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As travellers continue to explore unique accommodation choices such as holiday homes and apartments, global travel leader Booking.com reveals the driving factors behind getting it right as an accommodation host or owner. Research by Booking.com conducted with over 21,500 global travellers found that almost two-thirds (63%) believe their stay has been improved by the person managing their accommodation going above and beyond.

From a helpful B&B manager equipped with local tips for their guests, to a villa manager who shares home cooked meals with those staying at their property, the most unique experiences are often reflected in the special personalities of their hosts. Booking.com research reveals that over half (51%) of travellers have even opted to stay in the same accommodation again primarily because of the host.

For Australians, the role of a host will continue to carry significant weight for travellers, with over half of Aussie travellers (54%) planning to stay in accommodation which allows them to interact with a property owner or manager in 2019 – whether that’s someone who is around daily or who is only there to offer a warm welcome upon arrival.

The research also found that while some travellers are happy with a simple warm welcome, others have ‘great expectations’ when it comes to what they want from hosts when travelling, including:

  • 65% of Australian travellers state the main advantage of staying in a holiday home or apartment is the ‘at home’ feeling
  • 59% state the main perk of people powered accommodation is using their ‘insider’ knowledge, with 42% of Aussies relying on their host to provide tips to avoid tourist pitfalls
  • Just under a third of Aussies (29%) prefer to stay in a holiday home or apartment to boost their social circle, stating they would like to be invited to a party by the personal managing their accommodation

There is a fine balance to strike as a host or property manager to ensure they’re providing the best possible experience for their guests. Over half (60%), of Aussie travellers feel that they only need to see their host once during their stay to feel welcomed and 31% only expect to be contacted once at check-in and once at check-out. The research also revealed offering a personal touch, such as gifting local delicacies, can make also make a big difference; added extras such as tea, coffee and edible treats help over half (57%) feel settled in their new environment.

“As with many elements of travel, there is no one-size fits all approach when it comes to catering to the different needs of travellers. Our research reveals just how important it is for accommodation owners and managers to get the balance right in order to ensure the most memorable stay,” said Olivier Grémillon, Vice President at Booking.com.

“At Booking.com, we believe in individuality and the fact that the perfect stay might look different for everyone, but one thing that is clear is that it doesn’t matter whether travellers want to feel at home, embrace the local culture, enjoy some peace and quiet, or simply escape, there’s nothing quite like the power of people to turn a stay into an unforgettable experience.”

Join the 5.7 million listings already on Booking.com, which include everything from homes and apartments to igloos and tree houses, and make a difference in someone’s next vacation by visiting https://join.booking.com/homeowners/?aid=1755241.