Industry insights
5 Tips to prepare Your vacation rental for the Six Nations championship
16 Jan 2025
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By Sophie Eminson
Rugby enthusiasts, rejoice! The annual Six Nations Championship is fast approaching, and fans will soon be travelling across Europe to watch some of the finest rugby teams battle it out for glory. Whether it’s England versus France at Twickenham or Scotland taking on Ireland at Murrayfield, this is one of the most exciting tournaments on the sporting calendar. For vacation rental owners, this means an influx of visitors looking for convenient, cosy, and accommodating places to stay. But how do you ensure your property stands out from the crowd this season? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can prepare your vacation rental for the Six Nations Championship and attract rugby fans to book your property.
1. Know the fixtures in your nation
The first step to renting out your property for the Six Nations is knowing when the games are happening near you. The tournament kicks off in Paris on Friday, 31st January, and travels through Dublin, Edinburgh, Rome, Cardiff, and Twickenham. The final matches take place on Saturday, 15th March.
If your property is near one of the venues, mark the dates now. Fans will be travelling well in advance of the games, so start advertising your property around a month ahead of the event. Being proactive and aligning your listing with fixture dates will increase your chances of catching the eye of enthusiastic guests. Add phrases like "Six Nations accommodation near [stadium name]" to your property description to help your listing stand out.
Hot Tip: Staying flexible with your booking dates can attract travelling fans who may want a few extra nights to explore the area after the rugby is over.
2. Use social media to support the tournament
Social media is your not-so-secret weapon. Connect with your audience by actively supporting the tournament through your channels. Create posts about the Six Nations fixtures, share updates and results, or get cheeky with friendly banter about the matches (a little humour goes a long way). Link through to your TN Direct page to reduce the amount of commission you pay.
Consider posting Instagram Stories with game-day coverage or using hashtags like #SixNations, #RugbyAccommodation, and #SixNations2025 to reach a wider audience of rugby fans. Pair that with high-quality photos of your property to grab their attention. Don’t forget to tag your location to make it easier for fans travelling to nearby stadiums to find you.
Creative Idea: Temporarily update your page's profile photo or banners to show support for your country’s team. It’s a fun, patriotic touch that followers will appreciate!
3. Ensure you’ve got the right channels
Matchday vibes are important, but rugby fans also don’t want to miss other action-packed matches happening while they’re in town. Make sure your property has the must-have TV channels for Six Nations games - BBC and ITV hold the broadcasting rights this year. Without them, you risk disappointing your guests when they can’t catch their team's performance over a post-match pint on your sofa.
If your property doesn’t currently have a TV licence or streaming setup, now’s the perfect time to upgrade. A simple fix like adding a smart TV or ensuring your WiFi is strong enough for streaming games can make all the difference.
Bonus Tip: Provide comfy seating and a stash of snacks or drinks, encouraging fans to relax after attending the match. It’s the ultimate hospitality touch.
4. Provide extra information (and a dash of patriotism)
Where are rugby fans going after the game? How can they get there easily? These might seem like small questions, but providing these answers could turn your listing into a fan favourite.
Add practical details to your property listing, such as the walking distance to the stadium, public transport options, and nearby pubs or restaurants perfect for pre- or post-match celebrations. Go one step further by leaving a travel guide or map for guests, it’s a thoughtful touch they’ll remember.
Want to really impress? Leave a Six Nations fixture list in your welcome pack or display it on the coffee table. And if you’re feeling extra patriotic, why not decorate your property with subtle nods to your country’s team? Flags, bunting, or even rugby memorabilia can create an immersive and memorable stay for your guests.
Example: Hosting Irish fans for the matches in Dublin? Add a few green accents or rugby-themed coasters to your décor.
5. Sign up With Travelnest for ultimate marketing
Now that your property is match-ready, it’s time to supercharge its visibility. Signing up with platforms like Travelnest helps vacation rental hosts promote their properties across more than 30 top booking websites, including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.
Travelnest’s Smart Pricing ensures your rental rate is optimised to attract the right guests (hello, rugby fans), while their promotional tools elevate your property on booking platforms. It's a fast and easy way to make sure fans scouting for Six Nations accommodation find your listing first.
Not sure where to start? Sign up with Travelnest today to book a free optimisation call with a Travelnest property expert this month to create an irresistible listing just in time for kick-off.
Score Big With Six Nations Rugby Fans
The Six Nations Championship brings more than just incredible rugby; it’s an opportunity for vacation rental owners to score big with travelling sports fans. By tailoring your property and marketing strategy to match the tournament’s vibes, you can stand out from the competition while offering guests a winning experience.
From keeping an eye on fixture dates to adding special touches like team colours and fixture lists, these small but impactful changes can make your property a magnet for rugby lovers. If you’re ready to make your listing shine, Travelnest is here to help.
Don’t wait until the whistle blows. Get ahead of the game and prepare your rental for the Six Nations today!
Sign up now and optimise your Six Nations marketing with Travelnest.
