my rental mostly from afar. Outfitting my property with smart tools is not only for the ease of renters but also to protect my investment.

Josh Sundquist on Persistence

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10

The VRMA International Conference, held this year October 23-26 in Las Vegas, is the biggest and most comprehensive event in the vacation rental space. It’s a one-stop shop for industry education and networking, including enlightening keynote speakers.

Holly Stiel on Creating a Culture of Service

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 3

During the VRMA International Conference, Holly Stiel—a speaker, trainer, consultant, coach, author, and president at Thank You Very Much Inc.—will deliver the general session keynote, “Service is a Gift: How to Create and Sustain a Culture of Service.”

The Best Airbnb Data and Analytics to Optimize Your Listing

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 2

A data-driven approach to managing your Airbnb business can help you get booked more often and show up higher in search results. Check out our list of the most effective Airbnb metrics to optimize your listing.

Are Smart Locks Worth It? 5 Common Smart Lock Myths: Busted

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 2

Locks have come a long way. Gone are the days in which a simple lock and key secured your doors. Now, smart locks are everywhere. With progressions in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dependability plus safety improvements to hardware, smart locks are one of the smartest and safest access solutions.

What ‘Professional’ Means for Cleaning

By: Michelle Williams | Sep 12

With the updated VRMA definition of “professional”— “taxpaying, local, and consistent in their high standards”— cleaning and other operational processes have a clear role in both the “local” and “consistent” pillars.

An Industry Overhaul: Keeping Up With the Rise of Guest Demands

By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16

To say the vacation rental industry has undergone a shakeup in the last couple of years would be an understatement. Every year we invite property managers to let us in on various aspects of how they run their business and complete an annual survey.

Keeping Pace with Industry Growth Post-Pandemic

By: Miller Hawkins | Jul 15

The short-term rental industry is strong and growing, but now, more than ever, it’s important for professionals in our industry to stay on top of the trends so we can continue to thrive.

Why Vacation Rental Properties Need an Internet Reboot

By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 5

Recently, we surveyed technology buyers (including owners and managers of rental properties. Recurring issues respondents face are power interruptions and glitchy routers, which break Wi-Fi connections to devices like smart thermostats, smart TVs, and security cameras at their properties.

Fulfilling Demand Smartly

By: Vincent Breslin | Jun 13

How do I fulfill demand in a profitable and sustainable way? The good news is that there is a way to do this. It’s all about running your vacation rental business with optimal efficiency, and here’s some ways you can do just that.

3 Ways to Add Sustainability and Value to Your Vacation Rental Business

By: Jim Netska | Jun 7

Many businesses in the vacation rental industry are taking action by adopting environmentally friendly practices and putting long-term strategies in place. But how can they act practically in the short term to reduce their carbon footprint in their day-to-day operations while adding value?

Airbnb Horror Stories and How to Avoid Them

By: RemoteLock Marketing, RemoteLock | May 31

My story begins on what I thought was a peaceful Thursday night in Kona, Hawaii. I had just finished streaming my favorite murder mystery (with absolutely zero thought that I’d soon be featured in one of those Airbnb horror stories everyone’s heard about), and was ready to bundle off to bed.

The New Minimum Standard for Vacation Rentals

By: Jeff Iloulian | May 23

In the face of increased guest expectations, growing competition in the space, and heightened regulations, there is a new minimum standard for success in this industry.

Summer Focus: Building a Better Guest Experience

By: VRMA Administrator | May 3

The summer of 2022 offers golden opportunities for ambitious vacation rental operators. There’s one easy upgrade you can make to your property that’s both a desirable amenity for guests and an operationally efficient wonder for owners: a modern access control solution.

The Distribution Train Is Leaving the Station—Are You on It?

By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 25

The best booking is a direct booking. It’s every property manager’s most profitable and preferred channel; however, it can seem elusive with the prevalence of online travel agencies. These websites offer incredible exposure but relying on them as your only source for bookings can be a major pitfall.

What’s Good Around Here?

By: Matthew V. Loney, Loney | Apr 11

Today, almost every property manager’s website has an area of their site that focuses on the destination itself. But what are the benefits of engaging with local tours and activities?

