Week 13 of 26 Tough Conversations for Destination Leaders
This question keeps coming up. Not from destination teams. From short-term rental hosts and property managers. They want to connect with the destination. They want to use local resources. They want to give their guests better recommendations.
But they don’t always know where to start. So let’s flip the question.
If a short-term rental host wanted to connect with your destination…would they know who to go to?
Because this is not about whether hosts want to engage.
It is about whether destinations are set up in a way that makes that possible.
The Opportunity Is Already There
Short-term rental hosts are already shaping the visitor experience. They’re recommending restaurants, suggesting things to do, sharing local insights, and answering questions before and during the stay.
In many cases, they are the first point of contact a visitor has with your destination. That makes them one of the most influential voices in the visitor journey. According to data from Airbnb, guests often rely on host recommendations as a primary source of local information during their stay.
So the opportunity is clear. When hosts are connected to the destination, the experience gets stronger. When they are not, the experience becomes fragmented.
The Gap: Access and Awareness
Most destinations have resources. Visitor guides, event calendars, local recommendations, brand messaging, and partnership opportunities.
The issue is not the lack of resources. The issue is access. Hosts often don’t know:
- Who to contact
- Where to find official materials
- How to partner or collaborate
- What resources are available for their guests for pre-arrival planning
And without a clear pathway, they default to doing it on their own.
Why This Matters for the Visitor Experience
When hosts and destinations are not aligned, the visitor experience becomes inconsistent. Guests receive:
- Mixed recommendations
- Outdated information
- Disconnected messaging
- Missed opportunities to explore more
But when hosts are connected, something different happens. The destination story becomes more cohesive. The recommendations become more intentional. The experience feels more curated.
And that directly impacts how visitors perceive the destination.
What Makes a Destination Easy to Navigate
This is where destinations can make a real impact. The goal is simple.
Make it easy for hosts to plug in.
That does not require a massive program. It requires clarity and accessibility.
5 Ways Destinations Can Make It Easier for Hosts to Connect
1. Create a Clear Point of Contact
If someone asked, “Who do I talk to?” would you have an answer?
Even a simple, visible contact for host engagement makes a difference.
2. Build a Dedicated Host Resource Page
Give hosts a place to go. Include:
- Visitor guides
- Local itineraries
- Event calendars
- Brand messaging
- Downloadable materials
This becomes their go-to reference.
3. Use QR Codes and Shareable Links
Make resources easy to access and share.
Hosts can place QR codes in their properties that link to:
- Things to do
- Dining guides
- Seasonal events
- Neighborhood/Local Gems
This helps connect guests directly to official destination content.
4. Provide Downloadable and Customizable Content
Think beyond PDFs. Offer:
- Short guides
- Neighborhood highlights
- Experience-based recommendations
Content that hosts can easily integrate into their guest experience.
5. Create an Open Door for Collaboration
Hosts don’t need a complicated process. They need to know:
- They’re welcome
- They’re supported
- They have a place in the destination ecosystem
That starts with communication.
The Shift Destinations Need to Make
Destinations don’t need to own every part of the visitor experience. But they do need to be part of it. And that starts by making it easier for the people already shaping that experience to engage.
The Question Moving Forward
As you look at your destination, ask yourself:
If a short-term rental host wanted to connect with us…would they know where to go?
Because the answer to that question directly impacts how your destination shows up to visitors every day.
How Destination Innovate Helps Destinations Build Stronger Host Connections
Destination Innovate works with DMOs and tourism leaders to bridge the gap between destinations and short-term rental hosts.
We help destinations:
- Create host engagement strategies
- Develop accessible resource hubs
- Align messaging across partners
- Strengthen the overall visitor experience
If your destination is ready to make it easier for hosts to connect and collaborate, we are here to help.
👉 Reach out to learn how Destination Innovate can support your strategy.
