The Accommodation Show

Sometimes, one small change can have a huge impact on your business. In the penultimate mini episode of The Accommodation Show, I sat down with Julie George, author of Million Dollar Host, to talk about one simple yet brilliant tip that can help you stand out in 2025. This isn’t about big budgets or major renovations—it’s about creating a memorable guest experience that drives better reviews, more repeat bookings, and higher revenue. If you're looking for a fresh idea to kickstart your inspiration for the year ahead, this episode is for you. Julie shares a surprisingly simple way to surprise and delight your guests—something that keeps them engaged until the very last day of their stay and makes them want to book again. It’s the small details that make the biggest difference. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired for 2025! 🚀 https://lnkd.in/gBwqwuRZ

What makes guests choose one property over another? Is it the price? The location? The number of bedrooms? While all of those factors matter, the reality is your property needs to stand out from the moment a guest lays eyes on it, whether that’s on an OTA, your website, or social media. This episode is part of my special mini-series where I sit down with top industry professionals and ask them: “What’s your #1 tip for accommodation businesses in 2025?” With competition heating up and guest expectations rising, it’s no longer enough to simply list your property and hope for the best. You need to make strategic updates to ensure your property gets seen, booked, and remembered. I sat down with Craig Westaway from bnbbooking, a short-term rental legend who manages some of Australia’s most sought-after high-end properties. Craig has built a business around delivering an exceptional guest experience—one that drives repeat bookings and higher nightly rates. Craig’s answer? Optimisation is … Craig Westaway is the Director of bnbbooking, a specialist short-term rental management company that focuses on high-end properties across Australia’s most competitive markets. With years of experience in the industry, Craig has helped property owners significantly increase their rental returns by optimising property presentation, refining guest experiences, and leveraging smart pricing and marketing strategies. His success is built on attention to detail—ensuring every property he manages delivers a seamless and luxurious guest experience. By focusing on quality over quantity, Craig has created a strong brand that guests trust and return to, making him one of the leading voices in the short-term rental space. If you want to increase bookings, improve guest satisfaction, and stay ahead in 2025, this episode is for you. Craig’s practical, experience-backed strategies will show you how to make small but high-impact changes that set your property apart and drive long-term success. 🎧 Listen now and get ahead in 2025! 🚀 https://lnkd.in/gb9zG6t8

If I asked you to name your top priority for 2025, what would it be? For most property managers, it’s more bookings—without burning out or slashing rates. This season on The Accommodation Show, I’ve been asking industry leaders one simple but powerful question: “What’s your #1 tip for accommodation businesses in 2025?” Each guest has shared something different—strategies for pricing, marketing, and operations—but when I sat down with @Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, his tip stood out because it addressed the one thing every property manager wants more of: 👉 More bookings. Tim works closely with property managers worldwide through platforms like Vrbo, Expedia, and Stays, giving him a global perspective on what’s working right now. And his message was clear... 🎧 Click below to listen and learn Tim’s #1 tip for 2025. Have questions or want to share how you’re preparing for 2025? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Here’s to more bookings and better business in 2025! 🚀 https://lnkd.in/gKYJNA_n

Regulation. A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority The act of controlling or maintaining something according to a system or standard Regulation often sparks fear in our industry, but what if it could also bring legitimacy, stability, and long-term success? This season on The Accommodation Show, I’ve been sitting down with industry leaders to ask one simple but powerful question: “What’s your #1 tip for accommodation businesses in 2025?” For many property managers, regulation is the elephant in the room; it’s unpredictable, ever-changing, and, let’s be honest, a little terrifying. The uncertainty around new rules can make it hard to plan ahead, and some hosts are worried about how these changes will affect their business. That’s why, in this episode, I spoke with Eacham Curry, Senior Director of Government & Corporate Affairs at Expedia Group, to uncover his top tip for 2025. Regulation isn’t something that happens to you, it’s something you can help shape. Whether you’re in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world, understanding how to engage with policymakers could be the difference between thriving and being pushed out of the market. Eacham Curry is one of the leading voices in short-term rental regulation across the Asia-Pacific region. As Senior Director of Government & Corporate Affairs at Expedia Group, Eacham is responsible for advocating for fair, balanced regulation across the APAC region. His expertise spans legislation, short-term rental governance, and corporate affairs, making him one of the leading voices in the conversation around STR policy. He’s actively working with governments to shape fair, sustainable policies—but he emphasises that change starts with you, the operators and hosts who make this industry thrive. Trust me, his expertise and practical advice are invaluable for anyone in the accommodation business. If you’re concerned about the future of your business, don’t sit back and wait for the rules to be written for you. Get involved, get informed, and make your voice heard. Have thoughts or questions? Hit reply—I’d love to hear how you're navigating the changes in your area. Here’s to shaping a sustainable future for STRs in 2025 and beyond! https://lnkd.in/dubfud77

