How Local Partnerships Help Airbnb Hosts Stand Out

Mark Palmiere
Jun 13
11 min read

Updated: Jun 14

Want more bookings for your Airbnb? Partnering with local businesses and events could be your secret weapon. Here's why:

Increased visibility: Highlighting proximity to local events or attractions boosts search rankings.
Higher revenue: Events like festivals can double or triple booking rates and prices.
Unique guest experiences: Collaborations with restaurants, tours, or local farms make your property memorable.

For example, hosts near Coachella or Cambridge's May Balls see spikes in bookings with smart pricing and promotion. Tools like social media hashtags and guidebooks can amplify these efforts.

How to start:

Identify local businesses or events that align with your property.
Offer mutual benefits like guest discounts or cross-promotion.
Promote partnerships in your listings and track results with guest feedback and booking data.

This approach not only helps your Airbnb stand out but also supports your local community.

How Local Event Partnerships Increase Airbnb Property Visibility

Research Data on Visibility Improvements

Local events can significantly amplify the visibility of Airbnb properties. Studies reveal that festivals, conferences, and sports events often lead to spikes in demand for short-term rentals, giving properties near these venues a noticeable edge.

"Local events - festivals, conferences, sporting tournaments, or cultural celebrations - have a profound and measurable impact on Airbnb bookings." - Bernard Audemard, Author at LinkedIn

Strategic adjustments, like emphasizing proximity to event venues and incorporating event-related keywords in property titles and descriptions, can push listings higher in search rankings during these high-demand periods.

For example, in Cambridge, booking rates can double or even triple during events like May Balls or biotech conferences. This serves as a clear example of how aligning with local events can provide a competitive boost in visibility.

These insights set the stage for real-world examples that show how partnerships with local events can lead to higher bookings.

Examples of Successful Partnership Programs

Real-world experiences back up the data. During the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals in Indio, California, hosts located near the venues consistently see a surge in both occupancy rates and average daily rates. But it’s not just about location - success often comes from smart marketing and event-specific strategies.

One effective approach is cross-promotion. By using event hashtags on social media or collaborating with local businesses and event organizers, hosts can reach potential guests through multiple channels, expanding their audience beyond Airbnb’s search results.

Take Bark Point Ventures’ collaboration with Authentic Superior in Northern Wisconsin as an example. This partnership includes a local farm goods program, where guests receive a menu of fresh farm products before their stay. Not only does this program generate about $25,000 annually for local farmers, but it also earns glowing guest reviews.

These strategies do more than just boost visibility - they create memorable, one-of-a-kind guest experiences. When a property offers something special tied to local events, it naturally attracts attention and stands out in a crowded market.

How Event Partnerships Drive More Bookings and Revenue

Studies on Booking Increases During Local Events

Event partnerships can do more than just enhance visibility - they can lead to significant spikes in bookings and revenue. Research highlights that local events often drive a surge in demand for short-term rentals, increasing both occupancy rates and income for hosts. For instance, in Cambridge, events like May Balls and biotech conferences have been linked to booking increases of 200% to 300%, with nightly rates doubling or even tripling compared to off-peak periods.

"Hosts can maximize revenue by aligning their properties with local events, which drive demand and allow for premium pricing." - Scott Sage, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience, AirDNA

A key factor in tapping into these opportunities is dynamic pricing. By keeping an eye on local event calendars and adjusting rates to match demand, hosts can capitalize on these peak periods. This strategy not only boosts revenue but also creates a chance to fine-tune marketing efforts aimed at event attendees.

How to Target Event Attendees with Special Offers

Once dynamic pricing has helped increase revenue, targeting event attendees directly can amplify bookings even further. These travelers often prioritize convenience, location, and tailored experiences. Hosts can stand out by using location-based marketing that highlights proximity to event venues, transportation hubs, and key amenities. Phrases like "Perfect for [Event Name]" or "Walking distance to [Venue]" can improve search visibility and attract more clicks.

Offering flexible booking options is another effective tactic. Adjusting minimum stay requirements and providing flexible check-in and check-out times can accommodate the varied schedules of event attendees, making a listing more appealing. Adding thoughtful extras, such as event tickets or curated local experiences, can enhance guest satisfaction and justify premium pricing. Many hosts also update their welcome guides with personalized recommendations for nearby attractions and dining spots, helping to create a memorable stay that leads to glowing reviews and repeat bookings.

How Hosts Can Build Local Partnerships

Working with Local Businesses and Event Organizers

Creating partnerships with local businesses can enhance your guests' experience while benefiting your property. Start by identifying businesses that align with your rental's brand and appeal to your guests. Look for reputable restaurants, tour operators, spas, or activity providers that naturally complement what you offer.

When reaching out to potential partners, highlight the mutual benefits. Explain how working together can boost visibility, generate customer referrals, and improve guest satisfaction. Attending community events and joining local business groups is a great way to meet potential collaborators and build authentic relationships. Once you've established connections, think about crafting unique experiences - like discounted meals, private tours, or exclusive shopping opportunities - to offer your guests something special.

