Since its inception, Airbnb has revolutionised the travel and hospitality industry, offering travellers unique and personalised accommodation experiences. However, as the calendar flips to 2023, the platform and its hosts find themselves confronted by challenges with the potential to reshape its trajectory.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the problems Airbnb hosts are currently facing and how Opago’s suite of services can improve their performance moving forwards.
Limited Capacity to Address Guest Complaints
One of the key aspects that differentiates traditional hotels from Airbnb is the personal touch and responsiveness of the hosts. However, in recent times, Airbnb has faced criticism for not having dedicated full-time staff to deal with guest complaints. This absence of a dedicated customer service team often results in delays and dissatisfaction among guests, which could harm Airbnb's reputation and undermine its competitive advantage.
Given its nature, Airbnb can’t have a team on site at every property, but that doesn’t mean that hosts are on their own. Opago’s guest services teams have on-the-ground experience in dealing with guests efficiently and effectively, using the latest technology to respond to requests in real time. This option gives Airbnb hosts what they need, effectively helping them to invest in customer support infrastructure without the hassle.
They avoid the expense and complications involved in embedding their own teams, and can instead rely on Opago and their reputation for excellence. Having a dedicated partner handling guest concerns promptly would help restore trust and improve the overall guest experience, thereby enhancing their reputation.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
Another challenge for Airbnb hosts is the growing preference among travellers for more affordable hotels. While Airbnb initially disrupted the hotel industry by offering cost-effective alternatives, hotels have adapted and started providing competitive pricing, appealing amenities, and professional services. Some travellers now perceive hotels as more reliable and consistent, which can lead to a decline in Airbnb bookings.
To combat this shift, hosts should focus on highlighting their unique value proposition and emphasising the benefits of staying in a local host's home. This can include the opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture and experience of the destination, as well as flexible cancellation policies, enhanced safety measures, and streamlined booking processes.
At Opago, we have extensive experience in onboarding properties and bringing them up to the highest standards. With us, your property is transformed from a space that looks identical to hundreds of others into a sought-after destination for travellers around the world. Our experienced operatives take care of everything, ensuring your property is attractive, perfectly maintained, and up to speed with all aspects of compliance, too.
A Saturated Market
As Airbnb's popularity soared over the years, the number of listings on the platform multiplied exponentially. However, this success has also led to a saturated market, with hosts competing for guests and struggling to differentiate their offerings. As a result, individual hosts may find it difficult to attract bookings, especially in highly competitive areas or during off-peak seasons.
To address this challenge, hosts can implement measures to improve the discoverability of unique and outstanding listings. This is another arena in which Opago excels. Our knowledge of the marketplace and available audiences means that we can improve properties to be highly attractive. Within Opago, we have teams that deal with every step of making a property marketable, from onboarding to welcoming the guests.
Lack of Bookings
Perhaps the most pressing challenge for Airbnb is the recent decline in bookings. Several factors could contribute to this issue, such as the COVID-19 pandemic's lingering impact on travel, economic uncertainties, or a shift in consumer preferences towards more traditional accommodations. Irrespective of the underlying causes, a decrease in bookings poses a significant threat to an Airbnb host's revenue and long-term sustainability.
To stimulate bookings, Airbnb hosts need the advice of a trusted, professional team. In Opago, they have that partnership ready to go. As mentioned previously, our services take properties from blank canvases to sought-after destinations for travellers. Our goal is to boost bookings, improve the bottom line, and, ultimately, to improve overall yield on Airbnb units.
What’s the Solution?
As Airbnb hosts navigate the challenges of 2023, it is crucial to adapt to changing consumer preferences, prioritise guest satisfaction, and revitalise its market position. By investing in a dedicated customer support partner, emphasising its unique value proposition, improving discoverability, and implementing strategic marketing initiatives, hosts can reinvigorate their portfolio, attract new guests, and solidify their position.
Opago is a leading provider of property operations, all backed by the latest technology. Our on-the-ground operatives carry out tasks to the highest standards, while our centrally located team uses our proprietary technology to oversee everything. We work hard to ensure your portfolio is as profitable as possible, near-doubling yields in some cases.
A partnership with Opago doesn’t just enhance short-term bookings - it also contributes to long-term success. Our services foster guest loyalty and generate positive reviews, and typically, this results in increased returns of between 30 to 40%.
Get in touch with the Opago team today to discover more about what we offer to Airbnb hosts and their portfolios.
