1. Giving Money to the Local Economy
There are many studies that prove buying from independent and locally owned businesses have a compound effect on the communities in which they exist and their tax base.
The reason is that a substantially larger portion of your money spent is then used to make additional purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farmers (which will also reduce the environmental impact!).
Even if you aren't a full-time resident where your vacation rental is, when setting up your business, think local and buy local when you can. It will enhance your business by way of a stronger and more attractive community.
2.Supporting the Preservation of Beautiful Locations
Cities that make efforts to preserve historic structures tend to be pedestrian/environmentally friendly (because of the time of their design), sustainable, and hold a high esthetic and economic value as they are places people want to live, invest in, and travel to.
They evoke a connection and are just good for your soul.
St. Augustine, FL, for example, was founded in 1565 and has structures dating back to the 1600's- it's considered one of the oldest cities in America. In 1999, Florida's Department of Transportation deemed that one of America's most unique bridges here was structurally unsound. An easy fix was to tear the bridge down but leaders and preservationists put forth a $77 million dollar effort to save the bridge as historic structures are a core value to residents and huge draw for tourists. Kudos, St. Augustine.
If you are looking for a new vacation rental, I wholeheartedly suggest buying historic or in a city that prioritizes tax funds to preservation and its natural resources.
3.Unique Experiences
"When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace." Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust.
Tourists want to feel local, albeit for a temporary amount of time.
One-of-a-kind vacation rental homes and service providers are what make locations distinctive and full of character. Small businesses (and your home!) have the ability to choose products that create a special experience, based on your own interests and needs of your guests; not on a national sales plan.
One of the best reasons to be a vacation rental host.
4.Local History
History is what grounds us and helps us better understand the world. So, seduce your guests with your town's dynamic past! You don't need a museum quality history presentation; opt for historic pictures throughout, blurbs of the famous (or scandalous) patrons of your home or street, and a sense of its story.
5.You Have a Profound Impact On Guests' Lives
Think about it, most people are overworked and disconnected. They are just trying to make it through the chaos of life with one week of vacation being the yearly opportunity to check-out.
This business can provide additional income and eventually more life flexibility for owners. For guests, it provides a spectacular opportunity to connect with a location and those most important in your life.
The most successful owners are invested and truly care about creating an authentic experience, something unobtainable at a hotel chain (only you can show people around your home and town, your way).
This guest post was written by Kris Getzie, Founder & Principal Consultant at Volo. She is a vacation rental expert and author of the recently published Vacation Rentals For Newbies.