September and back to school: how it affects tourism and what you can do with your property

Back to school changes tourist demand in September: family trips drop off and couples, older travellers, professionals and mid-length stays gain ground. To keep occupancy up, it pays to adjust prices, adapt the listing, offer more flexibility and get the property ready for what guests need in autumn.

At beBalmy we know September is a month of transition, but also of opportunity. If you know how to adapt, you can keep occupancy up, improve your income and get your home ready for an autumn full of bookings.

1. The guest profile changes

In July and August, most travellers are families with children. In September, however, the picture is different:

• Couples and groups without children who prefer to travel without the crowds and at lower prices.
  
• Older travellers, who enjoy the good weather in quieter destinations.
  
• Digital nomads, who after the summer look to settle in a new city to combine work and leisure.
  
• Business travellers, who get back to conferences, meetings and work events after the holidays.

Understanding this change of profile is key to adjusting both your listing and the services you offer.

2. Adjust your pricing and length-of-stay strategy

September rates are usually lower than August's, but that doesn't mean losing profitability. The key is to attract longer stays with fewer gaps in the calendar. Some ideas:

• Offer discounts for full weeks to attract digital nomads or couples who work remotely.
  
• Include attractive extras, such as flexible check-in, a mid-stay clean or a small welcome gift.
  
• Run specific weekend promotions aimed at short breaks.
  

A well-optimised calendar in September can give you more stability and reduce empty days.

3. Get your home in shape after the summer

After a summer of high turnover, September is the best time to do thorough maintenance and get your home ready for autumn:

• Check appliances, mattresses and textiles that have had heavy use.
  
• Do a deep clean that goes beyond the usual.
  
• Make sure the heating, insulation and windows are ready for the cold.
  
• Add cosy touches: throws on the sofa, cushions, candles or warm lighting that make it feel like home.
  

This not only extends the useful life of your home, it also improves the guest experience and translates into better reviews.

4. Make the most of business and event tourism

The return to work brings conferences, trade fairs and meetings. These guests look for:

• A strategic location, close to business districts or with good transport links.
  
• Fast, stable wifi.
  
• Flexible check-in and check-out.
  
• A comfortable space to work, even if it's just a small table with good light.

If your property ticks these boxes, September is an ideal month to win corporate bookings, which tend to come at higher prices and with fewer complications.

5. Think medium term: autumn and winter

September is the perfect month to look further ahead and plan the low season. By getting your home ready now, you can attract guests looking for autumn breaks, food-focused weekends, nature routes or even New Year trips.
It is also a good time to decide whether you will open your property to medium or long stays during the quieter months, which can give you stability and a steady flow of income.

In short...

Back to school is not the end of tourism, but the start of a different season in which owners who know how to adapt can get a lot out of it. Adjusting prices, adapting your home to new guest profiles and getting the property ready for autumn are key steps to keeping your returns up after the summer.

At beBalmy we help make sure your property doesn't depend only on the high season, but shines all year round with strategies adapted to each moment.

Thinking of turning your property into a holiday let? This is the perfect time to get the most out of it. Write to us and we'll be happy to help through this form, or send us a WhatsApp message.