Localbird, a digital concierge platform for the short-term rental (STR) industry, has unveiled new data indicating that 74% of STR experience bookings are made before guests check in. This insight, part of the State of STR Experiences 2026 report, underscores a significant pre-arrival revenue opportunity for operators.
The report, which analysed over 7,500 bookings across the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica, reveals that guests are making substantial spending decisions well in advance of their stay. High-value experiences such as private chefs, boat charters, and guided tours are often booked early, suggesting that operators who wait until check-in to promote these services may miss out on potential revenue.
Premium properties, charging $500 or more per night, see 44% of guests engaging with digital concierge services, with 18% proceeding to book experiences, averaging $1,000 per stay. In contrast, properties under $100 per night see only 35% engagement and 4% booking conversion.
The data also highlights that families are the most engaged demographic, accounting for 31% of digital concierge interactions, followed by groups of five or more adults at 24%. In-property services, particularly private chefs, are highly valued, generating average order values 27% higher than off-site experiences.
Transportation services account for the largest share of bookings at 39%, yet contribute only 18% of revenue. Adventure tours, water activities, and vehicle rentals, although less frequently booked, generate a higher revenue share.
Ben Levy, CEO and Co-Founder of Localbird, emphasised the importance of early engagement, stating, "The guest experience doesn't start at check-in; it starts the moment someone hits 'book.' Operators should curate the entire journey to maximise revenue and guest satisfaction."
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