When formalizing a partnership, ensure the terms are clear and beneficial for both sides. Guest discounts, exclusive access, or special packages can add value for travelers while driving traffic to your partner's business. Document these agreements in writing, outlining responsibilities, offer details, and any financial arrangements.

Promote these collaborations on your Airbnb listing, website, and social media platforms. A dedicated section on your website or a guest welcome pack with details on discounts and exclusive offers can emphasize the value of these partnerships. Joint marketing efforts, such as social media campaigns or co-hosted events, can also help expand your reach.

Once the partnerships are in place, it's important to monitor their performance to ensure they remain effective.

Tools to Track Partnership Success

After launching local partnerships, measuring their impact is key to optimizing results. Start by reviewing guest feedback to see how visitors respond to the collaborations. Pay attention to mentions of partner businesses, special offers, or improvements in their overall experience.

Analyze booking trends and revenue to assess whether these partnerships are driving more reservations or higher rates. Compare data from before and after the collaborations, factoring in seasonal patterns and repeat bookings.

Leverage digital tools to simplify tracking. For example, Hostfully's digital guidebooks allow you to feature local businesses and provide analytics on which recommendations guests interact with most. QR codes in welcome materials can also help track engagement with specific offers.

Vacation rental software like iGMS can automate data tracking, providing real-time updates, while Airbnb's hosting tools offer insights into conversion rates, occupancy, and performance metrics.

Partnerships should evolve over time. Regularly review guest feedback and performance data, and maintain open communication with your partners to ensure the relationship stays mutually beneficial. Metrics like mentions in reviews or increased bookings during partner events can help you refine your approach and focus on the most impactful collaborations.

Case Study: Local Partnerships in San Diego

San Diego Partnership Examples

West Coast Homestays has cultivated strong local partnerships across San Diego, which play a key role in the success of their properties. These partnerships not only help maintain high occupancy rates but also drive increased revenue for property owners.

Their strategy focuses on collaborating with corporate housing providers in industries like insurance housing, government contracting, and naval or military lodging. This targeted approach fills properties during slower periods by attracting mid-term guests, such as professionals on work assignments or individuals relocating. With San Diego's large military presence and thriving corporate environment, these partnerships have proven to be highly effective.

Another standout aspect of their model is the emphasis on personalized guest experiences. Mark and Kaelan, the founders of West Coast Homestays, explain their commitment to service:

"What sets our company apart is our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service... Whether it's providing personalized recommendations for local attractions or promptly addressing any concerns that may arise during a guest's stay, our dedicated team goes above and beyond to exceed expectations."

This focus on local connections has earned their managed properties accolades like Guest Favorite and Top 5–10% rankings on Airbnb. Moreover, property owners have seen an average revenue boost of 20–30%, thanks to a combination of these partnerships, optimized listings, and effective revenue management.

Their localized approach also ties seamlessly into strategies designed to adapt to event-driven demand.

How Mixed Rental Strategies Work for Event Markets

In addition to leveraging local partnerships, West Coast Homestays employs a flexible rental strategy designed to capitalize on San Diego's dynamic event calendar. Events like Comic-Con, military graduations, and corporate conferences create unique opportunities for hosts who can effectively balance short-term and mid-term rental needs. West Coast Homestays uses a hybrid strategy to maximize revenue by addressing both markets.

"We are the only professional short-term rental management company that also focuses on Mid-term rentals. We use a hybrid approach to keep your calendar and bank account full."

This approach involves tailoring property availability to align with San Diego's major events and seasonal trends. During high-demand periods - such as the summer tourist season or large conventions - properties are geared toward short-term rentals to take advantage of premium pricing. In quieter periods, those same properties are transitioned to mid-term rentals, catering to corporate travelers, military personnel, or individuals requiring temporary housing due to insurance claims.

This strategy is particularly effective given the 94% year-over-year increase in 30+ day bookings, with the average mid-term stay lasting 55 days. By targeting both short-term and mid-term markets, West Coast Homestays minimizes vacancies and provides property owners with more stable and predictable income.

How to Earn More With Your Short-Term Rentals | Partnerships & Add Ons

Comparison of Different Partnership Types

Building on earlier insights about event-driven and local business partnerships, this section takes a closer look at how different types of partnerships stack up. Each option has its own strengths and weaknesses, impacting visibility, guest satisfaction, and bookings. Below, we break down the key benefits and challenges of each partnership type.

Event Organizers can give your property a big visibility boost during specific periods, such as conferences, festivals, or conventions. These partnerships are great for creating buzz and allow for premium pricing during peak demand times. However, the downside is that they’re tied to specific events, meaning the benefits are short-lived and don’t carry over throughout the year.

