Newsletter March 24 2024

Owner Spotlight – Cultivating a Community of Excellence!

At the core of our STR community are owners like you—visionaries, hosts, and champions of the unique Virginia Beach experience. Turning your property into more than just a place to stay; you've made it an integral part of the guests' journeys. Your dedication to enhancing guest experiences through local culture, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities exemplifies the impact of our community's shared values. Engagement and collaboration are key. By participating in events like the Cocktail Mixer, we not only enrich our own ventures but also contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the entire STR ecosystem.

📅 Upcoming Event: STRA Cocktail Mixer

Date: April 4th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: El Mexsal (Mexican and Salvadorian food)
Address: 401 N Great Neck Rd #105, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Designed to foster connections within our community, the STRA Cocktail Mixer offers a relaxed setting for owners to share experiences, insights, and ideas. Whether you're a new owner or a seasoned expert, this event is a not-to-miss opportunity for learning, networking, and contributing to our collective success.

Why You Should Attend:

• Networking: Build relationships with fellow owners, share stories, and create a supportive network within the industry.

• Learning: Discover new strategies, learn from the challenges and successes of others, and stay updated on the latest industry trends.

• Support: Explore how you can benefit from and contribute to the STR community's collective knowledge and initiatives.

• Voice: Offer your insights and suggestions on how we can together enhance the STR market to be more vibrant, sustainable, and guest-focused.

The Impact of Getting Involved

Engaging with the community through events like the mixer is vital for fostering a thriving STR business environment. It's where we inspire and get inspired, where partnerships begin, and where we build a support network that benefits all. Together, we can advocate for our collective interests, drive innovation, and ensure a prosperous future for every member of the STR community.

Join Us at El Mexsal

Circle April 4th on your calendar and come down to El Mexsal for an evening of camaraderie and collaboration. Let’s continue to weave a network of support and excellence that benefits our businesses, our guests, and the broader Virginia Beach community. We will have announcements at 6 PM. We're looking forward to a productive and enriching evening with you at El Mexsal!

For those interested in sharing their STR experiences or learning more, we invite you to connect for inclusion in our next newsletter.

Political Pulse

This is very important to take some time and mull over. As STR operators, owners, and property managers, we are seeing those opportunities to own our own share of the cake dwindle. So I took that as a chance to have a conversation with her about the trials and tribulations of the STR community and what that means to us. I explained the information that I have been discussing since I started this newsletter and with the addition of the other things I have been doing behind the scenes.

When I asked her about her position of STR’s, she answered that she supports STR’s and she wants to see them be more consistent and successful. When I mentioned how we view the city as being adversarial, she was a little shocked, but wanted to understand to a greater level as to what is going on.

While I poured over the information that I have and situations of how the city is being aggressive with us, she said that she wants to get more information and bring it up to the city attorney and with the enforcement department. While I don’t expect changes overnight, I can see that she is wanting to investigate how changes can be made at the city council level that will change how it is managed.

We also discussed the overlay zones and how they negatively impact participation within the STR community. Too many people are dealing with the inability to become part of this and it is a part of the cities past. While we are unable to change this today, there is hope. I think she is open to what we want to see.

Q&A Corner

What are effective ways to market my vacation rental during off-peak seasons to maintain steady bookings?

Marketing your vacation rental during off-peak seasons requires a thoughtful and innovative approach, focusing not just on sustaining bookings but on creating memorable experiences for guests and supporting the broader community of owners. As a market leader with a wealth of knowledge, our strategies are designed to reflect a deep understanding of guest needs and a commitment to the success of fellow vacation rental owners. Here are effective ways to market your vacation rental during the quieter months, showing care for your guests and contributing positively to the vacation rental community:

1. Tailor Experiences to Off-Peak Travelers

Identify the unique needs and preferences of travelers likely to book during off-peak seasons, such as retirees, remote workers, and couples seeking a quiet getaway. Customize your offerings to cater to these groups. For example, provide work-friendly amenities for remote workers or romantic touches for couples. This targeted approach not only enhances the guest experience but also positions your rental as a thoughtful and accommodating choice.

2. Promote Local Events and Attractions

Work closely with local tourism boards and businesses to stay informed about off-season events, festivals, and attractions. Promote these activities through your marketing channels, highlighting how guests can enjoy a richer, more authentic local experience during their stay. This collaborative approach not only boosts your bookings but also supports the local economy and fosters a sense of community.

3. Offer Special Rates and Packages

Introduce special rates, discounts, or packages to make your rental more attractive during the off-peak season. Consider packages that combine accommodation with local experiences or amenities, such as a spa weekend or a culinary tour. These value-added offerings not only entice bookings but also enhance guests' overall experience, encouraging positive reviews and repeat visits.

4. Leverage Social Media and Content Marketing

Use social media and content marketing to showcase the unique appeal of your area during the off-peak season. Share beautiful autumnal scenes, cozy winter interiors, or the serene beauty of early spring in Virginia Beach, for example. Engaging content that highlights the charm and possibilities of the off-season can inspire travelers to book a getaway.

