Bavina Sookdeo
For two years now, Jamilah Beatrice has been curating more than just a place to stay in TT. Her Airbnb listings in Port of Spain, close to the vibrant Ariapita Avenue, are more than physical spaces. She has transformed her properties just for travellers seeking accommodation and unforgettable experiences.
In an interview with Business Day, Jamilah shares the secrets of her success, the impact of the covid19 pandemic and her vision for the future.
A vision of financial flexibility
“To create an extra income source without a cap on what I could earn,” Beatrice candidly reveals when asked about her decision to list her property on Airbnb.
A move born out of the desire for financial flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit.
Her three listings, which boast elegant design features with home-like comforts, are close to the entertainment hub of Ariapita Avenue.
“That’s the advantage,” Beatrice pointed out, “but what truly sets the spaces apart is the customer service and level of engagement offered to guests according to their respective trip objectives.”
Holiday season appeal
“The listing pictures tell our guests a story...we make it easy to visualise. The written description reveals my personality and sets an expectation of the service they can receive while here,” Beatrice explains when discussing the appeal of her properties during the holiday season. The combination of visual storytelling, personalised service and a prime location in the heart of Port of Spain draws guests seeking a unique Christmas experience. When questioned on her bookings, she explained that one noteworthy change she has seen is reservations are now confirmed closer to arrival dates.
Guest expectations and local engagement
Interacting with guests, Beatrice observes that they are open to spending Christmas in TT.
“Some ask us for guided tours and for this we have our partners in the field. Some require authentic experiences where the host can accompany them on nature tours, sightseeing, driving around to see the country’s landscapes, even local aerial tours which we now promote,” she explained.
Asked if she thinks crime is putting a dent in the number of bookings, Beatrice responded, “I don’t have that data but surely I can see how the anticipation of crime can. Some guests have said that the travel advisories on TT indeed created a high level of fear and negative expectation, however on arrival their experiences have been largely positive.”
Post-covid transformations
Questioned on how the Airbnb industry in TT has been affected by covid19 and if she observed any significant changes in guest behaviours or preferences, Beatrice said, “I’ve heard from longstanding hosts that the pandemic deprived them of their sole income source. Immediately following the full reopening of our borders the trending changes were for self check-in/checkout where possible. Also, guests expected the provision of sanitisers on site, thermometres and access to information on healthcare facilities nearby.”
To accommodate the req
