Attracting Corporate Guests to Airbnb

The Airbnb market is saturated with short-term holiday listings, and while attracting tourists is often the main focus, there’s a growing opportunity that savvy property owners can tap into: corporate bookings. In the UK, more businesses are looking for flexible, cost-effective accommodation solutions for their travelling staff. Whether it’s for a short business trip or a long-term project, Airbnbs are now serious contenders against traditional hotels. But how do you capture this lucrative segment?

In this article, we’ll dive into the essential strategies that can help you increase both occupancy and revenue by catering to corporate bookings. We’ll explore how to adapt your space, implement dynamic pricing, and market to the corporate sector effectively. Ready to boost your Airbnb revenue?

Why Corporate Bookings Are Key

Unlike leisure travellers, who are more focused on luxury and location, corporate guests value reliability, functionality, and efficiency. This makes corporate bookings a stable and predictable revenue stream. Here are some reasons why targeting corporate clients can benefit your Airbnb:

Longer Stays: Corporate bookings often last longer than the average short-term stay. Whether it’s for a conference, training, or project work, business stays tend to be anywhere from a week to several months. This reduces the number of vacant nights, leading to higher occupancy rates.
Repeat Bookings: Once businesses find a reliable space for their employees, they’re likely to return for future stays. Building relationships with companies can create long-term partnerships, providing steady, year-round revenue.
Reduced Seasonality: Leisure bookings often fluctuate based on holiday seasons, weather, and events. Corporate travel, however, tends to be more consistent throughout the year, offering you a way to fill gaps during off-peak seasons.

Diversifying your Airbnb listing to appeal to corporate clients is one of the smartest moves a property owner can make. It reduces reliance on tourist seasons and gives you more stability in income.

But how exactly can you turn your vacation rental into a corporate-ready haven? Let’s explore.

Creating a Corporate-Ready Airbnb

Catering to corporate clients requires different amenities and features compared to standard Airbnb listings. Corporate travellers prioritise workspaces, reliable internet, and comfort. Here’s how to make your property more appealing to the business market.

Dedicated Workspaces
Corporate guests need a proper place to work, so it’s crucial to offer a designated workspace. Invest in an ergonomic desk, a comfortable chair, and good lighting. Make sure there are plenty of outlets for charging devices, and if possible, add a second monitor or printer. This transforms your property from a holiday rental into a productive environment where business travellers can get their work done efficiently.
High-Speed Internet
The importance of reliable, fast Wi-Fi cannot be overstated. Business guests may be video conferencing, downloading large files, or working on cloud-based applications. If your internet speed isn’t up to scratch, it could lead to negative reviews and a loss of bookings. Offering a high-speed, secure connection is essential for attracting and retaining corporate clients.
Comfortable Living Areas
After a long day of meetings or remote work, business travellers need a comfortable place to relax. Invest in high-quality furniture and consider providing streaming services, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, to give guests the entertainment options they’re used to at home.
Hotel-Like Amenities
To truly stand out in the corporate sector, your property should blend the comforts of a home with the conveniences of a hotel. Offer daily or weekly cleaning services, provide toiletries, and ensure fresh towels and linens are always available. These small touches can make a big difference in making business travellers feel welcome and taken care of.
Flexible Check-In and Check-Out
Corporate guests often arrive on tight schedules. Offering flexible check-in and check-out times will increase your chances of accommodating last-minute bookings. Better yet, consider adding self-check-in features with smart locks to give guests more control over their arrival time.

Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Pricing is a huge factor when it comes to attracting corporate bookings. Business travellers have budgets, but they are often more flexible than tourists. Here are some dynamic pricing strategies to consider:

Peak and Off-Peak Pricing
Adjusting your prices according to demand is critical. While tourists may visit during weekends or holidays, business trips often happen mid-week. Offering discounted rates during the week can help you fill your property with corporate guests when leisure travellers are less likely to book.
Length of Stay Discounts
Offering discounts for longer stays can entice corporate clients to book your property for several weeks or months. This reduces vacancy and increases overall revenue, as longer stays tend to involve fewer turnover costs.
Corporate Rates
Work with companies directly to establish a corporate rate for frequent bookings. Businesses will appreciate the predictability, and you’ll benefit from regular, guaranteed bookings.
Last-Minute Deals
Corporate bookings can often be last minute. Offering discounted rates for same-day or next-day bookings can help fill last-minute cancellations or vacant nights.

Dynamic pricing doesn’t mean you’re lowering your rates across the board—it’s about offering value when it’s needed most while maximising your revenue during peak demand.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

Corporate guests expect a seamless experience from start to finish. From their first interaction with your listing to check-out, every touchpoint matters. Here’s how to enhance the guest experience for business travellers:

Professional Communication
From the moment a guest inquires about your property, the communication should be prompt and professional. Corporate clients appreciate efficiency, so be proactive in answering questions, confirming bookings, and providing necessary information before their stay.
Welcome Packets
Consider providing a digital or physical welcome packet that includes essential information like Wi-Fi passwords, check-in/out procedures, and nearby business services (dry cleaning, office supply stores, etc.). You can also include recommendations for restaurants that are ideal for business meetings.
Streamline Check-In and Check-Out
As mentioned earlier, offering self-check-in options can be a game-changer for corporate clients. Make sure instructions are clear and consider using digital tools such as keyless entry systems to make check-in as smooth as possible.
Build Loyalty
After their stay, send a thank-you message and offer a discount code for future bookings. A small gesture like this can encourage repeat bookings and create long-term relationships with corporate clients.

Marketing to the Corporate Sector

Now that you’ve made your property more appealing to corporate guests and fine-tuned your pricing, it’s time to get your listing in front of the right audience. Here’s how to market effectively to the corporate sector:

List on Multiple Platforms
Don’t just rely on Airbnb. Listing your property on corporate accommodation platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or dedicated corporate housing sites can significantly increase your visibility. Being present on multiple platforms increases the likelihood of being found by corporate travel managers.
Optimise Your Airbnb Listing
Make sure your Airbnb listing is optimised for corporate bookings. Highlight amenities that matter to business travellers, such as fast Wi-Fi, workspaces, and proximity to conference centres or business districts. Use professional photos that show off these features.
Targeted Social Media Marketing
Use LinkedIn and other professional networks to market your property. Consider targeting ads specifically to companies or industries that frequently send employees to your area. You can also engage with local business groups or chambers of commerce to spread the word about your corporate-friendly listing.
Leverage Local Business Networks
Reach out to local businesses that might need accommodation for visiting employees. By establishing a relationship with these companies, you could secure regular bookings and position yourself as a go-to resource for corporate stays.
Corporate Partnerships
Partnering with local event organisers or corporate travel agencies can lead to regular bookings. Offer discounts for groups attending local conferences or training sessions. This can give you an edge over competitors who are solely focused on tourist bookings.

Conclusion

By focusing on corporate bookings, you can unlock a reliable and potentially lucrative revenue stream. It requires thoughtful preparation—adapting your property to meet the needs of business travellers, implementing dynamic pricing strategies, and marketing effectively. However, the effort is well worth it when you see your Airbnb occupancy rates soar.

The business travel market is growing, and by offering a well-rounded, corporate-friendly space, you’re not just attracting guests, you’re building partnerships that can lead to sustained success. Whether you’re a new Airbnb host or an experienced property manager, these strategies can help you thrive in the competitive world of corporate bookings.

Ready to transform your Airbnb into a corporate-friendly rental? The opportunities are waiting—grab them before your competitors do.