🎧 Don't forget to subscribe!

In today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome back Peter Syme, a true thought leader who has kept his finger on the pulse of AI’s evolution. Together, we’ll dive into what lies ahead, exploring the strategies and insights that can help you harness this technology not just now, but for the long term. We cover why AI is more than just a buzzword; it’s a practical tool that can help you scale your business, reduce inefficiencies, and better serve your guests. From leveraging AI agents to enhancing your booking process, the strategies we discuss are designed to make your business more agile and profitable in an increasingly competitive market.

Peter brings his wealth of knowledge to the table (he really is a legend of the tourism industry), offering insights that are not only thought-provoking but immediately actionable. We discuss everything from training your staff to use AI effectively to the ways it can enhance the guest journey without losing the human touch.

SHOW LINKS

Peter Syme Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersyme/

Tourpreneur Community: https://tourpreneur.com/

Hashtags:

#HospitalityInnovation #AIInAccommodation #TransformYourBusiness

📋 In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 The Passion for Travel and Hospitality

05:13 How AI is Shaping the Hospitality Industry

10:13 Tactical vs. Strategic AI: What's the Difference?

17:59 AI Agents: Redefining the Customer Journey

22:11 Scaling Tourism Businesses with AI

29:23 The Role of AI in Travel Planning

41:13 The Paradigm Shift: The Future of AI

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🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊

Need more direct bookings or a brand new website?

The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results.

🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊

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Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!

ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!

📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/

🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity

🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/

🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links.

This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

I’ve got a real treat for you this week. Have you ever wondered how to take your accommodation business from good to great? Or how to make those initial steps in property management easier, smarter, and more impactful? This week’s episode dives into just that. I sat down with Margot Schmorak, CEO of Hostfully, and trust me, her insights are worth every second. From starting out as a small business to working with thousands of property managers, Margot’s journey is a masterclass in scaling your business with purpose and strategy.

📋 In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - Intro: Meet Margot Schmorak

01:00 - Starting Hostfully: A Bay Area Startup Story

04:30 - The Evolution of Guidebooks and PMS Tools

07:00 - Getting Started in Property Management

10:00 - Building a Guest-Centric Business

14:00 - Why Distribution Strategy Matters

17:30 - Automating Guest Communications

22:00 - Leveraging Community Relationships

25:00 - Integrating Tech Tools for Growth

30:00 - Advice for Property Managers in 2024

33:00 - Closing Thoughts & Contact Info

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🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊

Need more direct bookings or a brand new website?

The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results.

🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!

ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!

📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/

🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity

🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/

🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links.

This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

Four years in the making—this episode is a milestone for me.

In this special episode of The Accommodation Show, I sit down with Amiad Soto, co-founder of Guesty, the world’s leading property management software. But this isn’t just about Guesty’s success. I wanted to get personal: What drives Amiad? How does he make decisions as a leader? And what lessons has he learned that can help you grow your business?

Whether you’re running a B&B or scaling a global operation, this episode is packed with actionable insights on solving customer pain points, leveraging AI, and becoming a better leader. Take a listen—it’s more than an interview, it’s a toolkit for success in accommodation.

SHOW LINKS:

Guesty: https://www.guesty.com

Y Combinator: https://www.ycombinator.com

Guesty Price Optimiser: https://www.guesty.com/price-optimizer

#HospitalityInnovation #ScalingWithTech #GuestExperience

📋 In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Introduction to Guesty and Amir Soto's Journey

03:06 – How Guesty Was Born: Identifying a Need

05:47 – Guesty’s Growth: Overcoming Early Challenges

09:07 – Adapting to the Market: Pivoting & Scaling Successfully

12:07 – Future Vision: Guesty’s IPO and Global Expansion

15:05 – The Power of Product Focus: Why It Matters

18:04 – Leadership and Success in Tech

21:46 – Mastering Product Development: Prioritising What Counts

24:06 – Building a Strong Business: Personal Growth & Leadership

27:03 – Why Collaboration is Key in the Property Management Industry

31:58 – AI in Property Management: A Game Changer

38:01 – Preparing for IPO: Strategies for Long-Term Growth

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🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊

Need more direct bookings or a brand new website?

The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results.

🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!

ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!

📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/

🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity

🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/

🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links.

This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

In this episode, we talk about the myths around buying a business and arm you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to take the leap; regardless of your starting point.

While acquiring a short-term rental business is no small task, it's a strategic choice that can dramatically accelerate your business growth. Organic expansion often requires significant time and effort to build properties, clientele, and market presence. In contrast, the acquisition provides immediate scale, adding established properties and revenue to your portfolio overnight.

But can anyone do it?

SHOW LINKS:

The Cohost company: https://www.thecohostcompany.com/

#STRBusiness #VacationRentals #PropertyManagement

📋 In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - Introduction

02:46 - VRMA Conference Insights

05:05 - Starting the Acquisition Journey

11:02 - Business Acquisitions Basics

24:32 - The Acquisition Process

32:44 - Finding Opportunities Through Networking

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🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊

Need more direct bookings or a brand new website?

The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results.

🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!

ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!

📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/

🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity

🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/

🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links.

