A recent study predicts that 76% of tourism revenue will originate online by 2030, but why wait until then to get on board? Marketing your Sarasota short-term rental property on one of the popular vacation rental platforms is an excellent way to attract more bookings.
The difficult part is deciding which ones might work best for you. Read on for a snapshot of the world's top booking platforms to help you make the most of your Florida vacation property.
1. Airbnb
Airbnb is a global household name for vacation home rentals. The platform has over 6 million listings and is active in 220 countries.
This means you'll encounter a lot of competition on this site, but you will enjoy several benefits, like:
- Free listings
- Low basic commission of 3%
- Simple functionality
- Automated payments
You can also protect your property with a $1 million Host Guarantee and damage protection insurance when you list it on this site.
2. VRBO
VRBO does not list single rooms on its website; it targets large groups and families by advertising only entire apartments and homes.
When you list your home with VRBO, you can choose from one of two pricing options. You can sign up for an annual subscription for $499 or pay a 5% commission plus service fees and a 3% credit card payment charge.
This platform has fewer listings and a smaller reach than Airbnb, but it does offer flexible rental pricing and promotional tools to help market your vacation home.
3. Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the world's most valuable companies and a leading vacation rental platform. It's based in Europe and is best known in that market, making it ideal if you'd like to target international vacationers.
Some benefits of listing with Booking.com include:
- Flexible listing options
- Secure technology for payments
- Excellent customer support
- Competitive pricing tools
Booking.com charges a 15% commission on each booking.
4. Expedia
Expedia offers a reservation hub for its clients. Guests can book flights, accommodations, and activities on this platform. The company has a good reputation in the industry.
Listings are free on Expedia, and you'll pay between 10% and 30% commission on each booking.
5. TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor has been a bastion of online bookings since 2,000. The site offers free listings and commissions ranging from 8% to 16%.
TripAdvisor also offers travel planning tools like customer reviews, maps, and information about nearby attractions, making this platform a popular option for travelers. It also features comprehensive insurance, regular special offers, and loyalty rewards for those who book on the site.
This comprehensive comparison website is an excellent choice to gain maximum exposure from reviews.
Managing Vacation Rental Platforms Effectively
Effective short-term rental management doesn't end when you've identified the best rental websites and fine-tuned your listings. Repeat business depends on delighting your guests.
PMI Sarasota has years of experience managing landlords' vacation listings. We know which vacation rental platforms work best and offer a range of services to manage your listings and ensure repeat bookings.
Our offering includes marketing, accounting, guest management, and cleaning services. We place a high emphasis on effective communication and superior customer service.
Embrace the best way to market and manage your Sarasota vacation rental properties today.
