VRMA lays out reopening guidelines
US: The Vacation Rental Management Association [VRMA] has developed a set of recommendations for reopening vacation rentals in light of the global pandemic.
Developed in collaboration with its subsidiary, the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals [VRHP], the measures focus on how vacation rentals can function safely and effectively post-lockdown.
The guidelines are a part of the twin SafeHome and SafeCommunity programmes, which allow members to adopt and execute comprehensive measures to ensure guest, employee and community safety. These measures include recommendations on:
- Preventive and protective measures
- Communications protocols
- Safe check-in procedures
- Measures to stay safe in the home
- Safe use of the property’s amenities
Toby Babich, president of VRMA, said: “As communities reopen, and visitors return to professionally-managed vacation rentals, it is vital that our employees, guests, and communities remain safe. These guidelines provide practical precautions and protocols every vacation rental manager can implement to ensure safety and help reaffirm that staying in a professionally managed vacation rental is the safest lodging option while traveling.”
The measures will be applicable to properties across the various American markets. The guidelines were similarly developed by experts across the country, primarily Dru Brown of Island Time Hilton Head, who led South Carolina’s comprehensive Path Forward Readiness initiative.
The VRMA will continue to revisit thee guidelines as more information about the virus and as various state lockdown rules change. They will continue effort toward education in order to ensure the longevity and safety of the industry and its members.
They are not alone in their formulation of more specific rules regarding wellbeing. The World Travel and Tourism Council has unveiled its new set of safe travelling protocols for short-term rentals, as well as car hires and attractions industries, while Airbnb and Vrbo have created similar guidelines for property owners in the post-lockdown world.
