One Small Business to Another: How to Help

The travel and hospitality industries are some of the most helpful income generators to small businesses. They keep the economics of travel within their communities. By recommending restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques to guests, they can help these small businesses immensely.

The impact COVID-19 has made on the short-term rental industry has been no joke. What’s more, the toll it has taken on small businesses as a whole is tremendous. Working together to help pull each other out of these unprecedented times is needed.

According to an Airbnb survey, 94 percent of hosts said they recommend shops, cafes, restaurants, and other points of interest to guests. From the same survey, 82% of hosts said they recommend businesses that are locally owned. We encourage our vacation rental owners to help out small local businesses around them during these difficult times.

How to Help Small Businesses:

Share Their Business on Social Media

One of the easiest ways to support small businesses with no additional cost to you is to promote local businesses on your vacation rental’s social media. The next time you visit your favorite coffee shop or grab a bite to eat in your neighborhood, snap a quick photo and tag that business. Anytime they share updates to their menu or anything that may resonate with your guests, share it!

Stock your Vacation Rental with Local Items

Linens, towels, toiletries and even small treats for your guests can be purchased locally. Take a trip down to your local candle maker and create a signature scent for your rental. Don’t forget if you leave a care package for your guests, add a few items from small shops around.

Create a List of Favorite Local Shops and Restaurants

In your welcome book, include online ordering and delivery information for restaurants. Make sure to update these with the restaurants’ new hours as well as any curfew hours imposed by your city. Not only will your guests appreciate it, they will be more inclined to try something that you as a local recommends and put money back into your community.

Leave a Gift Card for Your Guests

As a kind gesture, put a small amount on a gift card or gift certificate to your favorite local restaurant. Your guests will feel more compelled to try it out, and the restaurant may receive some new business. Another kind gesture is to partner with a local coffee shop or business for a buy one get one coupon to offer guests staying at your short-term rental.

Purchase Kits for Your Guests

Many businesses that offer services have been putting together kits you can pick up curbside or by delivery. Depending on where you order your kit, they have cocktail making kits, decorating kits, and baking kits. This is a really easy “welcome gift” for your guests and a great way to help small businesses with their marketing efforts.

To learn more about helping small businesses and marketing your vacation rental business, sign up for our email list and request a free quote today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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