(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 20, 2008)—Zonder, which operates the first vacation home
rental Website to offer real-time bookings for private homes, condos, cabins and
villas, today announces the results of a survey on the effects of a tough economy
on the vacation home industry. Zonder offers the largest portfolio of North American
properties that can be booked with instant confirmation online or over the phone.
Zonder surveyed professional property management companies (PMCs) to determine the
impact recession has on inventory, bookings, and revenue. The Zonder survey results
show that the vacation rental industry has not been negatively affected by fluctuations
in the economy and that vacation rentals appear to remain strong with 100% of property
management companies surveyed.
The Zonder survey results:
- While 100% of PMCs
reporting said the number of bookings has remained steady, over 40% have seen an
increase in bookings
- 100% of PMCs said revenue
was comparable or better than last year
- No PMCs reported a
decline in inventory and 60% have seen steady inventory growth
- 50% of PMCs reported
that, more than ever, owners are relying on management companies to increase occupancy
rates in order to maximize secondary income
In response to the survey results, Zonder CEO, Bob Barnes commented, “We’re seeing
a sharp increase in people choosing a vacation rental within driving distance rather
than paying for airfare and staying in a hotel. Vacation homes have always been
a great value, but especially during tough economic times. In addition to saving
on lodging costs, travelers get the benefit of having increased privacy, common
family/living/dining areas, and the ability to save by eating meals at home. This
study underscores the value of vacation home rentals and the evergreen nature of
the vacation rental industry.”
About Zonder
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Zonder was the first vacation home rental company
to offer accurate, real-time availability and markets the largest portfolio of vacation
homes that can be booked instantly online. Only Zonder gives consumers and partners
the necessary tools to efficiently search through tens of thousands of vacation
home rentals and narrow their results using a variety of criteria. In addition,
Zonder offers partners a powerful, flexible technology platform that makes it simple
to add vacation rentals to their product offerings. Founded by search industry veterans,
it is the technology behind Zonder that enables its powerful search, filtering and
real-time booking capabilities.
CONTACTS:
Amanda Deveaux
PJ Inc. for Zonder
(212) 629-8445
amanda@pjinc.net