What separates businesses that thrive from those that merely survive? It’s often the ability to adapt, evolve, and make informed decisions based on insights, not guesswork. That’s why, this season on The Accommodation Show, I’m bringing you actionable advice straight from the leaders shaping our industry. I’ve been asking each guest the same powerful as your #1 tip for accommodation businesses in 2025?” This week, I’m thrilled to feature Sally Henry, VP of Business Development at Key Data. With over two decades of experience in the vacation rental space, Sally has helped property managers navigate market changes and achieve sustainable growth. What’s Sally’s #1 tip for 2025? What you’ll gain from this episode: Insights into the supply-demand balance and its impact on your business h Tips for mastering occupancy and pricing strategies in competitive markets t How to optimise your channel distribution mix to attract the right guests t As VP of Business Development at Key Data, Sally leads efforts to expand the platform globally, helping property managers use data to make smarter decisions. Before joining Key Data, she spent 19 years as Sales Director at Awaze UK, managing partnerships with OTAs, affiliates, and travel agents. Sally’s knowledge of the industry runs deep, and her passion for helping others succeed is evident in this episode. Got thoughts or questions? I’d love to hear how you’re using data to prepare for the year ahead. Here’s to making 2025 your strongest year yet! https://lnkd.in/gxGN2jzz

This season, I’ve been on a mission to bring you insights straight from the leaders shaping our industry. Not only do I want their thoughts, these are the people I want you to get to know. We are into the next live mini-episode - The Theme? “What’s your #1 tip for accommodation businesses in 2025?” It’s the question I’ve been asking each guest, to help you uncover strategies, fresh perspectives, and actionable advice you can apply to your business. Last week I had a great chat with Justin Ford about the power of safety in marketing, and this week we are moving onto dynamic pricing and revenue management. In this episode, I sit down with (dancing 🕺) Oliver Stern from Wheelhouse, recorded live at the Here to Stay Conference. We dive into the evolving landscape of revenue management, why Australia and New Zealand are experiencing a tech renaissance, and how you can future-proof your business in the face of market shifts. But what is Olivers number #1 tip? Oliver’s insights are especially valuable if you’re looking to fine-tune your revenue strategy or if you’ve ever wondered how dynamic pricing can be more than just “set and forget.” His approach goes beyond the basics, offering practical advice for property managers of all sizes. Oliver Stern has been instrumental in helping accommodation providers globally maximise their revenue. As the head of global growth at Wheelhouse, he’s worked with property operators of all sizes to implement effective pricing strategies. His journey from housekeeping to leading a major tech company shows just how passionate he is about the industry. Oliver Stern is a digital nomad and STR enthusiast leading global growth for Wheelhouse. Over his three years with the company, he has developed deep roots in the vacation and short-term rental industry, helping operators with 50 to 3,000+ listings boost their revenue and growth. 🎧 Tune in now to learn Oliver’s top tip for 2025—and how you can apply it to your business. Got questions after listening? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your thoughts or discuss how you can apply these strategies to your business. Here’s to smarter pricing and stronger growth in 2025! 🚀! https://lnkd.in/gSdgTPv6

