How Do You Maximise Airbnb Bookings During Holiday Periods?

When the calendar flips to peak travel periods, the competition among Airbnb listings heats up fast. While demand surges, so too does guest expectation. It’s no longer just about being available — it’s about being booked out and chosen first. Smart hosts understand that holiday periods aren’t the time to coast — they’re the time to double down. Whether you’re hosting one property or managing a growing Airbnb property management portfolio, the way you prepare for and respond to seasonal demand will directly impact your revenue, reputation and reviews.

Nail Your Listing’s First Impression

In a crowded holiday market, your listing title, hero image and top five photos do most of the heavy lifting. They must be compelling, polished and mobile-optimised. Too many hosts rely on generic titles like “Cozy Beach House” or outdated images that don’t reflect the current condition of the property.

Professional photos are non-negotiable during busy seasons. Lighting, composition and staging matter more than you think. Make sure the main image shows off your biggest asset — whether that’s a pool, a view, or a designer kitchen. Small upgrades like styled bedding or updated artwork can completely shift how guests perceive your space.

What truly sets top listings apart is clarity. Guests are scrolling fast — so bullet out key features, highlight holiday-friendly amenities (e.g. BBQ, outdoor seating, Netflix), and keep your tone warm but professional. For a great example of how to get this right, check out these marketing tips to boost your Gold Coast occupancy rate.

Align With the Local Holiday Calendar

Too many hosts take a reactive approach to holiday bookings. Instead, you want to be looking ahead — way ahead. Your pricing, availability, and marketing should reflect the next surge, not the one you’re already in.

Start with a year-round local event calendar. Highlight key periods like school holidays, Easter, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and regional festivals. If you’re near a major venue, include concerts or sporting events in your planning.

Guests often plan trips around events they can’t experience elsewhere. So incorporate these into your listing descriptions and messaging. Phrases like “walking distance to…” or “perfect base for…” help guests connect the dots. If you’re based in Brisbane, tap into upcoming Brisbane events that drive Airbnb bookings to strategically plan content, availability and pricing.

Master Your Holiday Pricing Strategy

Holiday periods are when dynamic pricing earns its keep. Set-and-forget pricing won’t cut it. You need to factor in demand curves, event overlap and guest behaviours. Raising prices too late means missing early planners. Raising them too high too soon can spook budget-conscious browsers.

A smart strategy includes:

• Setting early bird discounts to reward advanced bookings
• Using minimum stays to reduce changeover costs during high turnover weekends
• Leveraging pricing software or manual tracking to adjust in real time

Don’t just increase the nightly rate — consider offering value bundles (e.g. stay 4 nights, get a free bottle of wine) or flexible cancellation to capture more cautious guests. It’s all about standing out while staying profitable. If you’re targeting urban guests, check out how to promote your Brisbane holiday rental effectively during seasonal demand.

Optimise Your Calendar for Visibility

Airbnb’s algorithm favours active and flexible listings. During holiday seasons, this means keeping your calendar updated daily, offering instant book and setting smart booking windows.

Hosts who block too many dates or set long lead times reduce their chances of appearing in search. The goal is to appear active, available and accommodating. Consider:

• Extending your booking window to capture long-term planners
• Enabling same-day or next-day bookings for last-minute travellers
• Updating calendar notes with relevant seasonal info (e.g. “Easter special pack included”)

It’s also smart to tweak your response time, pre-approve guests quickly, and stay responsive across time zones.

Level Up the Guest Experience

During peak times, guest expectations increase. Everyone’s spending more, so they expect more. Think about what you can do to make the experience feel seasonal, special and stress-free.

That might include:

• A welcome hamper with holiday treats or local produce
• Custom check-in instructions with local tips and event guides
• Flexible check-in/out options when available

It’s also worth investing in a short seasonal deep clean, especially if your space hosts beachgoers or large family groups. The tiniest slip in cleanliness or amenities during a holiday stay can lead to negative reviews.

Use Social Media and Direct Outreach

Don’t rely solely on Airbnb to fill your calendar. Holiday periods are the perfect time to leverage Instagram, Facebook, email newsletters and even local community boards to drive awareness.

