The vacation home rental market . Not only is it the newest player in the lodging space , it ’ s also widely recognized as the most dynamic and innovative . And since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 , it has enjoyed an unexpected surge in popularity .
Its appeal ?
The incredible variety of homes , say many industry observers . Also , their inherent safety in an age of pandemic .
“ It ’ s been a remarkable turn of events ,” says Jake McClendon , Senior Vice President of Growth and Client Services for 360 Blue . “ The phenomenon that initially threatened the entire travel industry became a huge driver of demand in the vacation rental space .”
“ Two years ago guests really wanted to vacation alone with trusted friends and families ,” says Mike Perkins , Senior Vice President of Operations for 360 Blue . “ They also wanted to have control over who they came in contact with . The vacation home rental checked both of those boxes . Now their eyes have been opened to what the VR experience is all about .”
This surge in demand , however , isn ’ t exclusive to the Emerald Coast . Natural Retreats , which manages luxury properties in 17 destinations throughout the United States , has felt the love nationwide .
“ Vacation home rentals are finding a whole new audience these days as folks shy away from crowded spaces ,” says Chris Holden , CEO of Natural Retreats , the parent company of 360 Blue . “ In the last two-plus years , millions of Americans have tried them for the first time — and they ’ ve fallen in love with the experience .”
WHAT ’ S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
The vacation home rental concept stretches back centuries to a time when extended stays were common among the affluent and their preferred lodging was a home over a hotel . Availability and rates were disseminated by word-of-mouth , newspaper adverts and mail service , and an agreement was arrived at between guests and the owner . The arrangement worked for both parties . The homeowners enjoyed additional revenue while their guests experienced a destination in a far more intimate way than any hotel could offer .
The first vacation rental listings appeared in American newspapers in the 1950s . What followed was the slow , organic growth of an everevolving lodging category . Most of these vacation homes were looked after by professional property
RISE OF VACATION HOME RENTALS TRAVEL beachLIFE 17