Top 15 US Cities to Invest in a Short-Term Rental in 2022

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 28

When investing in a short-term rental (STR), location can make all the difference in your success. Whether you are making your first or your 100th short-term rental investment, Beyond is here to help. Reach out for a demo for more information.

How to Train Your Reservations Team to Sell Travel Insurance

By: Douglas Kennedy | Mar 22

These days, nearly every vacation rental client company I conduct reservations and hospitality training for offers travel insurance. This is a win-win for everyone.

4 Ways to Secure More Direct Voice Bookings

By: Douglas Kennedy | Mar 15

If you have not done so recently, now is a terrific time to remind your front-line reservations sales agents of the importance of securing direct “voice channel” bookings.

The Playbook for Growing Your Business in 2022

By: Andrew Bate | Mar 1

We are all seeing high guest demand and out-of-the-ordinary booking behaviors. Our team could barely get out of the office to attend the 2021 VRMA International Conference in San Antonio, and I imagine your business was the same.

Do Vacation Rental Companies Really Need ‘Enterprise’ Software?

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 1

Chances are, you don’t think you need “enterprise” software. If your operation is small and not trying to grow, you’re probably right. But after a remarkable couple of years, many PMCs are finding that scalability and performance quickly pay for themselves.

Why Property Management Firms Should Leverage Mobile Marketing

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 22

When leads come in from lead feeders, property management firms have to share the revenue from those bookings with those lead feeders. If you want to maximize revenue, then, you want customers to book with you directly. So, how can you stay in touch with new customers?

What Lies Ahead in 2022 for the Vacation Rental Industry?

By: Jeremy Gall | Feb 15

This time last year, I would bet that the majority of vacation rental operators were incredibly uncertain about what the future held in 2021. Fast forward to today, and we not only have a much clearer picture of the state of the industry, but we also have a huge amount of optimism...

Futurizing: Metaverse, Remote Working, and How We Meet the Demand for Places to Stay

By: Jessica Gillingham | Feb 7

I recently watched Mark Zuckerberg’s video release announcing his company’s rebrand to Meta and his plans for Facebook’s Metaverse. In the video, Zuckerberg talks a lot about what he sees as the future of Web 3.0 and how we will all be living in parallel virtual universes that seamlessly integrate.

Communication: A Key Factor in Guest Satisfaction

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Last spring, I took my first trip in over a year—a novel concept considering the state of the world we live in today. Unsurprisingly, my vacation was different from those I’ve taken in previous years, and as a traveler emerging from the pandemic, I had different expectations and sets of criteria.

New Year, New You: Better Revenue Performance in 2022

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 14

Insights for an even better revenue performance in 2022, to help hosts & property managers mitigate the surprises that may still arise, anticipate market trends, drive demand, and position their properties for success.

Back to Basics: Revisiting Your Property Standards

By: Michelle Williams | Jan 11

Your company’s property operations team performs a wide variety of tasks that must be completed on a regular basis, whether those tasks be daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. But if you don’t have the details of those tasks well-documented, you are wasting time and money.

Maximizing Sales Via Textual Communications

By: Douglas Kennedy | Jan 4

As is the lodging industry in general, resorts and vacation rental companies are well aware that direct bookings not only help hold down the “costs of acquisition,” but also increase our guest loyalty to our brands and not to a distribution channel partner.

The Business of Business Travel & the Short-Term Rental Sector

By: Jessica Gillingham | Nov 29

There’s much to be excited about in the vacation and short-term rental industry right now. With challenge and disruption comes opportunity. New ways of working are emerging, new markets are opening, and we’re looking at old problems with a fresh perspective.

Keeping Up With Your Local Government

By: Greg Holcomb, MPA | Nov 9

There are two acts you can take to help you keep up with what happens in your community: following local government agendas and building relationships with local officials. These tips can help you focus your efforts and stay informed with public discourse regarding your business interests.

Expedia Group Research Shows Changing Guest Priorities

By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 1

Expedia Group research brings data insights to help property managers provide an elevated guest experience and further drive reservations and revenue.

