How to manage my tourist apartment during and after the coronavirus quarantine

The current quarantine situation has put tourist apartment owners against the ropes all over the world. Our country is no exception, and as an owner you are likely to have many doubts about how to act in this situation.That tourism in times of crisis suffers much more than other sectors is beyond doubt. But that doesn't mean that everything is lost, not by a long shot. When all is said and done, knowing how to manage tourist apartments in times of crisis

1. Accept that there will be a loss of customers during the coronavirus quarantine

We know it's not the advice you want to hear as a homeowner, but it's something that should be said as soon as possible. All tourist apartments will suffer a significant decrease in their expected occupancy due to the quarantine. Although some people can still travel for work or necessity, the vast majority of people will not be able to do so. Therefore, accepting that tourism suffers a severe blow during a crisis is the first thing you have to keep in mind. At this moment, it's about trying to minimize the effect of the quarantine on the bottom line.

2. Reduce rental prices

The number of available tourist apartments is much higher than in other times. That's why, lowering the price and applying special offers —for example, for doctors who have to move to other areas— can be an opportunity to maintain some of the occupancy that was lost due to coronavirus cancellations and quarantine.

3. Extreme precautions in cleaning as a reassuring factor

At this time, a essential differentiating factor is hygiene and cleanliness. Although it's something that's taken for granted in all tourist apartments, it will be very useful to make it clear that extra measures are being taken to sanitize the apartment before the next occupancy.

4. Offer free extras adapted to the current context

Add cleaning and hygiene products such as hand sanitizer or personal protection of any kind —gloves or masks purchased at a pharmacy—, are accessories that people who have to move around the country will greatly appreciate.This simple gesture, will give peace of mind to the tenant while they stay in the apartment by saving them having to search in the new city for these basic products.

5. Take advantage of the time to make renovations and automate your home

One of the keys to knowing how to manage tourist apartments correctly is to take advantage of the absence of tenants. The quarantine is a good opportunity to carry out the work that the apartment needs to improve. At the moment, it is still possible to carry out this kind of work during the quarantine, so it is the best opportunity to renovate the bathroom or install a next-generation lock that will improve the use of the tourist apartment when the current crisis passes.

6. Redecorate and adapt the apartment

In addition to improvement works, you can also take advantage of the time to think, plan, and buy the necessary furniture and accessories to redecorate the apartment. In this way, we take advantage of the fact that there is no active occupancy.

7. Make your rates flexible

The risk of a new coronavirus outbreak can generate doubts and insecurity for tourists when booking a trip. Offer them flexible cancellation and minimum stay policies to offer facilities to your guests.

8. Stay alert for possible aid to the tourism sector

Currently, there are aids to the sector for self-employed and SMEs that need to be financed through ICO credits. But since the situation is so variable and changing right now, it cannot be ruled out that new aids may arise that you can apply for.

9. Reconsider the tourist rental model

The uncertainty about the duration of the coronavirus and the recovery of tourism after the quarantine make you think - even if only temporarily - about changing the desired tenant for the property.Many owners are changing their rental ads for their tourist apartments to others focused on long-term tenants. Sacrificing part of the profitability in exchange for achieving stability in income.We recommend reading about What to do if I want to rent my tourist apartment all year round?

10. Offer the apartment to health professionals and personnel who need it to curb the spread of coronavirus during quarantine

Finally, if tenants do not appear due to quarantine, there is an option to offer it to professionals working hard against the effects of coronavirus in any branch.Many times these professionals have to move to other cities where they are urgently needed. There are owners who offer their apartments to them free of charge or in exchange for a symbolic price that covers the expenses of the apartment.As you can see, even in a crisis like this, with more and more countries in quarantine,it is possible to find a way to take advantage of it. Perhaps losses cannot always be avoided, but at least they can be reduced or the moment can be used to carry out other activities that will help to recover the investment made in the future.‍

Did you like this post? You can subscribe to Raixer's newsletter by completing the form below to receive tips like these every week in your inbox. You can also take a look at the Raixer smart lock and save time and money with key delivery.