2019 iTrip Vacations® Summit: New Partners, Services and Perks
In November, iTrip Vacations® met in Nashville, Tennessee, for their annual franchisee summit. During the event, more than 130 iTrip Vacations® franchise property managers and corporate staff gathered for three days of learning and networking. Additionally, new sponsors and companies became partners, further enhancing iTrip Vacations®’ full-service vacation property management program. Here’s a breakdown of the 2019 iTrip Vacations® Summit highlights.
2019 iTrip Vacations® Summit: News and Notes
iTrip Vacations® Earns Elite Partner for the Second Year
For the second consecutive year, iTrip Vacations® has earned the Elite Partner designation in software with Vrbo/HomeAway. Only three companies in the world have received Elite Partner status.
iTrip Vacations®’ proprietary software allows its property managers to effectively manage their business from one online portal. Future enhancements include additional listing site integrations, new websites and sophisticated dynamic pricing tools. The software is only available to iTrip Vacations® franchisees and corporate employees.
Local Premier Partners in Property Management
In addition to Elite Partner status, 85% of iTrip Vacations® property managers have earned Premier Partner status with Vrbo/HomeAway. In order to receive premier partner status, property managers must meet specific criteria regarding booking acceptance, consistent pricing, listing quality and reviews.
Fun fact: More than 70% of iTrip Vacations® property managers have 4.5 stars and higher on Vrbo/HomeAway.
2019 iTrip Vacations® Summit Sponsors
Vrbo/HomeAway: Vrbo and HomeAway have supported iTrip Vacations® for more than 10 years. The companies strive to: “Connect travelers to the people and places they love, giving them the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together.” Since 1995, Vrbo has grown into a global community of rental homeowners and travelers with properties in 190 countries.
Xplorie: This leader in added-value attractions helps people get more from their vacations. Xplorie partners with more than 30 iTrip Vacations® property managers to bring free activities to each guest. Even better, free admission renews every day, which helps guests save as much as $400 on things to do. A few perks include ski rentals, dolphin tours, escape rooms, golf, fishing and museums.
C2G Advisors: With a primary focus in vacation rental management and resort operations, C2G Advisors assists with mergers, acquisitions, litigation consulting, energy efficiency and real estate brokerage. The company works with private and public companies in the hospitality industry, offering services related to business problem resolution, municipal governments and law firms in the U.S.
Rental Guardian: Rental Guardian and its partner insurance agency InsureStays digitally automates services regarding travel protection and property protection. Rental Guardian adds to damage coverage with up to $100K property damage coverage, $15K bedbug coverage and up to $1M in liability coverage. These new services solidify iTrip Vacations®’ care for homeowner assets.
Additional Sponsors and Presenters
Key Data Dashboard: This company provides real-time data that enables vacation property managers to better understand their competitive performance. Key Data Dashboard shows direct-source data along with competitor predictions, so property managers accurately adjust rates. In addition, the dashboard will integrate with iTrip Vacations® software.
NextPax: A leader in travel technology, NextPax helps vacation rentals reach millions of potential guests around the world. The company displays rental homes on major online sites – such as Google, Airbnb and Vrbo. However, NextPax also syncs with niche sites including Cuddlynest, Find Rentals and Home to Go.
Bluetent: To help property managers expand their reach, Bluetent offers a full digital marketing system. The company provides a suite that helps increase direct bookings, integrate with channel partners, and reach potential customers through extensive digital marketing.
DormaKaba: Dormakaba strives to protect the home by offering multiple products. For example, property managers can install keyless digital locks that provide a unique code for each guest. These time-sensitive codes keep the property safe from uninvited guests, squatters, former service employees and others who do not have permission to enter the home.
Also Joining iTrip Vacations® Network
Lynnbrook Group: For secure online payment transactions, Lynnbrook Group serves the vacation rental industry. Their system integrates with other systems and offers customized payment solutions. Customers benefit from secure transactions, charge-back mitigation and a virtual terminal.
LSI: This company helps vacation rental managers oversee their entire team – from client homeowners to cleaners and guests. LSI has tools that streamline processes. Examples include: disaster recovery, owner addendums, work orders and customer service.
Bizcor: Specializing in vacation rental marketing, Bizcor helps increase direct bookings. The company uses a strategic digital marketing plan that includes search engine optimization, pay-per-click, email marketing and software development services.
For more information about these services, contact a local vacation property manager.
Interested in franchising? Start the iTrip Vacations® franchise discovery process.
While the 2019 iTrip Vacations® Summit brought many new partners, the company also partners with other industry leaders in vacation rental management.