New Research Reveals Price No Longer Primary Driver of Travel Decisions

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 26

New research from Expedia Group, called the Traveler Value Index, reveals shifting views on travel, including positive sentiment on vaccine passports, increased budgets, and an enduring demand for safety and financial security.

Toward a Better Booking Window

By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 21

We need a better booking window metric; something that can express each daily micro-environment on your calendar. We propose the Prime Booking Window. Let me show you how we use it at Buoy.

3 Tips for Marketing to the New-Age Digital Nomad

By: Vered Raviv Schwarz | Sep 1

Although booking patterns will continue to fluctuate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is one persona that will keep traveling: the Digital Nomad 2.0.

Five Disruptive Technologies Changing Vacation Rentals

By: Jessica Gillingham | Aug 26

Here are five technologies set to disrupt as well as add value to property management and the guest experience during 2021.

The Big Three: Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR

By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16

Searching for the key to optimizing your company’s performance? It’s all about understanding the Big 3: Occupancy, Average Daily Rate, and Revenue Per Available Rental Night.

Focusing Forward

By: Toby Babich | Aug 11

On May 14, 2021, the VRMA community was finally able to gather, in person, and again experience something long dormant and desperately missed within the vacation rental industry.

Understanding the Difference Between 'Hospitality' and 'Guest Service'

By: Douglas Kennedy | Jul 28

Why understanding the difference between “hospitality” and “guest service” is crucial. These terms are often used interchangeably, yet while they are related—and while guest satisfaction requires both—they are fundamentally different concepts.

The Fight Against Short-Term Rentals and Affordable Housing

By: Greg Holcomb, MPA | Jul 21

I often receive emails from VRMA members asking for talking points to fight back at the most-cited issue with short-term rentals: affordable housing.

Why Brand Partnerships Matter in the Vacation Rental Industry

By: Marcus Rader | Jul 15

The recent news that demand for vacation rentals in the U.S. has overtaken that of 2019 levels has been a breath of fresh air for an industry wracked by travel uncertainty over the last year and a half.

Unlocking the 3 Keys to Summer Success

By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 23

Arrival spoke with Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, on the top three things property managers should keep in mind as the busy summer months continue, dynamic pricing, post-pandemic travel, and more.

Building a Portfolio in a Vacation Hot Spot: The Story of Mexico's Florence Sayulita

By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 14

Roger Bal fell into vacation rental management almost by accident. Thinking about the future, he decided to turn his attention to building a vacation rental property in Mexico.

The Acceleration of Contactless Tech Adoption in Vacation Rentals

By: Jessica Gillingham | Jun 3

A lot of positive change has happened and will happen as a result of the pandemic.

The Spirit of Hospitality Flows like Currency: Your Heart Is The Power Bank

By: Douglas Kennedy | May 20

Have you ever walked into work at your vacation rental company and immediately recognized that today is going to be one of those days? It’s almost like someone posted a sign at the staff entrance to make it official.

Advocacy Spotlight: Lincoln County, Oregon

By: Matthew Curtis | Apr 26

In Lincoln County, Oregon, a group of vacation rental managers are trying to help create good rules that will address community concerns while pushing back against bad suggestions that would drive up the cost to local taxpayers and force the industry underground.

Advocacy Spotlight: Central Florida Counties

By: Matthew Curtis | Mar 29

When Vacation Rental managers need support with government regulations the VRMA advocacy team is quick to help.

Advocacy Spotlight: Glynn County, Georgia

By: Matthew Curtis | Mar 23

Vacation Destinations are facing increasing challenges from government regulations. In Glynn County, Georgia VRMA members worked with the local government to create a positive outcome.

Homeowner Acquisition and Retention: Using A 'Tech for Touch' Approach

By: Douglas Kennedy | Mar 17

The vacation rental niche has done extremely well during this pandemic era, with locations and accommodation types that are ideal for socially distanced vacationing. Therefore, the biggest issue facing most VR managers is to keep the inventory they have and to find new owners to join their program.

