Should you provide a welcome pack for Airbnb holiday home guests?

Getting bookings for a holiday home rental via Airbnb or other listing sites gets more and more competitive every year as more properties become available. Our property management company helps every owner seek ways to enhance guest the experience and stand out amongst all the other properties.

Most of our time is spent on ensuring the property has the right amenities, is well maintained and has a great listing that is attractive to viewers. Another strategy that some property owners use is to offer a welcome pack.

A welcome pack could be used to entice guests to book or to create a really positive impression for people that stay in your property. Here are some ideas to consider about whether you should provide one, what to include to ensure your guests have an unforgettable stay and how it can help to create positive reviews and increased returns.

What is a welcome pack in relation to a holiday rental property?

A welcome pack is a thoughtful collection of treats or amenities that greet guests upon their arrival. Typically, it includes items such as chocolates, biscuits, bottle of wine, breakfast items, local produce or even special gifts from local service providers. 

While not essential, a welcome pack adds a special touch that can make guests feel valued and appreciated. It can create a ‘surprise and delight’ moment that sets the tone for someone’s holiday while they stay in your home.

Are there benefits to providing a welcome pack? 

Providing a welcome pack might have several benefits depending on what is included and how well it is executed. Firstly, it creates a positive first impression, setting the tone for the rest of the holiday stay in your property. 

Guests who feel welcomed are more likely to leave positive reviews and become repeat visitors if their entire stay is a positive experience. Secondly, it can showcase local products, giving guests a taste of the region and promoting local businesses as the same time.

More importantly, if the inclusions are thoughtful and high quality then it can really enhance the holiday experience rather than just feel like a cheap giveaway. So for example a holiday home that has a large spa bath might benefit from providing some unique bath soaps or scented oils.

What is not required in a welcome pack?

As we already mentioned, welcome packs can potentially enhance the guest experience, but they are not a necessity. Our property managers will spend more time working with you to ensure the property is clean, well maintained and has all the basic necessities to provide a comfortable stay.

Before investing in welcome packs, ensure your property is in excellent condition. Address any maintenance issues, such as plumbing problems or uncomfortable beds, before adding extra amenities. Guests will appreciate a comfortable and well-maintained property more than any additional gifts.

There is no point providing a welcome pack if the gardens aren’t tidy, there is a leaking tap in the bathroom or the furniture is old. 

What should you consider if you are going to provide a welcome pack?

How much will it cost

Before deciding to provide a welcome pack, consider the cost. Each pack takes away from your rental property’s net profit. So you have to calculate this cost together with property manager fees, cleaning, maintenance etc. 

What quality items will be included

The items included in your welcome pack should be of a high quality. Avoid cheap snacks or cheap souvenirs as these can detract from the overall experience. Instead, opt for locally made food items, artisanal hand made items, or a bottle of wine that represents the local area. These thoughtful touches can make a significant difference in how guests perceive your hospitality.

Personalisation

Personalising the welcome pack can make guests feel truly special. Consider including a handwritten note with their name welcoming them to your property and wishing them a pleasant stay. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and help to generate a positive review.

Using local products

Showcase the best of your region by including local products in the welcome pack. This not only supports local businesses but also gives guests a unique taste of the area. Local wines, cheeses, chocolates, or biscuits can be excellent additions. Guests will appreciate the effort and enjoy discovering local flavours.

Include practical items

Alongside treats, consider including practical items that guests might find useful during their stay. This could include a map of the local area, information on nearby attractions, or discount vouchers for local restaurants and shops. Providing these resources can enhance the guest experience and support local businesses.

Seasonal themed items

Tailoring your welcome pack to the season can add a special touch. In summer, include refreshing drinks or snacks, while in winter, consider cosy items like hot chocolate or a small throw blanket. Seasonal themes show attention to detail and can make the stay even more enjoyable.

How do you organise a welcome pack?

If you aim to give your property an edge over competitors, a welcome pack can be a valuable addition. It demonstrates a level of care and attention to detail that can set your property apart. Positive reviews often highlight these thoughtful touches, which can attract more bookings and justify a higher rental rate.

Collaborate with local businesses

Explore partnerships with local vendors or producers to create unique welcome packs. Striking a deal for bulk purchases can reduce costs, and cross-promoting each other’s businesses can be mutually beneficial. For example, including discount vouchers for local restaurants or attractions can enhance your guests’ experience and drive business to local establishments.

Sourcing Quality Items

Identify local vendors or online suppliers who can provide high-quality items for your welcome packs. Building relationships with local businesses can lead to discounts and unique product offerings. Ensure the items you choose align with the overall theme and quality of your property.

Assembly and Presentation

How the welcome pack is presented can make a significant difference. Use attractive packaging and arrange the items neatly. Including a handwritten note adds a personal touch that can make guests feel special.

Monitoring and Adjusting

After implementing welcome packs, monitor guest feedback to gauge their impact. Adjust the contents based on guest preferences and any new local products you discover. Continuous improvement ensures that your welcome packs remain a highlight of your guests’ stay.

Getting advice about managing your holiday rental property

In the competitive market, providing a welcome pack can be a strategic move to enhance guest satisfaction, generate positive reviews, and maximise rental returns. 

While not essential, a well-crafted welcome pack might a special touch that can set your property apart. By considering the cost, sourcing high-quality local products, and ensuring your property is in top condition, you can create a memorable experience for your guests that leads to increased bookings and a loyal customer base.

Although, our property management team can give you advice on whether it will be a good idea or not based on what other properties are provided, what competition is like in your area and whether other aspects of your holiday home should be looked at before considering promotional items such as this.