Top Tip From a Pro for 2025! with Justin Ford As you may know, throughout the past 3 years I have the incredible opportunity to travel to some of the world’s leading accommodation conferences. Not only do I love visiting new places, but it is also a chance to immerse myself in new ideas, explore industry trends, and gain insights from the leaders who are shaping the future of our sector. Conferences are where the most innovative minds come together to share their knowledge and experiences. One of the best parts of my journey is getting to speak directly with industry leaders—people who have been in the trenches, who have built successful accommodation businesses, and who are always looking ahead to what’s next. In this season of The Accommodation Show, I wanted to share that experience with you by asking a simple but powerful question to the experts I meet: What’s the #1 tip for accommodation businesses in 2025? Their answers might surprise you, challenge you, and most importantly, inspire you to take action and future-proof your business. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be bringing you these insights, straight from the source, so you can apply them and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. So this week, we are diving into a topic that often takes a back seat in our marketing efforts; safety. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that safety isn't just a necessity, it can also be a powerful marketing tool that can set your accommodation business apart. Many accommodation providers focus on aesthetics, amenities, and guest experience but often overlook the fundamental aspect that truly matters to guests: feeling safe and secure. In this episode, I sit down with Justin Ford, an industry leader in short-term rental safety, to uncover how prioritising safety can actually drive more bookings and create a better guest experience. Justin Ford is the Director of Safety & Certification Programmes at Breezeway, a leading platform that helps property managers and owners ensure safety and operational excellence. With over a decade of experience, Justin was one of the first experts to bring attention to the importance of safety in short-term rentals back in 2013. He has provided resources to the largest vacation rental associations in the world and is frequently featured in top media outlets like ABC News' Good Morning America. This mini-episode is a winner, that can help you make your accommodation business not just safer, but more attractive to potential guests. By implementing Justin's tips, you'll not only provide a better experience but also gain a competitive edge in 2025. Make sure you tune in, your guests (and your bottom line) will thank you! https://lnkd.in/gUEwEuh6

Last year, I had the pleasure of once again attending VRMA, the world's largest STR conference. This event is attended by hundreds of people, from tech vendors to property managers, to homeowners and everything in between. This is a place where you get inspired about your own business, where you learn from the best, but most importantly you get to meet the people behind the companies. At this year's VRMA I had the pleasure of being introduced to Bart-Jan Leyts and boy was it worth it. Oh, and this is the first time I have ever interviewed someone with the same name as me 🤭 Today I get to share with you tips on how to get your business to rank number 1 on an OTA. Be it booking, Airbnb, Expedia or any of the others, Bart shares his insights, which you will love. Things have changed over the last 12-24 months. If you watched last week's episode where I talk about trends, you will know that the competitors have stepped up the game and being listed on an OTA isn’t enough, you need to be listed at the top. Ranking number one on an OTA can dramatically impact your bookings, revenue, and guest reach. With ever-increasing competition, getting your strategy right is essential. In today's episode of The Accommodation Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bart-Jan Leyts, the founder and CEO of Otamiser, a platform that helps accommodation businesses rank higher on OTAs. Bart-Jan is an inspiring entrepreneur who launched Otamiser at just 22 years old, bringing a fresh perspective to revenue management and optimisation. What I love about this conversation is how straightforward and actionable it is. You don’t need to be a tech expert to apply these tips. Whether you manage a hotel, B&B, or holiday home, these strategies will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. What you will learn from this episode: How OTA ranking algorithms work and why they matter 🔍 The top five factors that influence your listing's visibility 💡 Why updating your listings regularly drives momentum 📚 The impact of photos and descriptions on guest engagement 📷 How to balance your distribution strategy across multiple OTAs 🌎 With a background in finance and a sharp entrepreneurial mindset, Bart-Jan Leyts founded Otamiser to tackle one of the biggest challenges in hospitality: OTA visibility. His expertise lies in identifying the key drivers behind OTA ranking algorithms and empowering businesses to use them to their advantage. Since launching Otamiser in 2022, he has helped numerous property managers and hoteliers optimise their listings and increase their bookings. This episode is packed with valuable insights. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your OTA listings or wondered how to improve your visibility, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from one of the industry’s brightest minds. https://lnkd.in/gCSCTJFY