Missionize Your Mission Statement

By: Douglas Kennedy | Mar 3

In my job as a hospitality industry trainer, familiarizing myself with each client’s company culture involves, among other things, determining what if any statement of mission, values, or vision they have in place.

How Property Managers Can Adapt to the 2021 Vacation Season

By: Sean Miller | Feb 22

In this article, Sean looks at how the 2021 vacation season will be different from years past due to COVID-19 and provides rental managers with ways that they can prepare their properties while also competing for bookings.

The Safest Way to Change a Light Bulb

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 10

As you evaluate your operation’s safety protocols, here are few critical items to review and consider.

Less Work, More Bookings

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 3

Marketing is complex. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes. By using a few key resources and letting technology do some of the heavy lifting, you can market your vacation rental properties more effectively.

2021: The Year of Operations

By: Jessica Gillingham | Jan 27

As 2020 draws to a close, we can acknowledge that we all have all experienced a great deal of challenge, uncertainty and, at times, absolute turmoil. The impact of the global pandemic has been felt universally and has affected each one of us to a degree—both personally and professionally.

Exemplify The Spirit of Hospitality in The Hiring and Onboarding Process

By: Douglas Kennedy | Jan 20

Lately, I have been reading more and more posts where these members are sharing their experiences throughout the hiring cycle—from application, to interview, to the receipt of an offer, and eventually, to onboarding and “first day” experiences. Others share their views from the other side...

Increasing Owner Acquisition with Trust and Security

By: Andrew Bate | Jan 5

According to Spencer Rascoff, former Zillow Group CEO and co-founder of Pacaso, people’s relationship with their homes — especially their second homes — is shifting in our COVID-19 world. After all, why not relocate for an additional few weeks of the year to a secondary home..?

How to Optimize Your Short-Term Rental for COVID-19 'Workcations'

By: Sean Miller | Jan 5

"Workcations," which once sounded like a good vacation gone wrong, have become popular since COVID-19 turned the world upside down. With professionals and their families largely stuck at home, these working vacations are a way to get a desperately needed change of scenery...

The Spirit of Hospitality is Nurtured by Gratitude

By: Douglas Kennedy | Dec 22

This year has made me realize that it is gratitude, more than anything, that nurtures the spirit of hospitality within us all.

Tell Your Story

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 2

As all of us have worked through the roller coaster ride of COVID-19, one thing remains true: People want to travel to destinations that allow for togetherness and physical distancing.

Consumer Travel Booking Patterns to Guide You This Holiday Season

By: Vered Raviv Schwarz | Nov 16

Based on our data here at Guesty, individuals will indeed be booking trips this holiday season, fatigued from COVID-19 impacting their ability to travel and freely move around. And with second and third waves happening across many regions, the frustration and desire to revenge travel...

The 3 Hidden Costs of Longer Guest Stays in Vacation Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 2

In March, when travel came to a screeching halt due to COVID-19, no one in our industry knew what to expect. However, by summer, we saw a surprising twist. Many people were itching to get out of town — even just to quarantine in a new setting, and Airbnb spending was up by 22% year-over-year in July

The Importance of PR

By: Jessica Gillingham | Oct 27

I run a specialist public relations consultancy so feel particularly excited about this issue of Arrival. It’s an opportunity to educate on PR and why every organization should take it seriously.

Marketing a Culture of Diversity and Inclusion Increases Applicant Pools

By: Sue Jones, MBA, SHRM-SCP | Oct 20

Building a culture of diversity and inclusion begins with evaluating your current workforce, policies and practices. Ask yourself, “do our systems and processes hinder or help our ability to increase diversity in our operations?”

The Importance of Authentic Reviews for Vacation Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 14

Customer reviews, in any business, provide feedback (positive or negative) on a product or service bought or experienced by the reviewer. A guest review of a vacation rental stay can act as social proof of why a future guest should also go ahead and press the "book now’" button.

The Keys to Success

By: Megan Cohen | Oct 7

Throughout the spring and summer, VRMA’s board and staff have carefully navigated the shark-infested waters of 2020, and we are now laser-focused on 2021. This is a pivotal time in our industry. Advocacy, professionalism, partnerships and unity are the keys to a successful future for VRMA.

