As large tour operators like Thomas Cook struggle to stay afloat, many holidaymakers are seeking out alternatives to the traditional package holiday, making now the time to get your B&B business off the ground so you can start reaping the rewards.
In an increasingly shrinking world, the market for holiday accommodation is getting ever more competitive. Whereas bed and breakfast holidays are considered by most to be a British phenomenon, these days you are just as likely to find a Bed&Breakfast in Istanbul as you are to find privately owned apartments in Edinburgh. To make your bed and breakfast establishment stand out from the crowd, there are a few tips you should take on board.
The first is to know who it is you are targeting as a customer. If you live in a large city and your establishment is close to local transport facilities and entertainment venues, you should look at attracting tourists looking for weekend city breaks, for example. By working toward the strengths of your local area, you can refine the service you provide to highlight the best aspects of your local area.
You should always have good knowledge of your local area too. If you are asked to recommend a good local eatery and the only restaurant you know in the area is a branch of McDonald’s, it will not inspire confidence in your guests. By establishing relationships with the propriators of local restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, you can provide guests with accurate information and even receive discount vouchers from local businesses to encourage your guests to spend their money in the local area.
You should always be approachable and where possible, flexible regarding curfews and timings for the serving of breakfast. If your guests are not awake before nine in the morning, it does not make sense to have breakfast ready at seven. If you bend to your guests’ whims, you are more likely to hear from them again.