Should Holiday Home Managers in Australia Host Schoolies Travellers?

Schoolies Week—a rite of passage filled with sun, sand, and parties—presents a challenge for holiday home hosts and property managers across Australia. Some see it as a golden opportunity, while others avoid it altogether due to the risks of hosting a young and often rowdy crowd. 

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However, with a load of new demand, should vacation rental managers embrace this as a goldmine? Or is it too much hassle? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and strategies for managing Schoolies.

To Host or Not to Host Schoolies?

Schoolies, while universally loved by students, is not a holiday home host’s most loved occasion. The potential issues—late-night parties, property damage, and upset neighbours—often lead many hosts to rethink or even outright refuse bookings. 

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Handling a group of excited teens isn’t everyone’s idea of a holiday dream, but if managed well, Schoolies can be a lucrative opportunity, particularly in high-demand areas like the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Dunsborough.

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Reasons to Capitalise on Schoolies Demand

• High Demand, High Rewards: Booking lead times are often extremely long, with properties booked almost a year in advance.
• Bookings Boost: Schoolies almost guarantee fully booked properties, allowing you to maximise revenue.

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However, for hosts willing to embrace the Schoolies rush, a well-prepared strategy can turn potential headaches into high-reward opportunities.

Data Insights: Optimise Pricing for Longer Booking Lead Times

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Eager Schoolies travellers are known to book months – and even a year – in advance. For example, Dunsborough sees lead times soar to an impressive 289 days for peak Schoolies season, providing ample opportunity to fine-tune pricing for maximum profitability.

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Based on this data, those who plan on hosting Schoolies guests should be strategic about their approach to maximise revenue while minimising risks.

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• Plan Pricing Early: Adjust rates well in advance and consider dynamic pricing to capture the high demand. Monitoring demand trends and competitor pricing can also help you stay ahead, securing bookings well before the rush.
• Optimise Availability: Open your calendar early and offer incentives to attract bookings even sooner. And don’t forget to adjust minimum stay requirements to lock in longer stays, reducing turnover and operational hassle during this busy time.
• Automate your Revenue Management: Revenue Management Systems with dynamic pricing and data tools are key for adjusting rates in real-time, ensuring your property remains competitively priced as bookings roll in. 
• Risk Management: Implement strict house rules, higher security deposits, and more to minimise issues.

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By leveraging these strategies, you can ensure a steady stream of bookings and boost your revenue during Schoolies and beyond.

Myth-Busting Schoolies Assumptions

Still have some concerns about hosting guests during Schoolies? Consider these common myths:

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Myth 1: All Schoolies Are Out-of-Control.

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Not all groups are wild—many just want a beach getaway with friends. 

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💡Hosting tip: Vet guests carefully and set clear guidelines about behaviour and noise levels. Setting clear expectations upfront can curb the worst behaviour.

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Myth 2: Property Damage is Inevitable.

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With the right strategies, including screening guests and enforcing house rules, you can significantly reduce risks.

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💡Hosting tip: Require higher deposits to cover potential damages just in case, reinforce rules, and ensure that your insurance covers incidents related to high-risk guest groups.

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Myth 3: Schoolies Guests Won’t Return.

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Schoolies guests can actually turn into repeat business as guests return for reunions or future trips.

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💡Hosting tip: Make a good impression, communicate clearly, and set the right expectations with Schoolies guests.

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Schoolies present both risks and rewards for holiday home hosts. With careful planning, proactive risk management, and a clear understanding of market dynamics, this rowdy rite of passage can be turned into a profitable and manageable part of your business strategy. Don’t miss the chance to capitalise on the surge in demand—just make sure you’re prepared for the ride.

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Looking for more advice about pricing and revenue management for your holiday home? Request a demo with our team for personalised strategies and insights!

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