Member Spotlight: The Value of VRMA

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 6

VRMA's Member Spotlight series continues to recognize active members in the VRMA community. This week, read a Q&A with Lela Ray, InterCoastal Net Designs. Ray shares why she joined VRMA, how VRMA’s benefits and opportunities have impacted her career and more.

Making the Most of Road Trips and New Revenue

By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 2

Helping travelers escape the confines of home while maintaining physical distancing, vacation rentals occupy a unique position in today’s travel landscape. We identify key trends and remind you of actionable ways to make the most of your upcoming reservations.

VRMA State Coalition Effort: Driving Success

By: Matthew Curtis | Sep 30

The State Coalition initiative has been particularly successful. The effort has helped VRMA members to gain a seat in the regulations discussion, and in some cases lead by helping local governments to create effective local rules.

Get Your VR Reservations Team On A QUEST for More Bookings

By: Douglas Kennedy | Sep 29

Over my career in lodging industry sales and service training, I have designed numerous reservations training programs with names like 7-Steps for Reservations Sales Enhancement, Cooking UP New Reservations Sales and Reservations SAILS Training.

Keyless Access Makes Life Better for Vacation Rental Managers and Owners

By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 17

Upgrading your vacation rental locks brings operational benefits, cost savings, and important guest-friendly convenience to any vacation rental property. Remote, web-based access management provides timely control and audit trail visibility that manual key locks simply cannot achieve.

Member Spotlight: Progress Over Perfection

By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 8

VRMA Member Spotlight with Dru Brown, Co-founder of Island Time Hilton Head

VRMA Member Spotlight: Never Stop Learning

By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 25

VRMA's Member Spotlight series recognizes active members in the VRMA community. This week, read a Q&A with April Burns, InterCoastal Net Designs.

A Welcome from VRMA’s New Executive Director

By: Megan Cohen | Aug 11

A welcome from VRMA's new executive director.

Member Spotlight: Don’t Lose Sight of Your Success

By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 4

Read a Q&A with Anna Lewis, head of growth at Gulf Coast Beachfronts. Lewis shares why she joined VRMA, how VRMA’s benefits and opportunities have impacted her career, advice she would give to others in the industry and more.

The Importance of Maintaining Relative Humidity in Your Vacation Rentals

By: Steve Davis | Jul 28

Ensuring properties follow excellent cleanliness and hygiene procedures is a given, but property managers may also want to consider the air quality of their units. Including a simple humidifier in a rental can make a significant difference.

Train Your Staff to Show Hospitality When Enforcing Mask Requirements

By: Douglas Kennedy | Jul 21

Provide your staff with the training they need to de-escalate these encounters in the spirit of hospitality. Here are some tips to share with your guest contact staff.

How to Use Video Email For Personalized, Narrated, Virtual Property Tours

By: Douglas Kennedy | Jul 8

As those who read train-the-trainer articles or attend my workshops know well, I am a huge advocate for using a “tech for touch” approach to stand out from the competition. Read more about using video email for personalized, narrated, virtual property tours.

Obsess On Hospitality This Summer and Turn First-Timers into Loyal Repeat Guests

By: Douglas Kennedy | Jun 24

As in any industry, massive disruption creates massive opportunities. Smart operations and marketing leaders will capitalize on this chance to win the loyalty of first-timers, turning them into this year’s social media promoters and next year’s repeat guests. Here are a few training tips.

9 Tips to Improve Your Forecasting

By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 18

Forecasting is important now more than ever for property managers to anticipate future business performance, deal with future uncertainties and plan accordingly. Here are 9 tips to improve your forecasting methods for better revenue management.

COVID-19 Prompts a Review of Storm Preparation and Disaster Recovery Plans

By: Sue Jones, MBA, SHRM-SCP | Jun 8

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has businesses looking at new ways of doing their work and how that work gets done. To meet operations and staffing requirements, many businesses are expanding their workforce using a mix of employees, contractors and staffing agencies to provide more flexibility.

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