The holiday rental industry continues to evolve rapidly, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year where guest expectations are higher, and more specific, than ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned holiday homeowner or just starting out, staying ahead of the trends can make the difference between a fully booked calendar and empty weekends. Here’s what you need to know to keep your property competitive and your guests coming back.
Authentic, Local Experiences Are in Demand
Today’s travellers want more than just a place to sleep - they want a story. Guests are looking for properties that offer a sense of place, with décor, amenities, and experiences that reflect the local area. Think artisan touches, regional food hampers, and recommendations for hidden gems that only locals know.
What you can do:
- Include local products in welcome packs (Retreats Tasmania have started supplying these to our guests, along with a branded welcome card).
- Provide a curated digital or printed guidebook with insider tips. Each of Retreats Tasmania properties gets a bespoke guest compendium with local recommendations.
- Decorate your home with pieces from local artists or craftspeople; add names and numbers of where they can be found.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Are Non-Negotiable
Post-pandemic awareness around cleanliness hasn’t faded. In fact, guests now expect hotel-level hygiene across all short-term rentals. Transparent cleaning processes and visible attention to detail are essential.
What you can do:
- Hire professional cleaners and highlight this in your listing. At Retreats Tasmania, we have our own team of highly experienced housekeepers who do a fantastic job.
- Leave small, visible touches like sealed disinfectant wipes or hand sanitiser.
- Encourage and respond to reviews that mention cleanliness.
- Mention in your listings what cleaning products are used and your cleaning practices.
Seamless Digital Experiences Are Essential
From booking to check-out, guests expect a tech-savvy and contactless experience. In 2025, a clunky booking process or lack of digital communication tools can turn guests away. Consider digitising your guest compendiums too, like we do at Retreats Tasmania. Better for your wallet, and better for the planet!
What you can do:
- Use a modern booking platform that allows for instant reservations and online check-in. Retreats Tasmania use a channel manager that caters to both us and the guests. Calendar synchronisation is taken care of, we are able to gather the information needed from guests via the channel manager, and guests can access a portal with all the property information prior to their stay.
- Offer smart locks or keyless entry where possible. Carbine digital locks are straightforward and cost effective - no more midnight calls when guests lock themselves out!
- Set up automated, friendly guest messages for check-in, welcome, and check-out. Our communication includes a ‘things to do’ message 5 days prior to check-in, offering guests example itineraries and hidden gems in the area. This extra touch goes a long way and is often mentioned in our reviews.
Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
Eco-conscious travel is more than a trend - it’s becoming an expectation. Guests are actively seeking properties that align with their environmental values, from waste reduction to energy efficiency.
What you can do:
- Offer recycling and compost bins with clear labels and let the guests know when they need to be put out for collection.
- Reduce waste by not offering any single use plastics or single use products.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
- Promote your efforts in your listing: ‘Sustainably run with minimal waste, environmentally friendly cleaning products, and local sourcing.’
Spaces Need to Be Flexible and Functional
Whether it’s a digital nomad looking for a week of remote work or a family on a school holiday, travellers need multi-functional spaces. A comfy couch, strong Wi-Fi, and functional workspace may now be just as important as a stunning view.
What you can do:
- Add a designated workspace with a desk and ergonomic chair. Consider supplying pens and notebooks - they can also be cute decorative items to fill up a blank space.
- Ensure your Wi-Fi speed is reliable - and list the Mbps in your property description. If the home is in a patchy signal area, make this clear on the listing.
- Include extras like board games or books for a rainy-day.
- Smart TVs are essential, but consider offering a property log in to streaming services such as Netflix.
Personal Touches Still Make the Biggest Impact
In a world of automation and digital convenience, human touches still stand out. A handwritten welcome card, a small surprise treat, or a quick message during a guest’s stay can elevate the experience.
What you can do:
- Leave a handwritten note or custom message based on why they’re visiting (e.g. “Happy Anniversary!”). For notable events, we add a handwritten message in our welcome cards with guest names - it certainly goes a long way.
- Offer small but thoughtful extras: a bottle of wine, or locally made fudge - like we do at Retreats Tasmania! Remember to try and source them wholesale where possible.
Communication is King
Strong communication between Short Stay Property Managers and guests is crucial for delivering a smooth and enjoyable stay. From booking to checkout, clear, friendly, and timely messages help set expectations, reduce confusion, and build trust. Good communication not only prevents issues but also enhances the overall guest experience, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings.
What you can do:
- Send clear, automated messages at key stages: booking, pre-arrival, check-in, and checkout. Personalise it by adding the guests name, dates of their stay, and the holiday home they’re staying at.
- Be available and responsive throughout the stay for questions or issues. Always be friendly and professional.
- Check in on guests the day after they arrive to make sure check-in went smoothly and they’re all settled. If there are any problems, guests will let you know and you can quickly rectify it, building a positive relationship with your guest and avoiding any negative reviews.
- Follow up after checkout to thank guests and invite reviews or feedback.
Final Thoughts
To thrive in 2025, holiday homeowners must go beyond the basics. Understanding what guests truly value - and delivering it consistently - can build loyalty, increase bookings, and boost word-of-mouth referrals. Focus on personalization, local flavour, eco-awareness, tech-enabled convenience, friendly communication, and you’ll be ahead of the curve.
Need help meeting rising guest expectations?
As a property management Hobart specialist, Retreats Tasmania takes care of every detail of your holiday home, to ensure guests leave glowing reviews and come back again. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.
Looking for expert management for your Hobart and Southern Tasmania Airbnb or short term accommodation property? View our local property management services.