Use hashtags and location tags, share photos of the space decked out for the season, or run time-limited promos for returning guests. If you’ve had satisfied guests in the past, send them a quick personalised message with a discount code or just a reminder that your place is open and ready.

It’s not about hard selling — it’s about visibility. Staying top-of-mind when people are planning their holidays pays off.

Build Your Review Momentum

Holiday guests are more likely to leave feedback — especially if their experience was memorable. Make it easy for them. Send a friendly post-checkout message thanking them, and gently ask if they’d consider leaving a review.

Respond to every review you receive. It shows future guests you care. If a guest highlights a positive feature (e.g. comfy beds, quick check-in), repeat that language in your listing. Social proof reinforces your value.

Also, reviews improve your ranking in Airbnb search. So the more five-stars you collect during holidays, the better your performance in future peak periods.

Set Up Smart Tech for Seamless Stays

Tech-enabled hosting isn’t just about convenience — it’s about consistency. Holiday guests want smooth arrivals, easy access, and creature comforts without having to ask.

Invest in:

• Keyless entry systems
• Smart thermostats for climate control
• Leak detectors and noise monitors for risk management
• Streaming-friendly smart TVs or devices

These touches reduce guest questions, speed up turnover, and create a more enjoyable stay.

Keep a Contingency Plan Ready

Holidays can throw curveballs — late flights, illness, double bookings. The key is to anticipate these and build in buffers.

Have a backup cleaner, handyman or contact who can step in if needed. Create a simple guidebook with instructions for everything from using the oven to where to find extra towels. Make sure your Airbnb messaging app is set to notify you instantly so nothing slips through the cracks.

Well-prepared hosts tend to stay calm, responsive and reliable — all things that shine through in guest feedback.

FAQ

1. Should I raise my Airbnb prices during holidays?

Yes — but strategically. While holiday periods often bring a demand spike, guests are also comparison shopping. Raise prices incrementally based on lead time, competitor rates and your property’s unique features. Start increasing rates 6–8 weeks out from major events or school holidays, but include value-adds to justify the price bump. Monitor your views and conversions closely. If bookings drop suddenly, you may have priced yourself too far out of reach. Don’t forget to adjust minimum stays and cleaning fees accordingly.

2. How far in advance do people book holiday Airbnbs?

It varies. Families and international travellers often book 2–4 months in advance, especially for school holidays and Christmas. Local or last-minute travellers might book within 7–14 days. Use your past booking data and insights from Airbnb’s market trends to understand your target guest. Offering early bird discounts or flexible cancellation can help convert planners, while keeping some availability open can catch those last-minute bookers.

3. What amenities should I add for holiday guests?

Holiday guests are looking for comfort and convenience. This includes fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning, blackout curtains, and cooking basics. For the festive season, you might consider seasonal decorations, a small welcome gift, beach gear, board games or kids’ items. Anything that helps families or groups settle in quicker is a plus. Consider a holiday-themed welcome guide with local event tips or restaurant bookings — it makes your stay feel curated.

4. How can I get more reviews from holiday guests?

Follow-up is everything. After checkout, send a short thank-you message through Airbnb with a gentle reminder to leave a review. Mention that it helps future guests and that you value their feedback. Keep the tone relaxed, not pushy. You can also leave a thoughtful review for them first — this often triggers a response. During their stay, focus on over-delivering: fast responses, clear instructions, and little touches that exceed expectations.

5. Should I run promotions during the holidays?

Yes — but with purpose. You don’t need to undercut your pricing, but offering early bird deals, stay-three-pay-two incentives or last-minute discounts can keep your calendar full. Target these promos to returning guests via direct message or use Airbnb’s custom promotions feature. You can also use social media to promote time-sensitive discounts, especially for local travellers looking for a quick getaway.

Make Holiday Bookings Your Peak Season Win

Maximising Airbnb bookings during holidays isn’t luck — it’s strategy. From perfecting your listing and pricing to planning around local events and investing in guest experience, every decision plays a part in your success.

The hosts who thrive during peak seasons are the ones who think ahead, adapt quickly, and never leave things to chance. They treat hosting like a business — and it pays off.

If you’re ready to take the stress out of busy periods and let the pros handle your property year-round, speak to the team at BNB Booking — leaders in strategic, full-service Airbnb property management.

Please call us today on 1300 421 029 to learn more or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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