🏠 What gems can we learn from Pinterest 2024 travel trends report?

👋 Welcome to all of the new subscribers who have joined our community in the last week - It is great to see you here and I hope you find our resources of benefit to your short-term rental property and business.

Did you know that you can view all of our previous weekly newsletter here, allowing you to explore the wealth of articles we have previously published.

I look forward to seeing you in your inbox next Saturday at 5pm?

Phil

Founder, My Holiday Guide

IN THE NEWS

PASC have released their report around the potential impact and implications of the proposed abolition of the Furnished Holiday Let (tax) regime which highlights some interesting information. For instance:

• Furnished holiday lets contribute £9.3bn of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy; and support 230,000 jobs across the UK

• 39% of FHLs can only be used as holiday accommodation

• Just 0.4% of the UK housing stock is used as a furnished holiday let

• Furnished Holiday Lets have only grown by an average of 5,000 units a year since 2016 whilst 151,000 rental properties exited the market last year

• There are also around 1.5m empty or vacant homes in the UK

PASC and the other organisations are continuing to lobby government with meetings taking place over this week and next.

If you haven’t done so already, consider signing PASC’s petition and by sending a letter to your MP.

Pinterest 2024 Travel Trends

Pinterest have released their 2024 global travel trends report. Here’s some relevant highlights:

• 8 out of 10 weekly Pinterest users turn to Pinterest when planning their summer escapes with searches for ‘travel vision board’ and ‘packing guide’ increasing by 210% and 480% respectively

• Searches for ‘adventure activities’ has increased by 45% year on year, within that ‘hiking trails’ has increased by 94%

• Searches for ‘quiet places’ and ‘calm places’ have increased by 50% and 42% respectively, with English countryside searches up by 31%

It might be worth considering adapting you listing, creating social media posts or adding additional information to your welcome book to highlight some of these travel trends to attract more bookings and to help your SEO when potential guests search for these specific terms.

Other News

• Some Airbnb hosts are concerned that Airbnb’s Guest Favourites category is overshadowing the benefits of being a Superhost

• The ASSC and other parties are highlighting the increasing concern about the reduced supply of short-term accommodation for Edinburgh Festivals

• Airbnb’s new chief business officer shares his top priorities for hosts and travellers

• The US has signed into law the banning of TikTok unless it is bought by a US company, and the EU has opened it’s second investigation into the platform. Will the UK follow suit and is this another reason to double down on Facebook as a focus for your social media efforts?

LISTING PERFORMANCE & GROWTH
Tips and strategies to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of your holiday let.

Inclusive Design

Creating a short-term rental that is disabled or wheelchair friendly is generally a well understood subject, however inclusive design goes beyond just wheelchair accessibility; incorporating features that cater to a wider range of guests with various disabilities.

Neurological and developmental disorders such as autism continue to increase in the UK and globally, so creating a hosting experience that actively welcomes and supports these disabilities can make your holiday let more welcoming and attractive to families and individuals living with these disabilities.

Credit: Statista

Factors to consider for making a holiday let a more inclusive design

Recognising that the existing location, property design and current access arrangements may limit what physical changes you can incorporate, here are some considerations for implementing a more inclusive holiday let design.

Physical Accessibility:

• Entrance and doorways - Ensure a wide enough entrance to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids

• Level access - Minimise steps wherever possible. If there are stairs, include a sturdy handrail on both sides and consider installing a ramp

• Manoeuvring space - Allow ample space in hallways, doorways, and bathrooms for guests to move around comfortably with mobility aids

• Flooring - Opt for non-slip flooring throughout the property to prevent falls. Avoid loose rugs or mats

• Bathroom accessibility - Install a walk-in shower with a grab bar and a shower seat. Ensure the bathroom sink has clear space underneath for wheelchair users

General Usability:

• Lighting - Provide bright and adjustable lighting throughout the property, especially in key areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms

• Door handles and knobs - Use lever handles or large, easy-to-grip knobs on doors and cabinets.

• Furniture - Choose furniture with rounded edges and that is easy to get in and out of, especially for those with mobility limitations

• Kitchen accessibility - Have some lower counter space in key areas like the sink and stovetop to allow for easier access from a seated position

• Information - Provide clear and concise information for guests in a variety of formats, such as large print, Braille, or even audio recordings

Sensory Considerations:

• Lighting - Consider dimmers for lights to allow guests with visual sensitivities to adjust lighting levels

• Soundproofing - Incorporate soundproofing measures to create a quieter environment for guests who may be sensitive to noise

• Visual clutter - Avoid excessive visual clutter to create a calmer and more manageable space

Resources:

• The Sensory Trust provides a range of guidance on inclusive design

• The National Autistic Society have a good page with some hints and tips

• The Housing LIN provides a number of resources on inclusive design

Cottage in the Dales is a good example of a holiday let business who’s marketing highlights their inclusive design.

FEATURED RESOURCE
Highlighting useful tools and resources for your holiday let.

Tap Electric are one of the leading software providers that allows you to offer EV charging to your guests.

Their app allows you to set the price guests pay for usage and the app can be used with any EV charger that is OCPP 1.6 compliant.

SAVINGS
Here's a quick round up of discounts and deals we are aware of from providers to the holiday let industry.

• Emma mattresses have 5% off with the code SPRING5. Valid until 1 May

• Dunelm have up to 30% off in their special buys page

• Habitat have up to 20% off garden furniture using the code GARDEN20

INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior design inspiration and decor tips.

PROPERTIES OF THE NEWSLETTER
We all love looking at and getting inspiration from other properties so here’s our top pick for this edition.

NO FOMO
Missed last weeks newsletter? Here’s one thing you might like.

In last week’s newsletter we explored Ryanair’s somewhat unorthodox approach to social media, and how we might apply some of these to your social media strategy.

You can read the full article below:

SHARE AWAY
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