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- 🏠 FHL Abolition Push Back
Welcome to this weeks newsletter. This week we have a well balanced selection of news, tips and information.
Here’s what you will learn in this weeks newsletter:
FHL Abolition Push Back 😠: The latest on how the hospitality sector is pushing back against the abolition of FHL tax allowances, requesting a 12-month delay.
Valentine's Day Travel ❤️: Solo travel searches for Valentine's Day have doubled, with the Cotswolds and Highlands being popular UK destinations.
Record Cotswolds Bookings 🎬: StayCotswold is experiencing record bookings due to TV filming and celebrity residents. How can you benefit from this?
Dynamic Pricing 💰: Beyond have partnered with Booking dot com to enable dynamic pricing.
Luxury Accommodation 🏨: GuestReady has launched 15 luxury apartments in London.
AI Boosts Bookings ✨: Learn how Solana Spanish Villas are using AI to enhancing customer service and direct bookings.
Alternative Platforms 🏠: Platforms such as Plum Guide, Welcome Beyond, Onefinestay, Sonder and Boutique Homes cater to properties with unique decor.
See you next Saturday at 5pm?
Phil
Founder, My Holiday Guide
IN THE NEWS
Abolition of FHL Tax Regime
Representatives from PASC and other industry bodies met with MPs at last weeks UK Hospitality’s annual parliamentary reception. The general view felt was there was significant anger and push back from the industry as a whole, especially due to the combination of increased National Insurance, Business Rates, Minimum Wage increases, and the abolition of FHL allowances impacting the sector.
Further meetings have been arranged with Chris Webb MP who is the new chair of the Hospitality APPG (All Party parliamentary Group) and Saqib Bhaati MP (Shadow Minister for DCMS), with the main push to gain a 12 month delay in the implementation of the FHL Abolition.
If you haven’t done so already, do consider joining PASC or your relevant industry body to support their efforts in representing the sector and influencing government policy.
Airbnb Valentine's Day Travel Trends
According to an article by Airbnb, solo trip searches around Valentine’s Day have more than doubled compared to last year, while duo and group travel searches have also increased.
Popular UK destinations for Valentine’s Day include The Cotswolds and The Highlands.
StayCotswold Highlight Bookings Increase
StayCotswold, a Cotswolds holiday rental agency, have reported record-breaking bookings in January 2025, exceeding the previous year by 34%. They attribute their success to increased tourism driven by the filming of popular TV shows in the region and the presence of celebrity residents.
The company's portfolio has expanded to 245 properties, generating over £11 million in gross booking income.
Does your property have any local filming locations you can reference in your listing description or social media posts? Here’s a website that lists films by location.
Other News
Beyond (a dynamic pricing tool) has partnered with Booking dot com enabling hosts to automatically sync daily and seasonal dynamic pricing and manage their listings seamlessly between the two systems
Property management company GuestReady has introduced ‘The Fitzroy by GuestReady’, a luxury boutique serviced accommodation of 15 units in the centre of London
How AI Is Revolutionising Booking Rates - An Example
In this article, Solana Spanish Villas, a new Tucson vacation rental, highlights how they are using artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically increase their booking rate.
They emphasise that embracing AI is no longer optional for success in the hospitality industry, and Solana's example demonstrates how AI can enhance, not replace, excellent customer service; especially where hosts are embracing direct bookings.
Here is a list of the AI tools mentioned and how they are used:
24/7 Chatbots and Virtual Concierges: These AI-powered virtual assistants provide instant responses to guest inquiries, any time of day or night, regarding local dining or booking activities.
Dynamic Pricing Tools (like Price Labs): These tools adjust nightly rates in real-time based on demand, local events, weather, and competitor pricing, to maximise occupancy and offer good value to guests.
AI Gap-Scheduling Software: This software automatically fills empty nights between bookings by offering discounts for specific dates, thus maximising revenue and minimising downtime.
Predictive Algorithms for "Name Your Price" Features: These algorithms evaluate guest-proposed rates and match them with available inventory to drive last-minute bookings.
Advanced AI Scheduling: AI is used to optimise operational workflows such as coordinating housekeeping and event setups, in order to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
AI for Direct Booking Strategies: AI plays a role in managing guest communications, streamlining check-ins, and enhancing personalisation for direct booking.
OpenAI's ChatGPT and DeepSeek: These are used by the management team for a number of productivity tasks.
How effective is your listing description? Allow us to help you improve your description with our FREE optimisation tool.
LISTING PERFORMANCE & GROWTH
Tips and strategies to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of your holiday let.
Airbnb Alternative Platforms for Properties With Uncompromising Décor
Following on from our list of alternative platforms to Airbnb that had a sustainability and community engagement element that we highlighted two weeks ago, here are five alternative sites that specialise in offering properties with uncompromising décor. You can view the original article by Living, etc. here.
Plum Guide: This platform offers meticulously designed properties that have passed a rigorous selection process, ensuring standout interiors that blend both style and comfort.
Welcome Beyond: This platform provides a collection of stays that exemplify the fusion of spectacular design and soulful energy, focusing on authentic interiors-led accommodations.
Onefinestay: This platform focuses on personalised holiday experiences with hand-picked accommodations and tailored services to meet individual guest needs.
Sonder: This platform combines inspiring design with modern, mobile-first service, offering a middle ground between hotels and traditional short-term rentals.
Boutique Homes: This platform offers a thoughtful edit of unique homes and small hotels for travellers who believe good design makes travel better.
