Apartment management in the way our parents and grandparents once knew

As times change, so does the image and perception of tourism. This evolution has also transformed how guests are welcomed and the level of care and attention they receive. Not long ago, there were no online portals for booking accommodation, and the internet was not a factor in travel planning. Guests typically chose destinations based on recommendations from friends and family. Reservations were rarely made in advance; visitors would often go directly to the local tourist board, which would then match them with suitable accommodations according to their needs and preferences.

Renter registration was also handled in person at the tourist board. Guests might even go door to door, asking if anyone had rooms or apartments for rent. Many still remember the days when women would meet travelers at bus or ferry stations holding signs reading “Zimmer frei” or “Apartments,” approaching potential guests to persuade them to stay at their properties—a scene reminiscent of taxi drivers competing for fares at airports.

Welcoming the guests

In the past, hosts often welcomed guests with a meal, usually lunch, or if the visit was unplanned, they would quickly put something together so no one went hungry. The thought was always the same: guests had likely traveled a long way, and just as at a grandparent’s house, the first question was always,“Are you hungry?”. After the meal, guests and hosts would spend time together, sharing not just accommodation but a genuine local experience.

Anyone who started renting out accommodation units long before tourism became as popular in Croatia, or whose parents or grandparents were a part of it, is probably familiar with this.

Regular guests would become part of the community, after some time they would be considered locals, and thus they would be treated as such. They would hang out, not only with the hosts but they would also create friendships, drink coffee and listen to old tales about the area from the locals. Especially in small towns and on islands.

Also, people valued their customs more back then, since they grew up with them and were still living accordingly. That way they had much more to offer to tourists, not just sun and sea or the architecture. And that is exactly what tourism is supposed to be about – returning from your travels full of different experiences, richer in traditional and cultural values from the place you visited.

Since guests often became friends with their hosts, it wasn’t unusual for invitations to be exchanged. Hosts would visit their guests’ homes, and guests would later come to theirs. Money was never the focus, and what truly mattered were new friendships and the joy of making someone happy, which was more than enough to fill the heart.

Renting apartments today

Today, hosting often boils down to little more than a key handover, a few recommendations, a stack of excursion pamphlets (sometimes overwhelming), and a city map. In other words, the unspoken message is: “Figure it out by yourself.”

Of course, the internet now offers endless options. Guests can research destinations, plan excursions, and find highly rated restaurants, cafés, and bars with just a few clicks.

But in practice, this convenience is often overshadowed by a shift in attitude: many hosts nowadays see guests primarily as a source of income. The truth is simple: whether you choose to put in the bare minimum or go the extra mile, the effort you invest always comes back to you.

Hosting is not just about handing over keys. Don’t greet guests empty-handed, and don’t treat them as transactions to be processed. A warm welcome can lead to far more than a handful of good reviews. It can inspire glowing recommendations, attract new visitors, and even keep old guests returning. That kind of loyalty is one of the greatest compliments a host can receive.

Still, one thing remains unchanged from the past: guests like having everything at their fingertips. Tourism has evolved, and so have travelers – their habits, expectations, and demands. Between the days of “old-fashioned” hospitality and the rise of mass tourism, there was a transitional period when guests were content with just a key and a map in hand. They would wander the city, explore freely, and discover places by asking locals along the way.

New age guests

Since everyone has less time now, the goal is to plan the trip and all events as quickly and efficiently as possible, packing in as many sights, excursions, and experiences as possible within a shorter timeframe. Researches have shown that guests are willing to spend more money to have someone plan out the whole trip for them, fulfilling all of their wishes.

As overused as the phrase“time is money”may be, it has proven true. While the rise of mass tourism and the growing popularity of our country have brought many benefits, much of the old charm has faded. That’s why it’s essential to keep up with trends, understand what attracts guests and what discourages them, and adapt accordingly, so we can create a better, more memorable experience for them.

The desire for perfection but with a lack of time

It’s understandable that many of you don’t have the time to devote your full attention to guests, as there are jobs, families, and personal responsibilities, and you may not want to spend every moment focused on tourists. At the same time, factors like loans, personal needs, or other reasons may motivate you to rent out your accommodation.

Many of you may recognize yourselves as being new to this “job” (as it has become), and perhaps you feel that you lack the experience or knowledge needed to excel, earn high reviews, and ensure guest satisfaction.

In either case, we recommend consulting with a tourist agency, whether for advice or by entrusting them with managing your accommodation, while you simply track your earnings.

As always, we remain at your disposal for any additional questions or guidance.