4 Ways to Support Local Businesses at Your Vacation Rental
It feels good to support local businesses through your short-term rental. Photo: Social Cut.
While short-term rental hosting has always encouraged locality, why not take it one step further in supporting local small businesses right within your Airbnb? When building out your digital Folio guidebook, consider including local recommendations of small businesses you love and think your guests will as well.
According to an Airbnb survey, 82% of hosts said they recommend businesses that are locally owned, and 56% said they recommend that their guests visit areas not well-known among tourists.
Hosts are single-handedly contributing to the growth of tourism in under-developed areas that may not have benefited from tourism in the past. According to the survey, 55% of guests said that saving money by staying at an Airbnb allowed them to spend more on other goods or services in their destination. By promoting local businesses at your vacation rental, you’re creating economic opportunities that will help support your own community — it’s a win, win for everybody.
Here are four unique and fun ways to #supportsmall at your vacation rental.
Offer a Local Business Coupon Book
If you have a relationship with any of the local small businesses you love, consider asking if they would be interested in offering a coupon or discount code for your vacation rental guests. Most will likely already have a coupon offering they are readily able to share, while others may offer unique one-off coupons to promote their business. This helps entice guests to spend their money locally, with little downside to small business owners.
Provide Local Coffee Beans or Wine
One of the easiest ways to support small is by providing a gift from local producers within your welcome basket. Guests love receiving either locally-sourced coffee beans for their morning brew, or even a bottle of wine, particularly if you live within a notable wine region. This small act both puts money in the pockets of business owners and introduces their brand to potentially new customers.
Source Local Bath Products
There is something rather luxurious about elevated, locally-sourced bath products. One of the number one most guest-loved amenities mentioned are branded bath products, so why not shop small and support a nearby beauty brand. Do your research and find a company that provides handcrafted products, then stock up on shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand soap for each bathroom within the home. Watch as your five star reviews come flooding, while feeling good about supporting local.
Share Small Businesses on Social Media
One of the smallest acts of kindness that can go a long way for local businesses is sharing the love on social media! If you are on a smaller budget or don’t want to invest more time into your short term rental, consider doing a round-up or a weekly shout out to your favorite small businesses and encourage your guests to visit. This could be beneficial to all — as chances are high the business will also re-share your short-term rental on their social channels as well.
While supporting small businesses may not always be top of mind, as the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. Through these small, thoughtful actions, you can support your local community, all while helping your short-term rental business thrive!