5. Encourage Longer Stays with Incentives

Attract guests looking for longer stays by offering incentives such as a free night when booking a week or a discounted rate for month-long stays. Longer stays fill your calendar and reduce turnover, making it easier to manage your rental. This approach also appeals to remote workers, snowbirds, and anyone looking for an extended change of scenery.

6. Cultivate Repeat Business and Referrals

Build strong relationships with past guests through regular communication and updates about your rental and the local area. Offer them special return visitor rates or referral discounts to encourage repeat bookings and new guests. Personal touches and appreciation for their business can turn happy guests into loyal advocates for your rental.

7. Invest in Professional Photography

High-quality, professional photographs can make your listing stand out, especially when showcasing your rental's off-peak appeal. Whether it's the warm glow of a fireplace in winter or the vibrant colors of fall foliage, professional photos can capture the imagination of potential guests and draw them to your listing.

8. Highlight Reviews and Testimonials

Showcase guest reviews and testimonials that highlight the unique benefits of staying at your property during the off-peak season. Positive guest experiences can be incredibly persuasive, encouraging others to book your rental when they see the value and enjoyment others have had.

By adopting these strategies, you not only maintain steady bookings during off-peak seasons but also demonstrate a caring and innovative approach to vacation rental management. This approach not only benefits your guests, offering them unforgettable experiences and value, but also elevates the vacation rental market as a whole, contributing to a supportive and thriving community of owners.

Feel free to send in your questions to [email protected]. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of the STR market and succeed in your ventures. Stay tuned for more insights and answers in our next issue!

Services Spotlight - SOJO

The integration of SkyRun with SOJO brings significant benefits to vacation rental owners by streamlining the provisioning of essential guest amenities. This partnership combines SkyRun's expertise in vacation rental management with SOJO's efficient supply of housekeeping-approved essentials, from bathroom amenities to kitchen and pantry necessities. The month-to-month subscription model, reliability with a 99% on-time delivery guarantee, and commitment to sustainability through carbon-neutral shipping enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, making the management of vacation rentals more convenient and eco-friendly.

Industry News

The verification process is gradually being rolled out in select countries, with plans to expand throughout 2024. Hosts with new or existing listings will be notified about the verification methods applicable to them, which could include photo matching, video recording, having someone else verify on their behalf, providing documentation, or entering a unique security code received by mail.

Here are the key points to note:

• Purpose of Verification: To detect fraud and boost guest confidence in the authenticity and location accuracy of listings.

• Verification Timing: Hosts will be prompted to verify both new and existing listings, with a set timeframe provided for completion to avoid booking restrictions or cancellations.

• Verification Methods: Options include matching photos, recording videos, third-party verification, documentation, or a security code, depending on the host's situation and listing location.

• Privacy and Data Use: Information collected during the verification process is protected under Airbnb's Privacy Policy, used solely for verification purposes, and shared only with authorized third parties assisting in the process.

• Support and Troubleshooting: Airbnb offers guidance for navigating technical requirements, such as app updates and camera permissions, and emphasizes the importance of quality in submission materials for successful verification.

This initiative underscores Airbnb's commitment to maintaining a secure and trustworthy platform for both hosts and guests by ensuring listings are genuine and accurately represented. Read more on AirBnB.

Vrbo removed its machine-learning photo sort feature

Vrbo has now rolled back the testing of the hero image test due to considerable feedback from PMs and owners. If you were not aware, Vrbo rolled out a feature that automatically picked the hero image that was shown to guests. This created a lot of feedback from everyone and they have chosen to pull the feature.

Tips and Advice

In our Tips and Advice Section, let's delve into the nuanced world of cancellation policies. Striking the right balance between protecting our revenue and offering fairness to our guests is crucial. Best practices include:

• Flexible yet Firm: Adopt policies that provide you security during peak seasons, while offering some leeway for unforeseen circumstances.

• Clear Communication: Ensure guests are fully aware of your cancellation policy at the time of booking. Transparency builds trust.

• Compromise with Compassion: Consider offering travel insurance options or credits for future bookings as an alternative to refunds, blending flexibility with financial prudence.

This approach not only safeguards our interests but also fosters a caring relationship with our guests, enhancing their overall experience and encouraging repeat stays.

Upcoming Events

• Speak up at the Planning Commission

  • Norfolk – Mar 28^th

    • Meeting 1 PM

    • Public Hearing 2:30 PM

• Concerts

  • Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

    • Hozier May 15th

    • NEEDTOBREATHE May 26th

  • Chartway Arena

    • Alabama Apr 25th

    • Taste of India Apr 20th

    • Sum 41 May 19th

  • Norva

    • Blue October Mar 27th

    • Cannons Apr 5th

    • City Morgue Apr 9th

• Highlighted

  • Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo Apr 13-14

  • East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic Apr 20th

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Contact Me: [email protected]

This newsletter was paid for by SkyRun Virginia Beach.