Unlocking Success: How Jetstream Powers Vail Resorts’ Airbnb and VRBO Strategy

Streamlining Operations, Elevating Guest Experiences, and Driving Revenue with Jetstream's Distribution Expertise

Introduction:

Managing iconic mountain resorts like Vail Resorts requires more than just endless snow and breathtaking views—it demands seamless operations, excellent guest service, and effective distribution strategies. With over 40 resorts and thousands of room types globally, Vail Resorts faced significant challenges in maintaining visibility across Airbnb and VRBO, ensuring guest satisfaction, and managing operations at scale.

Since partnering with Jetstream in 2018, Vail Resorts has turned these challenges into opportunities, achieving millions in bookings annually while simplifying operations and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The Challenge:

Vail Resorts needed a solution to address critical distribution and operational challenges, including:

• Fragmented Distribution: Managing contracts and listings across multiple platforms was inefficient and error-prone.

• Guest Communication Overload: Answering every guest inquiry and request for their vast portfolio required a dedicated team, something Vail couldn’t spare.

• Dynamic Pricing Needs: Existing solutions lacked integration with their SynXis Channel Connect system, limiting their ability to optimize rates dynamically.

• Resource Constraints: The sheer scale of their operations meant they needed a partner who could simplify their workload without sacrificing quality.

James Burke, Senior Market Manager at Vail Resorts, described the situation:

"With over 40 resorts and countless room types, managing this volume of listings on our own wasn’t just a challenge—it was impossible. We needed a better way to operate."

The Jetstream Solution:

Jetstream’s tailored approach delivered measurable results for Vail Resorts by addressing their unique needs:

1. Centralized Multi-Channel Distribution:

   Jetstream’s direct integration with SynXis allowed Vail Resorts to synchronize rates and availability in real time, ensuring accuracy across Airbnb and VRBO. Jetstream’s marketing experts optimized each listing for maximum visibility and traveler appeal.

2. Expert Guest Services Team:

   Jetstream’s dedicated team managed pre- and post-booking communication, providing proactive, high-touch support that delighted guests. Paige Whippo, Senior OTA Account Manager at Vail Resorts, praised the team:

   "The guest services team is a lifesaver. They’re proactive, high-touch, and always positive. It’s made a world of difference for us and our guests."

3. Scalability and Operational Efficiency:

   By eliminating the need to manage individual contracts, Jetstream simplified Vail Resorts’ operations, allowing internal teams to focus on core priorities. Burke noted:

   "Jetstream has cast the widest net possible to capture travelers no matter how they’re booking. The operational burden is completely lifted—it’s all handled seamlessly."

4. Flawless Listing Optimization:

   Jetstream ensured that Vail Resorts’ listings featured high-quality photos, accurate descriptions, and competitive pricing. This meticulous attention to detail consistently boosted bookings and reinforced Vail’s reputation as a premier destination.

Results That Speak Volumes:

Since partnering with Jetstream, Vail Resorts has achieved:

• Millions in Bookings: Jetstream has driven significant revenue growth through optimized Airbnb and VRBO distribution.
• Real-Time Accuracy with SynXis Integration: Rates and availability are seamlessly synchronized between Vail Resorts and Jetstream, eliminating manual errors and ensuring consistency across platforms.
• Streamlined Operations: Outsourcing distribution and guest communication has freed up internal resources to focus on guest experiences.
• Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: Jetstream’s guest services team has been praised for their professionalism, speed, and ability to resolve issues seamlessly, leaving Vail’s guests delighted and ready to return.

Customer Insights:

Vail Resorts highlighted what makes Jetstream stand out:

• Simplifying Complexity:

  "Jetstream streamlines everything for us. Without them, we’d be stuck managing separate contracts and guest communications for every platform—it’s just not feasible at our scale," said Paige Whippo.

• Exceptional Service:

  "Your customer service team doesn’t just check boxes—they go above and beyond. They’ve bridged the gap between us and our guests in a way we couldn’t have done alone," added Whippo.

• Content and Trust:

  Burke emphasized: "Rates and availability are critical, but content is the billboard. Jetstream gets this, and it shows. Plus, their transparency and collaboration have been invaluable."

Conclusion:

Jetstream has become an integral part of Vail Resorts’ success, simplifying operations, optimizing distribution via the SynXis integration, and enhancing guest satisfaction. With their partnership, Vail Resorts can focus on delivering world-class mountain experiences while Jetstream handles the rest.

As Whippo concluded: "Jetstream is the ultimate distribution solution. They handle the headaches, deliver the results, and make our lives so much easier. I’d recommend them to SynXis-connected hotels and resorts in a heartbeat."

Ready to simplify your operations and elevate your distribution strategy?