6 Ways Holiday Homes will Change in the Future

6 Ways Holiday Homes will Change in the Future

The pandemic has reshaped the future of holiday homes in ways no one expected. Most vacation home owners and operators hope that with improved safety standards and efficient use of technology, vacation rentals can continue in a new form, as lockdown restrictions ease in several GCC countries and across the world. The holiday home industry is eager to adapt to the new travel habits after the pandemic.

The key to thriving as a holiday home provider post-pandemic is to concentrate on the following:

1.   Domestic travel will be on the rise

Domestic travel will also be a significant business pattern shift from international travel. Due to the relaxed local restrictions, we will see more local staycations, since holiday goers prefer domestic options for safety and to reduce risk exposure. The offer of staycation packages for locals and residents will encourage them to stay at your vacation home and boost local tourism.

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to curtail international travel, a campaign to promote domestic travel in the UAE generated about AED1 billion ($272 million).

2.   Emphasis on Higher safety & hygiene standards

To ensure that their guests feel safe and secure, holiday home providers should invest their resources properly. This means keeping the weekend house rental clean will be considered more important than the amenities included. Making sure the employees who handle the guests follow strict safety protocols. Safety kits, as well as hygiene kits, should also be available for guests.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE Government introduced several safety standards for tourism and retail establishments. As a result of these safety standards, tourists and customers can be confident that they are safe and healthy while visiting these establishments, thereby increasing tourism and economic growth. For example, Dubai Assured stamps, the 'Go Safe' certification program, Bureau Veritas (BV) certification, and mandatory COVID-19 tests are part of Dubai's safety standards.

3.   Focus on longer holiday home stays

It would be beneficial for holiday home providers to streamline their operations so that they can focus more on improving the length of their guests' stays. It is imperative to devise monthly offers to attract as many residents.

4.   Return on Experience (ROE) concept

Now that the pandemic has come to an end, travelers are looking for experiences that provide value - enrich their lives, and create memorable experiences. Today's travelers expect holiday home providers to cater to their needs and wants actively. Thus, keeping a primary focus on improving their ROE—Return on Experience will be a plus for vacation homes. Customer experience management is essential to achieving a return on experience.

5.   Increasing revenue through technology

Health and well-being arise from safety, which is a basic human need. It is important for vacation home operators to provide a safe environment for their guests. Guests can be kept safe using contactless technology during a time when it is encouraged to minimize face-to-face contact. Through guest messaging tools, guests can ask questions, ask for recommendations, and request services from the vacation homeowner on their mobile devices.

One way holiday home providers can lower costs and increase revenue is by utilizing technology. Guests will appreciate options such as self-check-in, paperless contracts, and contactless payment solutions, among other advancements in easing a contactless process all throughout.