Should a guest receive a welcome gift?
20.05.2016. 08:43:39
The most important thing in a relationship between an apartment owner and his/her guests is that the owner leaves a good first impression. The first contact between the owner and his/her guests is usually made when the guests arrive at the apartment, although it can also be established earlier in a phone call relating to the guests' apartment reservation.
The owner should leave an impression of a good, friendly, and welcoming host who is at his/her guests' service. A welcome gift is a great asset in leaving a good first impression. It's no secret that people like receiving gifts, but one should always keep it simple.
When choosing a gift it is important to make sure the gift is a symbolic reminder of the wonderful days spent at your apartment. I suggest you present them with a souvenir of some sort that represents your place or surroundings. You definitely can't go wrong with a souvenir when it comes to all types of guests – they will rarely refuse such a gift.
Why a souvenir?
Just imagine if you were to greet your guest with chocolate and s/he tells you: “No thank you, I am diabetic.” A gift should therefore be both symbolic and infallible. But let's not fool ourselves – your guest didn't arrive here for a welcome gift: s/he came here to spend the vacation the way s/he wants and, honestly, you are just “a necessary evil”.
The best gift you as an apartment owner can give to your guests is a fair and honest relationship combined with prompt and efficient service.