Small-accommodation owners can now stay for free in 150 countries in exchange for their unoccupied rooms.
HomeExchange announced the launch of a programme dedicated to small-accommodation professionals, such as bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, inns and boutique hotels.
It allows small-accommodation providers to optimise their empty rooms by offering them for exchange on HomeExchange.com. This unique initiative makes it possible for owners themselves to stay for free in 65,000 properties listed on the website.
HomeExchange’s approach to this is the same as the one it has employed since the company’s founding in 1992. Just as private homeowners do, accommodation professionals are invited to register on the site for an annual fee. By joining, they commit to the concept of exchange: trading empty rooms for simultaneous and non simultaneous stays in exchange partner homes and properties. Professionals have the same opportunities as homeowners to accept and refuse exchange proposals, and suggest dates.
In contrast to private homeowner listings, professional members may choose to include property website addresses in their listings. This allows HomeExchange members to find and reserve as paying guests as well – in high season, for example. In these cases, all financial transactions take place directly with the accommodation provider, as HomeExchange never gets involved in paid bookings.
The opportunity for industry professionals is two-fold: free accommodation in 150 countries in exchange for their empty rooms; and the chance to promote their properties to a targeted audience of enthusiastic travellers seeking authentic and “off the beaten path” getaways.
Sylvie and Didier, members of HomeExchange since 2008, who run a bed and breakfast in Southern France report that “with the 13 rooms we exchange during slow periods, we have the possibility to travel the world.”
“We started talking to B&B and boutique hotel owners who had spontaneously registered on HomeExchange.com and realised there was a strong demand. Unoccupied rooms are great opportunities to exchange with both private homeowners and professional peers,” explains William Heinzer, European Director at HomeExchange. “Our mission remains to facilitate exchanges. In no way are we moving towards rentals. We’re simply bringing our community quality exchange offers where they will be warmly welcomed and providing professionals with a unique tool to utilize unsold inventory. Everyone wins.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
