I think I might send a newsletter to past guests (the ones who gave you glowing feedback) - or to those you had to disappoint - when there were improvements to report, eg internet access at the property in our case, and pool heating and other relevant news that might be of interest, such as the new, and larger supermarket recently opened, a couple of minutes drive closer to us. Couched attractively with descriptions of what the season is doing (chirds birping, grape harvesting, that sort of thing.)Partridge wrote:I might consider it if I were an on site owner and had got to know the guests somewhat but seeing as I'm not, I wouldn't, it just feels too cynical to me.
This would be timed for when people start thinking about next year's holiday, ie nearing the close of the previous summer.
Featuring news like this in a blog is a good idea, as has been mentioned, but a newsletter is also useful for those who might not happen to be following the blog.
If I had a property which is both a ski and summer venue for visitors, that becomes more tricky as I'd still want to send a newsletter out at a time when people are just beginning to think about making plans, which for the ski season is really before one normally sends out Christmas cards anyway.
It's down to personal choice, but unless I had become very good friends with an enquirer or former guest, I too wouldn't send a Christmas card. Companies do it, and it's simply a means to keep their brand name in the mind of the recipient, and, like Partridge, I don't feel comfortable about using a Christian festival for this purpose. And when they land on my doormat, they don't endear the sender to me or find a place on the mantlepiece.
Sorry - not normally so outspoken. Blame it on our plumbing problems!
(Edit: we were composing at the same time Margaret!)
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