How to attract tenants for short-term rentals in Morocco?

Oct 2, 2024

The short-term rental sector in Morocco is experiencing rapid growth, attracting tourists, professionals, and expatriates year-round.

With popular destinations like Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca, and Tangier, the short-term rental market offers great opportunities for property owners.

However, attracting tenants in such a competitive environment requires an effective strategy.

Whether you are an experienced owner or new to this field, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to enhance the appeal of your property and thus increase your rental income.

Understanding the challenges faced by short-term rental owners

Before devising a strategy to attract tenants, it is essential to understand the main challenges faced by short-term rental owners in Morocco.

Increased competition

The short-term rental market in Morocco is becoming increasingly saturated, especially in tourist areas. On platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Houdaify, many owners are listing their properties, making it difficult for your listing to stand out without a well-defined approach.

Seasonality and income fluctuations

Short-term rentals are subject to seasonality, with slow periods outside of holidays and peaks in demand during tourist seasons. This can make income irregular and uncertain, especially if you fail to attract enough tenants outside of the high season.

Lack of differentiation

Many owners offer similar accommodations (apartments, villas, riads) without really standing out. Without a unique value proposition, it becomes difficult to attract the attention of potential tenants, who often prefer a property offering a little extra or an authentic local experience.

Optimizing the presentation of your property

The first step to attracting tenants is to present your property in a way that immediately captivates those browsing your listing. A tidy and engaging presentation can make all the difference.

Furnishing and decorating attractively

The design and decoration of your property are essential to catch the eye of potential tenants. Investing in modern decor while maintaining a traditional Moroccan touch (zellige, Berber rugs, lanterns) can give your property a unique character.

Avoid overly cluttered or impersonal decor. Opt for soft colors and comfortable furniture that highlight the space.

Taking professional photos

The photos are the first thing potential tenants see on a rental platform. Poor quality photos can deter even interested tenants. It is crucial to take professional photos showcasing each room of your property in its best light, with natural lighting.

Make sure to photograph key features of your property (terrace, garden, panoramic view) and social spaces like the living room or kitchen.

Writing a captivating description

The description of your accommodation must be clear, concise, and attractive. Highlight the key points of your property: its location, its amenities, its architectural features, or its proximity to tourist attractions. Use a warm and welcoming tone to encourage potential tenants to book.

"Enjoy this spacious villa in Marrakech, just steps away from the medina, with a private pool and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. A true haven of peace after a day of exploring!"

Offer additional services to stand out

In such a competitive market, offering additional services is an excellent way to stand out. These services add value to your rental and often justify a higher rent.

Offer a concierge service

Travelers like to have a stress-free experience. A concierge service can help them book excursions, restaurants, or organize transfers. This type of service is particularly appreciated by international tourists who are not familiar with the area and appreciate having a local point of contact.

Offer local activities

Offering local activities can attract tenants looking for a more authentic experience. You can partner with local guides to organize market tours, Moroccan cooking classes, or desert excursions.

Including these activities in a "package" can encourage bookings for longer stays.

Provide modern amenities

Modern amenities are essential to meet the expectations of today's travelers. Make sure to offer a reliable Internet connection, a comfortable workspace, and quality appliances (air conditioning, refrigerator, washing machine). If you are targeting families, consider providing child-friendly amenities such as cribs or high chairs.

Target the right audience

Not all travelers have the same expectations. To attract tenants, it is important to target the right audience based on the characteristics of your property and its location.

International tourists

Foreign tourists, especially Europeans, are a key audience for seasonal rentals in Morocco. They often look for accommodations that combine local authenticity with modern comfort. To attract them, emphasize traditional elements (Moroccan architecture, artisanal decoration) while offering practical services like fast Wi-Fi access and modern amenities.

Families

Families look for spacious, safe accommodations with child-friendly amenities. If your property is located near beaches or family attractions, highlight these aspects. Offering family-friendly activities or child-friendly amenities can also appeal to this audience.

Business travelers

In cities like Casablanca or Rabat, many professionals seek short-term rentals for assignments or conferences. These tenants primarily look for accommodations near business centers, with high-speed Internet access and workspaces.

Optimize online visibility

Optimal visibility on rental platforms is crucial to attracting tenants. Your property must stand out among hundreds of other listings.

Use the right platforms

List your property on several platforms to maximize your chances of renting. Airbnb, Booking.com, and Houdaify are must-haves, but also consider platforms specialized in local seasonal rentals. Each platform has a different audience, so tailor your listing accordingly.

Don't settle for just one platform. Multiply your channels to reach a wider audience.

Encourage positive reviews

Tenant reviews are one of the key factors for success on rental platforms. After each stay, encourage your tenants to leave a positive review. If you have a large number of positive reviews, it will strengthen the trust of future tenants and increase your booking rate.

Respond to all reviews, whether they are positive or negative, to show that you are attentive to your tenants and concerned with improving your service.

Adjust your prices according to the season

To maximize your property's occupancy throughout the year, it is important to adjust your rates based on the seasonality. During periods of low demand, offer discounts to attract bookings, and increase your prices in high season when demand is strong.

Manage the relationship with tenants well

Managing the relationship with tenants is a key aspect in attracting repeat bookings and encouraging recommendations.

Be responsive

Responsiveness is crucial. Whether it's answering an inquiry or resolving an issue during the stay, tenants appreciate quick and efficient service. If you manage multiple properties, consider using management tools to automate certain tasks.

Offer a warm welcome

A good welcome is essential. Make sure that your tenants feel welcome from the moment they arrive by personally greeting them where possible, or leaving a welcome basket with local products (mint tea, Moroccan pastries). This small gesture can have a big impact on their satisfaction.

Follow up after the stay

After tenants leave, send them a thank-you message and invite them to leave a review on the platform. Careful follow-up shows your professionalism and can encourage recommendations or returns for future stays.

Conclusion: Stand out to attract more tenants

Attracting tenants for seasonal rentals in Morocco requires a well-thought-out strategy and a particular attention to detail.

By optimizing the presentation of your property, offering additional services, targeting the right audience, and maximizing your online visibility, you can attract tenants throughout the year and increase your income.

A well-maintained client relationship and pricing adjustments based on seasonality are also essential to ensure regular occupancy.

Consult Housing Place to maximize your visibility and benefit from personalized support to succeed in seasonal rentals in Morocco.