Industry insights
Short-term rental trends 2022
29 Jul 2022
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By Sophie Eminson
It’s no secret that the travel industry has been under pressure in recent years, with many travellers opting to stay at home instead of going abroad. Now that global travel is returning to pre-pandemic levels and ‘revenge travel’ surges, we are seeing a drop in demand for hotels and a preference for self-contained holiday rentals. As a result of this, the way in which guests travel has changed. As a vacation rental host it’s important to be aware of shifts in guests behaviour. Here are five short-term rental trends you need to look out for in 2022.
Sustainable travel
With an increasing need to be more environmentally friendly and the cost of living continuing to rise, it’s no surprise that sustainable travel options have become one of the most popular short-term rental trends in recent years. In a report published by our partner channel Expedia, it was found that 93% of European respondents said they would be willing to pay more for travel to ensure it was sustainable. Within this report, the booking channel also supported a surge in bookings, particularly in short-term vacation rentals. Our sustainability blog offers tips for how to reduce energy costs, and a number of quick fixes hosts can make to help make a holiday home is more sustainable.
Rural locations
Travelnest partner channel Airbnb found that in 2021, demand for rural properties was triple the amount that it was in 2015. This short-term rental trend, which Airbnb call ‘The Great Escape‘, is only set to increase in 2022 and beyond. Rural destinations are generally quieter, more relaxing and often cheaper than cities. This is especially important for travellers who are trying to save money on their rental expenses. Rural areas often have a higher eco-friendly focus than urban cities also, which can appeal to people who links back to the previous short-term rental trend of sustainable travel.
Working from home
One of the most exciting short-term rental trends which has emerged as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, is the ability to work anywhere. Many businesses have switched to a remote working approach, allowing employees to work from home, wherever that may be. If you can work from the comfort of a beach villa, then why not? As we enter the era of ‘digital nomads’ it’s important to consider how to market a holiday home to this growing group of guests. Hostaway have explained how to target this traveller segment, and why this lifestyle is popular with guests.
Longer stays
Likely due to the ease of working from home and digital nomad era, longer stays have also become one of the most popular short-term rental trends. Another of our partner channels, VRBO, found that this is a short-term rental trend becoming increasingly popular with families however. In a recent survey carried out by the booking channel, it was found that 44% of families said they are more likely to work remotely from a place that’s not their own home. A further 77% of families agreed that they have a greater appreciation for separating their professional and personal lives compared to pre-pandemic times; and there has been a 68% increase in 21-30-day stays so far in 2022.
Last minute holidays
More and more travellers are now choosing to book at short notice, another short-term trend as a result of travel instability over the last 2 years. However, last minute holidays are a win-win for hosts and guests. The ease of access to travel in recent years has allowed guests to be a lot more flexible and spontaneous when making travel plans. By accepting last minute stays you can fill any remaining occupancy in your holiday rental. This growing trend is something hosts can really take advantage of, rather than worry about. We’ve have written a blog which contains a step-by-step guide explaining how to prepare for last minute stays.