This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

Starting a business is no small feat, and I think there's so much we can learn from those who've walked the path before us. This week's episode is particularly special because it delves into the real-world journey of building a startup, offering lessons that are highly relevant to the accommodation industry. I had an enlightening discussion with Alex Shapiro, the CEO and co-founder of CanMonkey. We talked about the importance of recognising genuine market needs, the value of hands-on experience, and the strategies for scaling a business effectively. I believe these insights are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to enhance their accommodation offerings, whether you're managing a hotel, a bed and breakfast, or short-term rentals. SHOW LINKS CanMonkey: https://www.canmonkey.com/ #Startups #HospitalityInnovation #CanMonkey 📋 In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 - Introduction: Building a Startup with Alex Shapiro of CanMonkey 01:17 - Solving Real Problems: What Is CanMonkey? 03:27 - From Idea to Startup: The Birth of CanMonkey 05:47 - Identifying Market Needs and Finding Product-Market Fit 08:58 - Scaling Operations: Overcoming Startup Challenges 12:12 - The Importance of Hands-On Experience in Entrepreneurship 14:54 - Understanding the Recurring Revenue Business Model 18:03 - Navigating Numbers: Profit Margins and Operational Costs 21:15 - The Evolution of CanMonkey's Business Model 24:34 - The Co-Founder Dynamic: Working Together for Success 27:31 - From Investor to Co-Founder: Alex's Journey 30:45 - Negotiating Roles and Building a Strong Team 33:55 - Top Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 36:40 - Taking Action: The Importance of Starting Small 39:54 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊 Need more direct bookings or a brand new website? The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results. 🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free! ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES! 📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/ 🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity 🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/ 🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence. Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links. This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them. If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

🎧 Don't forget to subscribe!

This week we talk about the top property managers and what makes them stand out.

In this episode, we delve into the world of the top property managers. I'm excited to have Brooke Pfautz, an expert in vacation rental growth, join us to discuss Comparent—a platform that's transforming the connection between property managers and homeowners through transparency.

Brooke will share how Comparent's ranking system can help you showcase your expertise, build trust, and attract more homeowners. Learn the strategies that top property managers use to stay ahead in a competitive industry.

In this episode, you'll discover:

🏠 The importance of transparency in ranking at the top

🏆 Ways to elevate your profile to draw in homeowners

🔍 Insights into Comparent's ranking system

📈 How to meet homeowner needs to improve your ranking

💡 Data-driven approaches to outperform the competition

SHOW LINKS:

Comparent: https://comparent.com/

Vintory: https://www.vintory.com/

#TransparencyInRentals #AccommodationGrowth #ShortTermSuccess

📋 In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - Introduction

02:23 - Vacation Rental Market Overview

06:27 - What is Comparent and Its Purpose

09:24 - Comparent Benefits for Property Managers

11:37 - Lessons from Top Companies

14:48 - Monetization & Future Plans

19:09 - Market Leader Insights

21:03 - Awards & Global Expansion

23:43 - Growth & Return on Investment for Managers

26:38 - Final Tips for Property Managers

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🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊

Need more direct bookings or a brand new website?

The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results.

🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!

ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!

📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/

🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity

🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/

🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links.

This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.

I am seeing many new companies and innovations emerging at an unprecedented pace, disrupting traditional models and introducing fresh ideas.

At the recent VRMA conference in Phoenix, I was struck by the sheer number of companies, nearly two dozen, that were either new to me or that I hadn't engaged with before. From an abundance of 'book direct' platforms to the surge of businesses integrating AI as the backbone of their operations, it's clear that innovation is alive and well in our industry.

I'm excited to delve deeper into these innovations by connecting with the founders and visionaries behind them in the coming weeks, months, and years. This week, I'm privileged to meet with Alex Husner, who is no stranger to the show, a seasoned marketing leader who has recently embarked on a new venture that's making waves 🌊 in the industry.

One of the biggest challenges accommodation providers face today is enhancing the guest journey while balancing cutting-edge technology and human touch. In this episode, we dive into that very challenge, exploring how an innovative platform like Happy Guest revolutionises guest communication and satisfaction. I truly believe that implementing the right technology at the right moments can transform the guest experience and, in turn, elevate your business to new heights.

SHOW LINKS:

Happy Guest - https://www.happyguestofficial.com/

Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals - https://www.happyguestofficial.com/

#GuestExperience #AccommodationShow #HappyGuest

📋 In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - Introduction & Alex’s Journey

03:05 - Tech Evolution in Vacation Rentals

11:10 - Features of Happy Guest Platform

20:03 - Enhancing Guest Experience with Guides

24:56 - Integration with Property Management Systems

30:12 - Damage Waivers & Upsell Options

33:51 - Wrapping Up: Maximising Guest Experience with Happy Guest

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🥊 Hotel - BNB - STR Owners! 🥊

Need more direct bookings or a brand new website?

The trusted tech partner you can count on. We deliver results.

🥊 https://www.ibooked.online ​​​​​​​​​​​🥊 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button! This also keeps us going and creating more useful content for free!

ACCOMMODATION OWNERS AND MANAGERS FREE RESOURCES!

📧Join the mailing list for freebies and critical industry updates: https://news.theaccommodationshow.com/

🌍The Accommodation Owners and Managers Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/AMoFacebookCommunity

🗨 Connect with Bart Sobies for more industry insight: https://www.ibooked.online/bart/

🎙 Subscribe to the podcast to listen later: https://www.theaccommodationshow.com

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Disclaimer: The content shared on this YouTube channel, Podcast, or associated posts reflects personal opinions and insights. This content is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making decisions. The hosts and guests disclaim liability for any consequences of using this content. Actions taken should be based on your personal due diligence.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This blog, podcast & youtube channel; will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through my links.

This show aims to educate viewers and share everything I know about improving your accommodation, STR and AirBNB business. I believe in the products and services we link to and that you may benefit from them.

If you do purchase through my affiliate links; I want to thank you for your support.