As always the year begins with preparations in the later part of the previous year. Fortunately the delayed trip in October to Queensland, became perfectly timed. I was not expecting the increased accommodation trade via Airbnb and Hostel world bookings that began in November.
It is now my fourth year with Airbnb and hostel world and it may have finally plateaued. This is a good thing as I have several businesses there is only so much time that can be shared among them. My accommodation site is very much a hands on operation. I live in the house and follow the meet and greet and settle my guest in with dedication. That is the key to my success, the business is a service based and personality driven. In home accommodation, with 90% of my guests international travellers all that is required from me is being friendly. Something that is well worth the time spent and the return gained.
Interesting to see the furore the Airbnb and Uber enterprises are creating. make no doubt there is nothing bad about that, not getting any media that would be bad. How much of it is actually media hype and is true opposition is debatable. My simple point is that the first ‘motels’ and accommodation for travellers was peoples homes. If businesses have evolved to building site specific accommodations that is their chosen enterprise. If the market demand and competition has grown into a new form that is not a reason to outlaw or create obstacles because of a trade threat. Once upon a time blacksmiths were in every town then the motor car came along. Just another form of transport and exactly the same as the appearance of Uber and Airbnb are to the taxi and accommodation industries. Welcome to competition in enterprise, if your business is failing, don’t blame the competition.