Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024: A total solar eclipse promises to be an event of epic proportions. Don't miss out on this awe-inspiring phenomenon – and the chance to maximize your vacation rental profits!

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For vacation rental managers, Vrbo operators, and Airbnb hosts in the path of totality, this event offers a celestial opportunity to capitalize on the upcoming demand for short-term rental properties. Using Beyond’s extensive database full of vacation rental market metrics and insights, we can identify key trends and provide advice on how to update your strategies for maximum bookings and profits. Let’s make the most of this fleeting but extraordinary window of opportunity!

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Top Vacation Rental Markets For the 2024 Solar Eclipse

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In the countdown to the eclipse, certain markets across the United States are witnessing a robust uptick in their vacation rental occupancy rates. Here are the top markets and how their respective occupancy rates are pacing:

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• Dallas, TX: Occupancy is pacing at 46% already, 21% higher than last year at this time.
• Austin, TX: A popular spot for eclipse chasers, Austin's occupancy rate is pacing at 54% – 36% higher than last year.
• Little Rock, AR: A quieter yet significant contender, occupancy in Little Rock is pacing at 76%, a significant increase of 54% year-over-year.
• Indianapolis, IN: Occupancy is pacing at 48%, which is 31% higher than last year.
• Rochester, NY: This location is pacing at 62% occupancy already, 34% higher year-over-year.
• Niagara Falls, NY: An international icon, Niagara Falls is pacing at 66% occupancy, 46% higher than last year.
• Cleveland, OH: The occupancy rate here is pacing 39% above last year, at 61%.
• Aroostook County, Maine: In the rural Maine setting, Aroostook County's occupancy has seen an impressive increase. The occupancy rate is pacing at 71%, which is 45% higher than last year.
• Buffalo, New York: The occupancy rate in Buffalo is pacing at 80%! This is 62% higher year-over-year.

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For hosts in these short-term rental markets, these figures are an early indicator of the demand surge and call for appropriate pricing and preparation strategies.

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Vacation Rental Search Data Trends

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Analyzing search data leading up to the eclipse delivers crucial insights for hosts. With search data, you can accurately predict market trends and future guest behavior, allowing you to unlock valuable insights into what kind of vacation rentals guests are searching for, what dates they're searching, and how they're searching.

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As the only revenue management solution available to hosts with search data, we can turn to our exclusive insights at Beyond. Here are some key search data insights coming up for vacation rental markets in the path of totality:

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• Hottest Market: Austin, Texas: The capital city of Texas has seen a steady increase in searches, with a notable spike during the second week of February. Last-minute demand is driving further growth, with 40.1% of searches for check-in dates aligning closely with the Eclipse.
• Last-Minute Search Surge: Our data also shows substantial last-minute demand, indicating that hosts can adapt their strategies to cater to both long-term planners and impromptu viewers alike.

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⚡Hosting Tip ⚡: Adding search data allows you to detect periods of increased and decreased consumer demand before they happen – meaning that you can adjust your strategy in advance to get the maximum bookings and revenue. Plus, finding a revenue management solution that incorporates search data on your behalf into your dynamic pricing means you can save time rather than doing it yourself.

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Advice For Vacation Rental Hosts

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For vacation rental hosts in the path of totality, the time to act is now. Here's what you should consider in the run-up to this extraordinary event:

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• Be Realistic and Proactive About Bookings: If your property isn't yet booked, don't despair. There is still time for the trickle-down effect of demand, but it's essential to be proactive by employing strategic marketing and promotions to attract potential guests.
• Monitor Demand Closely: Keep a vigilant eye on demand signals. As the event draws near, you can anticipate both the increase in inquiries and prepare for managing last-minute reservations.
• Rate Adjustments: Increase your rates in line with the increased demand. However, it's a balancing act—price competitively to attract guests to book while maximizing profit.
• Keep an Eye on the Competition: Your fellow hosts are also maneuvering to capture bookings for the eclipse. Regularly scout your competitors to ensure your offering stands out.
• Leverage Technology: Utilize complete revenue management systems like Beyond to automate your strategy and stay ahead of the competition.
• Offer Event-Specific Amenities: Pay careful attention to any special needs or requirements of eclipse tourists. Offer packages or coordinate event-specific amenities to enhance the guest experience.

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The 2024 solar eclipse is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's guaranteed to draw millions of astronomy enthusiasts and curious travelers to the path of totality. As a vacation rental host, it's essential to plan and ensure that your pricing strategy is set up to maximize profits during this surge in demand.

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With the right revenue management solution in place, you can make the most of this remarkable celestial event and set your business up for success in the years to come. Ready to see how much more revenue you can make with Beyond? Get $5k in free bookings when you sign up today!