Keeping Up With The Industry: Pairing Rentals & Experiences

May 25, 2018 | Guest Experience

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that in the crowded vacation rental marketplace, differentiating yourself from the competition is more difficult than ever. With owners and property managers upping their game and providing ever-higher standards, sometimes it’s no longer enough to rely on luxury finishes and crowd-pleasing amenities. But TripAdvisor Rentals can help you stand out from the crowd. How? By going beyond the norm and offering guests the full in-destination experience – that is, not only the accommodation but also the things to do while on their trip.

What are the benefits of offering rentals AND experiences?

Your rental property is a very important part of your guest’s trip – but it’s not the only part. No matter how comfy the beds are, it’s unlikely they’ll want to stay indoors the whole time they’re there. Your vacation home should be somewhere your guests can return to, keen to relax with friends and family, after a day spent exploring. Inspire your guests with ideas of the best things to do in your area and you’ll reap the rewards: you’ll stand out from the crowd, deliver excellent customer service and help your guests get the most out of their trip.

Start by getting to know your guests

To get the most out of offering the full vacation package, you’ll need to tailor your guest’s experience specifically to them. Sure, there are sights and attractions nearby that everyone will want to see and visit, but every group of guests is different. Think about what they might enjoy doing.


Remember: knowledge is power. To provide the very best in tailor-made experiences, ask your guests what their interests are during and/or after the booking process. The more you know, the more relevant your suggestions and the better their experience will ultimately be.

The basics

  • Leave information about local attractions at your rental – this could be pamphlets or flyers for seasonal events
  • Tell your guests which attractions are popular and if they need to book ahead
  • Tell them how/where to buy tickets and the best way to get there
  • Send an email with your recommendations and ask if you can help with info about local attractions

You can earn 8% commission, too!

Pairing rentals and experiences brings a whole lot of benefits for both you and your guests. Aside from delivering an experience that will have your guests eager to leave glowing reviews, you can also earn commission on the activities they do. How?

Simply sign up for the Travel Agent Program!

Powered by Viator—the leader in the Experiences industry and a TripAdvisor company—this exclusive program has been extended to TripAdvisor Rentals owners and property managers. On this site, you will find the perfect tours and activities for your guests. Simply book them in and we’ll take care of the rest (which includes passing on 8% commission to you).

More about Viator

Viator is the largest supply of bookable tours and activities worldwide!

100,000+ products across 2,500+ destinations

Includes VIP, Skip-the-Line, and Exclusive Tours

Real-time availability and last-minute options
Access to our 24/7 customer support team
Find out more about how it works! Pairing rentals and experiences not only differentiates you from others in a competitive marketplace. It can help you deliver an unforgettable experience, leading to better reviews and more repeat bookings.

Own the full in-destination experience and start reaping the rewards.

Interested in more tips, info or advice? Check out our expert advice category.

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