Out of all the industries turned on their heads by COVID-19, the hospitality industry was certainly one of the most impacted. Hospitality represents 10% of the world’s GDP. It’s a huge chunk of business in the world. After coming to almost an immediate halt, it’s no secret hosts and hoteliers have been struggling to make a comeback.

The ones that have managed to survive, however, are the ones who were quick to adapt. As we step into 2022, you want to make sure that your vacation rental services are up-to-date and aligned with the most recent trends in the hospitality industry. We’ve compiled the biggest trends in hospitality for you below—specifically, as they relate to Airbnb hosts.

Check-In Automation

Although check-in automation is not a brand new trend, “no-touch” technology when checking in, is. More than a trend, “no-touch” check-ins are actually preferred among many guests. Despite vaccinations and booster shots rolling out at considerable speed, the same can be said of new variants. As a result, guests are still wary of germs and prefer to avoid them whenever possible.

When considering elderly or immune-compromised guests, “no-touch” check-ins are at the forefront of their concerns. Not having this option might even be a reason for them to rule out your Airbnb listing from their search.

Automated check-ins allowing guests to check-in to your space without having to interact with you or a front desk are ideal. This can be accomplished via a self-serve kiosk, a smartphone app, or even a personalized code shared exclusively to your guests.

Pre-Booking VR

The virtual reality industry is expected to grow from less than $5 billion in 2021 to an astounding $12 billion industry by 2024—just two years from now. Traveling, real estate, and hospitality will have a lot to do with this growth.

One of the main concerns among customers when booking a vacation rental service online is the inability to see and experience the space. Pictures and videos can only do so much to gain consumer trust. VR proposes a new form of understanding the Airbnb listing you’re about to book, by allowing you to place yourself into a simulation of the home you’ll be staying in.

Using VR to sell your vacation rental service sounds a bit outlandish at the moment, but it won’t be for long. In the near future, VR will provide guests with the peace of mind they need to confidently book their stays.

Booking via Voice

Along with facilitating the viewing of accommodations, making them easier to book via voice is also in the works. As convenient as it may be to book stays online, it's even more convenient to book a stay by simply saying it aloud.

More than 20% of people currently use voice search on a weekly basis. Siri and Alexa are clear examples of how **voice instruction has facilitated online tasks** such as purchasing products, getting directions, and Googling information.

In 2022 and the years to come, booking via voice will become more common among guests looking for vacation rentals. As an Airbnb host, you should be looking for ways to create a voice-friendly listing that can easily be detected by search engines.

Smart Rooms

Voice commands aren’t just being used to book rooms but also to maneuver them. Smart rooms are expected to become much more common in the next few years, facilitating routine tasks such as closing and opening doors, adjusting room temperatures, and dimming lights.

Consumer Behavior

Aside from technology, hosts also need to pay attention to shifts in consumer behavior. Something prevalent in the travel community since the onset of the pandemic is travel privilege, the ability to enter and exit a country as you please (heavily influenced by your nationality and citizenship).

The concept of travel privilege has motivated short and long-distance travelers to be more mindful of their adventures and avoid lavish displays of wealth and extravagance. Overt materialism is no longer something travelers want to associate themselves with.

Many are opting for more simple ways of traveling, including traveling solo and using eco-friendly transport whenever possible. In response, Airbnb hosts should be aware of the following shifts in travel behavior:

Increase in Solo Travel

One in four Americans travel solo. Whether it be for work or leisure, solo travel has definitely been a growing trend in recent years and is expected to continue. We see a lot of solo travel within the digital nomad community, where individuals choose to relocate for a short period of time abroad or within their own country.

As a host, you may want to consider attracting solo travelers looking for long-term stays to your Airbnb listing. In this way, you secure long-term rentals from individuals that can readily refer your space to their travel community. It’s a niche certainly worth exploring.

Sustainability

Another behavior we’ve seen in line with travel privilege is sustainability. A growing number of travelers are starting to carefully consider how their spending is impacting the environment. Incorporating elements of sustainability into your Airbnb listing can help brand you as a conscientious host.

Not only does a sustainable space market you as eco-friendly, but it also helps you save money on water and electricity. Investing in room sensors that turn lights on and off based on movement in the room, as well as new faucets with a tight seal, are just some ways you can save money in the long run.

Essentialism

Hotels have shifted away from shampoo and conditioner bottles to bulk dispensers that can be refilled whenever necessary. Seeing as this requires less maintenance and produces less waste, Airbnb hosts would be wise to do the same. An experience in essentialism is more desirable than one in excess, especially as feelings of travel guilt emerge among visitors.

Places with a Purpose

Not all hosts consider how important it is to highlight the why behind their space. As travelers are becoming more aware of how they travel, they’re also curious to discover the roots where they are visiting, as well.

By highlighting certain landmarks, amenities, and even the history of your property, you may be able to attract a segment of clientele you normally wouldn’t. Travelers are more interested in **traveling to places with a purpose** than ever before. Keeping this in mind, you want to highlight whatever may be physically or historically unique about your Airbnb listing in the description box.

If you’re wondering which of these trends could be easily incorporated into your Airbnb listing, make sure to give us a call!

MB Experiences is well-versed in all areas of vacation rental management including booking, marketing, and staging. We’ll make sure your Airbnb is competitive in the 2022 market. Send us an email or call us today!

STR Hospitality Trends to Watch in 2022