Local Businesses provide steady value all year long. According to research, 87% of Airbnb hosts recommend local restaurants, and guests spend an average of $50 daily. Additionally, about 40% of their total daily spending happens in the neighborhood of their Airbnb listing. Mark, an Airbnb host in Nashville, Tennessee, shares his experience:

"Sharing my favorite restaurants with guests ensures they have an authentic Nashville experience and helps support local businesses - especially ones that are unique to or born out of Nashville. Most of my guests are very pleased with my restaurant recommendations and say they never would have found them if I hadn't recommended them."

While these partnerships require more hands-on effort, the payoff is worth it. They enhance the guest experience, leading to glowing reviews and repeat bookings.

Cultural Institutions and Attractions offer something special, like exclusive deals or VIP experiences, which can set your property apart. These partnerships work best when your guests are looking for unique or hard-to-find experiences. However, they often appeal to niche audiences and may be limited by seasonal availability.

Partnership Types: Pros and Cons

Partnership Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Event Organizers	High visibility during events; premium pricing opportunities; large audience exposure	Limited to event timeframes; competitive; seasonal revenue spikes
Local Businesses	Year-round guest benefits; authentic experiences; steady booking increases	Requires ongoing coordination; limited individual reach; time-intensive
Cultural Institutions & Attractions	Unique guest experiences; strong differentiation; exclusive offerings	Niche appeal; limited frequency of use; potential seasonal restrictions

By combining multiple partnership types, you can balance steady, year-round benefits with the revenue surges that come during event seasons. Collaborating with local businesses not only boosts your property’s appeal but also supports the community by driving traffic to local shops and restaurants. This mutual benefit makes local businesses more likely to engage with you.

Technology can make managing these partnerships a breeze. Tools like QR codes for local recommendations or apps for booking services simplify the process for both you and your guests, cutting down on administrative tasks.

Conclusion: Getting Started with Local Partnerships

Teaming up with local businesses can give Airbnb hosts a real edge in crowded markets. Studies show that forming strong local connections can boost bookings, improve guest satisfaction, and increase overall revenue. By collaborating with nearby enterprises, you’re not just helping your community - you’re also creating a more memorable experience for your guests, which can enhance your reputation.

Take J. Erin Hutchinson, for example. As the owner of Bark Point Ventures, she launched a local farm goods program that delivers nearly $25,000 annually to area farmers. This initiative doesn’t just benefit the farmers - it also enriches guest experiences and encourages repeat bookings. Hutchinson puts it simply:

"Investing in your local economy can actually make a huge difference".

The first step in building these partnerships is identifying businesses that match your brand and appeal to your guests. Once you’ve found the right fit, approach them with clear, well-thought-out proposals that highlight mutual benefits like discounts, cross-promotion, or referrals.

After establishing these connections, make sure to promote them across your marketing channels. Keep an eye on guest feedback, booking trends, and ratings to measure the impact. Remember, every 5-star review can lead to a 3.2% increase in Gross Booking Value and a 4.6% rise in future bookings over the next year.

In places like San Diego, West Coast Homestays demonstrates how partnerships shine during peak tourism and event seasons. By combining short-term and mid-term rental strategies, they maximize both occupancy and revenue throughout the year.

Building strong local partnerships takes effort, thoughtful planning, and a clear focus on shared benefits - but the payoff can be well worth it.

FAQs

How can Airbnb hosts find and collaborate with local businesses to attract more guests?

Airbnb hosts have a great opportunity to connect with local businesses that complement their property’s vibe or cater to their ideal guests. Start by looking into nearby spots like restaurants, cafes, event planners, or attractions that could add value to your guests’ stay. Once you identify potential partners, consider reaching out to suggest win-win collaborations - think along the lines of special discounts or exclusive perks for your guests.

Make sure to showcase these partnerships on your Airbnb listing and across your social media platforms. This can help emphasize the unique experiences your property provides. Stay in touch with your partners and gather guest feedback to keep the collaboration running smoothly. These connections not only enhance your guests’ experience but can also increase your property’s visibility and bring in more bookings.

How can Airbnb hosts use local partnerships to attract more bookings?

To bring in more bookings, Airbnb hosts can tap into local partnerships by teaming up with nearby businesses, event organizers, or attractions. Mention these collaborations in your listing to highlight special perks for guests, like discounts at neighborhood restaurants or exclusive tickets to local events.

You can also adjust your pricing and availability to match the schedule of popular local happenings, offering flexibility that appeals to travelers. Pair this with compelling descriptions and top-notch photos to showcase the added value these partnerships bring. Not only will this make your property more appealing, but it will also help create unforgettable experiences for your guests.

How can Airbnb hosts evaluate the success of partnerships with local businesses and events?

Airbnb hosts can measure the success of their local partnerships by focusing on a few key metrics like booking growth, guest feedback, and occupancy rates during events tied to the partnership. For instance, tracking how many guests take advantage of exclusive offers or experiences linked to the collaboration can reveal its effectiveness.

Guest reviews and comments are another valuable source of information, offering insight into how these partnerships improve the overall guest experience. Social media activity - such as likes, shares, and mentions about the partnership - can also highlight the level of interest and visibility generated. By regularly reviewing these metrics, hosts can fine-tune their strategies to achieve better results.