What better way to wrap up the year than to go back to where we started, and that is talking about AI. All year I have been talking to you about how AI can be used in your business today, how you can do x 10 times the work using technology (I did this also through touring the world talking about AI). Reflecting on this journey, consider how these discussions have guided you through practical implementations of AI—tools and strategies that boost efficiency, enhance guest experiences, and streamline operations in ways once unimaginable. Throughout the year, as I traveled globally to share these insights, I witnessed firsthand how different markets, cultures, and companies are embracing AI’s potential. Instead of merely introducing a new gadget or trend, we’ve focused on how this technology can genuinely evolve your business model, unlock hidden opportunities, and make day-to-day tasks more manageable and more meaningful for you and your guests. But this week, I wanted to look into the future. Is AI just a buzz or is it here to say? As the calendar flips and we prepare for new challenges and horizons, it’s vital to understand whether AI is a temporary fascination or a foundational element that will shape the accommodation industry for years to come. Are the tools we’ve celebrated set to become standard operating procedures, or will they fade into the background as the next innovation takes center stage? This question isn’t simply about hype—it’s about envisioning what the industry might look like when AI moves from an exciting add-on to an essential part of our infrastructure. This forward-looking perspective ensures that you’re not just reacting to today’s technology, but proactively preparing for a future where AI could very well be the bedrock upon which hospitality stands. In today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome back 🌏 Peter Syme 🌍, a true thought leader who has kept his finger on the pulse of AI’s evolution. Together, we’ll dive into what lies ahead, exploring the strategies and insights that can help you harness this technology not just now, but for the long term. We cover why AI is more than just a buzzword; it’s a practical tool that can help you scale your business, reduce inefficiencies, and better serve your guests. From leveraging AI agents to enhancing your booking process, the strategies we discuss are designed to make your business more agile and profitable in an increasingly competitive market. Peter brings his wealth of knowledge to the table (he really is a legend of the tourism industry), offering insights that are not only thought-provoking but immediately actionable. We discuss everything from training your staff to use AI effectively to the ways it can enhance the guest journey without losing the human touch. https://lnkd.in/gyNucb_A

We’ve got a treat for you this week. Have you ever wondered how to take your accommodation business from good to great? Or how to make those initial steps in property management easier, smarter, and more impactful? This week’s episode dives into just that. I sat down with one of my favourite industry legends Margot Schmorak , CEO of Hostfully, and her insights are worth every second listening. From starting out as a small business to working with thousands of property managers, Margot’s journey is a masterclass in scaling your business with purpose and strategy. You'll find incredible value here if you’re managing a B&B, running short-term rentals, or even overseeing a motel or hotel. Margot and I break down the steps you need to take when starting out, whether it’s leveraging technology, building relationships with your community, or refining the guest experience. What makes this episode stand out is how practical and actionable her advice is – it’s not just theory, it’s tested strategies that work. What you will learn from this episode: 🏡 How to stand out in a crowded market by building a unique value proposition. 🛠️ Why the right property management system can make or break your business. 🌍 The importance of community engagement and how it impacts long-term success. 💡 Practical ways to automate guest communication and operations. 🚀 What does scaling really look like and how to prepare for growth? Margot Schmorak is more than a tech innovator – she’s a powerhouse in the world of property management. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Hostfully, she’s leading one of the most respected property management software companies in the industry. Hostfully isn’t just a tech provider; it’s a game-changer, empowering property managers to streamline their operations, maximise bookings, and improve the guest experience. From automating communication to integrating with major OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo, Hostfully is setting the gold standard. Margot’s story doesn’t stop there. Before Hostfully, she played pivotal roles at Apple (yes, she helped launch the iPhone Developer Program!) and other top-tier companies. She’s also deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, paving the way for underrepresented voices in tech and hospitality. If you’re serious about growing your accommodation business, learning from Margot is a no-brainer. https://lnkd.in/g2cbiJrH