The future of holiday accommodation: 5 trends that will shape the next 5 years

The future of holiday accommodation will be shaped by mid-length stays, sustainability, automation, personalisation and the combination of different rental models. Owners will need to adapt the equipment, technology and sales strategy of their properties to respond to more flexible demand and stay competitive.

1. Medium and long stays on the rise

Remote working and flexible working have changed the way we travel. More and more guests are looking for places to spend several weeks or even months, combining work and leisure. This means your property should not only be equipped for holidays, but also designed for someone who wants to feel "at home": good Wi-Fi, a comfortable desk, a well-equipped kitchen and practical spaces for day-to-day life.
In the coming years, owners who adapt their properties to this type of guest will have a more stable calendar and depend less on the high season.

2. Sustainable accommodation as a deciding factor

Travellers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices. Small details such as cutting down on plastic, having efficient appliances or offering recycling options in your property will earn you extra points against the competition.
What is more, platforms such as Airbnb or Booking are already giving more visibility to sustainable properties, and this can translate into better ranking and more bookings. In a few years, sustainability will stop being an added extra and become a requirement that every guest expects to find.

3. Automation and contactless check-in

Technology is moving forward and guests want convenience. Smart locks, smooth communication over WhatsApp, interactive digital guides and automatic check-in systems will replace traditional processes.
This not only improves the guest experience, it also lets you save time, reduce mistakes and manage several properties more efficiently. Imagine being able to welcome a guest in the small hours without having to go there: that will be the norm, not the exception.

4. Personalising the experience

It is no longer just about providing accommodation, but about offering tailored experiences. From recommending local restaurants based on the guest's tastes to putting typical local products in the fridge, offering themed welcome kits or working with nearby businesses to create unique experiences (surf lessons, cultural tours, food tastings…).
In such a competitive market, personalisation will be the key to getting better ratings and making your property stand out from the rest.

5. A variety of rental formats

The future is not only about holiday lets. Renting by the day, week, month or by the room will sit side by side more naturally in the same property. This flexibility lets you optimise returns according to the season and demand.
The same flat could be occupied by tourists in summer, by students in autumn and by digital nomads in winter. Owners who know how to adapt to these changes will have more stability and better financial returns.

In short...

The holiday accommodation market will keep growing, but with new rules. The next five years will be shaped by flexibility, sustainability, technology and personalisation. At beBalmy we are already working with these trends so that your property does not just adapt, but gets ahead of the future.

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 will be happy to help through this form, or send us a WhatsApp message.