How Electric Car Chargers Attract Guests in Accommodation Rental
The principle of “stand out or die” takes on special significance today in the tourism industry. What is the reason for this? Of course, it’s the immense competition. In the face of rapidly growing competition and changing customer expectations, property owners must strive to attract and retain guests. Incorporating modern amenities, such as electric car chargers, not only responds to the needs of contemporary travelers but also demonstrates an entrepreneurial approach to business by anticipating market trends. This method allows owners to meet current demands and gain a competitive edge, creating an offer ready for future challenges. Investing in technologies that enhance guest comfort and convenience is becoming the key to success in an industry where innovation and proactive approaches form the foundation of sustainable growth and the only way to secure a place in the tourism market.
A Parking Spot Is No Longer Enough
This is a time when guests seeking accommodation have increasingly higher expectations regarding the amenities offered in short-term rentals. You have likely experienced this yourself or set your own requirements to ensure optimal comfort during your stay. Until recently, one of the key elements influencing the choice of accommodation was the availability of a parking spot. Offering guests a convenient and secure place to park was a significant amenity and a competitive advantage among rental offers. This is still the case, but it’s no longer enough to call your offer “competitive.” What are the current guests looking for, and what are their priorities?
- Comfort and Convenience
For many travelers by car, the ability to park their vehicle without hassle is one of the most important factors when choosing accommodation. The lack of an available parking spot can be a major inconvenience, especially in urban areas where parking is difficult and expensive. Providing a dedicated parking space allows guests to avoid the stress of searching for an open spot and ensures their convenience. - Vehicle Security
Guests value the safety of their vehicles. Renting a property with an ensured parking spot gives them confidence that their car is protected from theft, damage, or vandalism. A parking spot on the property or in a closed garage adds an extra sense of security. - Eliminating Additional Travel Costs
In some cities, parking costs can be very high. By offering a free parking spot, property owners can help guests save money, which is particularly attractive for those traveling on a budget.
When a parking spot is already an integral part of the offer, we can breathe a sigh of relief, but not entirely. As we mentioned at the beginning of this section, a parking spot alone is no longer sufficient. Why?
The Growing Trend of Electric Car Purchases and Adapting Rental Offers
We are witnessing a dynamic increase in interest in electric cars, which is a response to rising ecological awareness and changes in emission regulations. As governments worldwide introduce increasingly stringent emission standards and offer financial incentives for electric vehicle buyers, the number of such cars on the roads is steadily growing. This is a constant trend that rental property owners must consider. Additionally, technological advancements are making electric cars more affordable, and their range on a single charge is consistently increasing.
Electric car owners, when traveling, seek places that offer vehicle charging facilities. Private chargers in short-term rental properties are a significant convenience for them. Thanks to these, travelers do not have to worry about finding public charging stations, which can often be time-consuming and inconvenient. A private charger on-site also allows for charging the car overnight, ensuring it is ready for the journey in the morning.
Investing in such a charger quickly pays off. Guests who appreciate the ability to charge their electric car directly on the rental property are willing to pay more for this convenience. Furthermore, positive reviews of a property equipped with such an amenity can attract additional customers, building loyalty and trust in the offer. Property owners who invest in charging stations can expect higher reservation rates and greater guest satisfaction.
One Step Ahead of the Competition? Maybe Two Steps Ahead?
Electric car chargers in rental properties have become a symbol of modernity and an eco-friendly approach to travel. It’s trendy and smart. Introducing such an amenity can significantly increase the attractiveness of the offer and set it apart from the competition. In an era of growing ecological awareness, tourists are increasingly choosing places that promote sustainable development.
Besides electric car chargers, accommodation owners can introduce other modern solutions that increase the comfort and attractiveness of the rental. Examples include intelligent lighting and heating management, which allow for energy optimization and adjusting conditions to individual guest needs. Systems like smart home, which enable the control of various devices via a smartphone app, are becoming increasingly popular in the short-term rental industry.
Another convenience gaining popularity is electronic door locks. These allow guests to check-in and check-out independently without physical contact with the owner. Electronic locks or codes enhance convenience but also improve security and privacy.
Another example of modern solutions is the installation of monitoring systems, which provide guests with a greater sense of security. Cameras outside the property can deter potential intruders while giving guests confidence that their property is protected during their stay in an unfamiliar location. These systems can also be integrated with mobile applications, allowing owners to monitor the situation on the property in real-time.
It is also worth mentioning access to high-speed internet, which has become a standard in accommodation rentals. Nowadays, with the increasing importance of remote work, guests expect a stable and fast internet connection. Providing access to high-quality Wi-Fi can significantly affect guest satisfaction and positive reviews of the property.
Old-Fashioned Offer, Modern Problems: What Are the Risks of a Lack of Innovation in Rental Offers?
Comfort, habit, and lack of creativity—nothing justifies not taking actions to develop a business. Entrepreneurs who do not adapt their offer to current times expose themselves to a range of serious consequences. A lack of investment in modern amenities and technologies can result in declining interest and a loss of established market position. Here are some of the main risks resulting from neglecting offer updates:
- Decrease in Reservations: Guests are increasingly looking for places that offer modern amenities, such as fast internet, intelligent management systems, or electric car chargers. The lack of these amenities can result in fewer reservations, as customers will choose competing offers that better meet their expectations.
- Negative Reviews: In the age of social media and review platforms, negative reviews can quickly affect the reputation of a property. Guests who experience a lack of modern amenities may express their dissatisfaction online, discouraging potential customers. Relying on previously gathered positive reviews is a very short-term solution.
- Lower Profitability: The lack of modern solutions can limit the ability to raise rental prices. Property owners who do not invest in improving their offer may be forced to maintain lower prices to attract customers, ultimately affecting the profitability of their business.
- Increased Operating Costs: Old and inefficient systems can generate higher operating costs. For example, the lack of intelligent energy management systems can lead to higher electricity consumption, increasing the cost of maintaining the property.
- Difficulty Attracting New Market Segments: Modern amenities, such as electric car chargers, can attract new customers traveling with electric cars. The lack of such amenities can limit the ability to attract these customers and expand the guest base.
- Lower Customer Loyalty: Guests who are not satisfied with the lack of modern amenities may not return to a particular property. A high level of guest satisfaction is key to building loyalty, and the lack of investment in improving the offer can lead to the loss of regular customers.
- Difficulty Attracting Investors: Potential investors may be less willing to invest in properties that are not modern and do not adapt to current trends. A lack of innovation can affect the assessment of the investment value of a property.
In the highly competitive tourism industry, it is good to keep up with modernity. Electric car chargers are just one of many ways to stand out in the rental market. Investing in modern technologies and amenities not only enhances the comfort of guest stays but also demonstrates an eco-friendly and innovative approach by the owner. In an era of dynamic changes and growing competition, such solutions may prove crucial for success in the short-term rental market.
