Chamonix Holidays increases by 20% in revenue per booking for high-demand properties with Beyond.
Chamonix Holidays, with over 15 years of experience in the Chamonix Valley, is a trusted property management company known for its deep local expertise and commitment to providing high-quality winter and summer accommodations. Dedicated to ensuring unforgettable guest experiences, the team assists clients throughout the reservation process, helping them find the perfect chalet or apartment and offering personalized support every step of the way. Beyond accommodation, Chamonix Holidays collaborates with local experts to provide comprehensive services, including lift passes, equipment rentals, lessons, guides, and childcare, ensuring a seamless and memorable stay in the Mont Blanc region.
We had the chance to interview Neil Symonds, Chamonix Holidays founder, who shared his experience with Beyond, a revenue management system. Neil Symonds began his career in the Alps, working for a tour operator and managing hotels. After years of exploring the region, he moved to Chamonix and, with his brother, purchased a small bar in town. It wasn't long before guests began asking Neil to manage their properties, sparking the creation of Chamonix Accommodation Services, or ChamServe. Recognizing the growing demand for vacation rentals, Neil rebranded the rental side of the business to Chamonix Holidays, which is run and managed from the UK. Over two decades, this venture grew into a thriving property management and rental business in the Mont Blanc Valley.
"Seasonality defines the market here. To succeed, you need tools that adjust dynamically, not just for winter, but for every fluctuation in demand," Neil Symonds, Founder.
The Challenges of Pricing in a Seasonal Market
Before dynamic pricing, Chamonix Holidays handled pricing manually—a tedious and time-intensive task. They faced several challenges, including:
- Time-consuming manual strategies, such as analyzing competitors' rates weekly and monitoring trends.
- Dedicating 4–6 hours every week to compare rates and adjust pricing.
- A laborious process that lacked precision and real-time insights for optimizing bookings.
- The need for effective pricing strategies to address seasonality.
Recognizing these challenges, Chamonix Holidays realized the importance of adopting a reliable system to advance and manage pricing efficiently.
"Dynamic pricing has not only saved me countless hours but also improved performance across all our properties," Neil Symonds, Founder.
Unlocking new revenue management strategies to optimize processes and increase benefits
Chamonix Holidays’ introduction to dynamic pricing and advanced revenue management strategies came through different software solutions. Initially, they tried Pricelabs, but he later transitioned to Beyond for its comprehensive offering of both dynamic pricing and revenue management tools.
1. Ease of Use and Support: Beyond's user-friendly interface and robust onboarding process stood out. Weekly training sessions during the initial six weeks, followed by ongoing support, ensured Chamonix Holidays’ team could leverage the platform effectively.
2. Tailored Solutions for Seasonal Markets:
Unlike flat-rate pricing models, Beyond charges a commission based on rental value, making it cost-effective during off-seasons.
3. Localized Market Insights:
Beyond enabled Chamonix Holidays to analyze properties with precision—whether comparing local competitors or addressing specific events like endurance races in Chamonix. This granular data allowed for targeted pricing strategies.
4. Improved Reporting:
Beyond's reporting tools provided detailed insights for property owners. Neil could now present monthly performance reports and use this data to attract new owners, showcasing the potential rental performance with dynamic pricing.
“Dynamic pricing has not only saved us time but has also elevated our performance. It’s a game-changer for anyone serious about maximizing their rental potential,” Neil Symonds, Founder.
Real Results with Beyond
Implementing Beyond had a transformative effect on the Chamonix Holidays business.
- Time savings: Chamonix Holidays no longer needed to dedicate hours each week to pricing adjustments. The Beyond’s software worked seamlessly in the background, eliminating the need for a part-time hire.
- Revenue growth: Within 12 months, Chamonix Holidays saw a 20% increase in revenue per booking for high-demand properties. This growth far outweighed the costs of setup and software usage.
- Increased owner confidence: Detailed performance reports strengthened relationships with existing owners and helped acquire new clients.
Advice for Other Property Managers
Neil encourages other property managers to explore dynamic pricing solutions, particularly Beyond. He emphasizes its adaptability to business objectives—whether maximizing revenue or maintaining a balance between personal and rental use for owners.
"Give dynamic pricing a try for three months—you’ll quickly see how it can transform your business and improve your bottom line," said Neil.
Chamonix Holidays’ success with Beyond has positioned the company as a leader in the Mont Blanc Valley. By embracing innovation and leveraging data-driven insights, the company continues to set new benchmarks in property management, ensuring its business thrives in the competitive vacation rental market.