HOUSTON \u2013 As Houston gears up to welcome the FIFA World Cup, excitement is building far beyond the stadiums. Local businesses, restaurants, and the tourism sector are preparing for a major economic surge \u2014 and Airbnb hosts say they\u2019re ready to cash in.<\/p>\n
Greater Houston Luxe, one of the city\u2019s major short-term rental management companies, is already planning for unprecedented demand. The company expects to list some properties at up to 500% above normal rates, adjusting pricing as the tournament approaches.<\/p>\n
Designing for a Global Audience<\/p>\n
Inside one of the company\u2019s 60 Airbnb listings, the prep work is already underway. Hand-picked d\u00e9cor, professional photography, and a focus on five-star guest experiences are part of the strategy to stand out in what experts call one of the fastest-growing and most competitive short-term rental markets in the U.S.<\/p>\n
Damon Oubre, owner of Greater Houston Luxe Properties, which manages 60 rentals across the region, says hosts are preparing for an unprecedented boom.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to maximize revenue and get our clients the most profits we can,\u201d Oubre said. \u201cYou can\u2019t just throw a couch, a couple of beds, and a flower on the table anymore. Guests have options now. You need to be distinct and have solid reviews before FIFA arrives.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Record-Breaking Opportunity<\/p>\n
Airbnb estimates that Houston-area hosts could welcome roughly 31,000 guests during World Cup events. Average earnings are expected to hit about $3,000 per stay, depending on property size and location.<\/p>\n
Oubre says pricing strategy will be key:<\/p>\n
\u201cIncrease prices now. Some people are going 500% \u2014 even 1,000% \u2014 on weekends. I\u2019d start at about 300% for FIFA and slowly bring prices down. And always watch what hotels are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
No Extra Property? No Problem.<\/p>\n
Homeowners without an entire property to rent can still participate in the economic boom. Oubre says even spare bedrooms can generate major returns.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone with a home and a spare bedroom can really benefit. It\u2019s not an extra expense \u2014 it\u2019s just extra income.\u201d<\/p>\n
That means a room typically listed at $150 per night could reasonably start at $450 during World Cup events.<\/p>\n
With the tournament still months away, Houston hosts say the time to prepare is now \u2014 and the payoff could be huge.<\/p>\n
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