The COVID-19 outbreak reminds us of many of the core business practices we need to follow, even in the absence of a crisis:
- Clear, direct communications with employees, owners, and guest.
- Defined, proactive processes that guide the team in action.
- Data driven decision making and planning
Below are our tips, to the key issues facing vacation rental managers, and links to the most important information. We welcome your input, and we will keep this updated with the latest information as we receive it.
1. Actively Monitor the Data
- Closely monitor your Bookings & Cancellation data
- Bookings per property benchmark
- Monitor Your Forecast, Budget & Cash Flows
2. Define & Communicate Clear Policies for your Employees
- i.e. Stay home if you’re sick, Inform ownership if you are traveling internationally, etc
- Regular office cleaning, wash your hands, etc
- We recommend reading up on the CDC business guidelines
- View our sample correspondence here
3. Communicate with Owners Directly and Often
- Regional, company, and property performance
- Proactive communications showing you staying abreast, planning, and taking action
- View our sample correspondence here
4. Understand Trip Insurance and Monitor Cancellation Policies
- Review your guest and owner contract terms
- Stay updated on the OTA policies if you use them
- Make decisions about cancellation policies and fees and communication them to employees
- Monitor your trip insurance policies & guidelines
- Generali position statement
- Treated like any illness / fear of contraction is not covered
- Unchartered territory with pandemic
5. Cleaning & Inspection Protocols
- Ditch the comforters – develop a clean linen policy if you haven’t already
- Check your cleaning products – American Chemistry Guidelines
- Issue guidelines to your cleaners
- i.e - Wear gloves, always use the dishwasher, High-touch areas disinfectant, ditch reusable/sponges etc.
- Watch for updated CDC Guidelines – CDC Home Cleaning Guidelines
For additional information please visit:
WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Situation Reports
WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak
CDC Travel Notices