NC500: Highland accommodation provider gets savvy to show a motorhome is not the only way to travel
A new social media group has been created to help accommodation providers on the NC500 advertise their facilities for free.
The new Facebook group allows owners of B&Bs, holiday cottages, pods, lodges, and other places to post late availability and special offers, and respond to visitors looking for somewhere to stay.
The group was set up by Wick holiday cottage owner, Ben Makin who wanted to ensure that people know there are more ways to travel the NC500 than in just a motorhome.
She said: “A lot of visitors this year are making a last-minute decision to come here, and many of them like the sense of freedom that comes with not planning too far ahead.
“But, with the Tourist Information offices being closed, it can be difficult for them to find B&Bs, pods and other accommodation.
“There are lots of tourist groups on Facebook, but no group focused just on B&Bs, pods, cottages and hotels on the NC500.
“I am always amazed by how many people think the only option is to come in a motorhome, so hopefully this group will make it easier for visitors to travel more sustainably and really contribute to the community here”.
Ben started the Facebook Group in June, and since then over 1500 people have joined. The group is growing fast, with several posts asking about late availability every day.
“I love seeing hosts reply to these posts” said Ben.
“So many visitors stick to the main roads of the North Coast 500 route, and miss the chance to stay in smaller places. This is a chance for hosts a bit off the route to advertise their place and get late bookings.”
Occupancy for properties advertised on Airbnb in Caithness and Sutherland is running between 50 to 60 percent over the summer, which is similar to last year, according to hospitality market insight specialists, KeyData.
“It’s still a challenging market”, said Ben, “and the days are gone when you could put a sign in your window or photos on Airbnb and wait for the bookings to come in, so I hope this group helps owners get bookings, and encourages people to visit Caithness and Sutherland in cars as well as motorhomes.
“Joining the group is easy” she added, “just search Facebook for ‘NC500 places to stay’ or go to facebook.com/groups/nc500placestostay, and ask to join the group.”
