New Zealand’s short-term rental market is as diverse as its landscapes — from beach baches to alpine cabins and lakeside holiday homes. With so many listings to choose from, guests have endless options. For owners, this means standing out is crucial.
One of the simplest ways to boost your property’s visibility and credibility is by earning Airbnb’s Guest Favourite Badge. This gold trophy icon is more than just a digital sticker — it shows potential guests that your home consistently delivers excellent stays.
What is the Guest Favourite Badge on Airbnb?
Launched in 2023, Airbnb’s Guest Favourite Badge highlights homes that regularly exceed guest expectations. When you see this badge, you know the host has proven they deliver on quality, comfort, and reliable service.
Properties are reviewed daily to see which listings deserve the badge. If your holiday home hits Airbnb’s key performance targets, great ratings, positive reviews, smooth stays — you’ll see the badge appear in search results and on your listing page.
How to Qualify for Airbnb’s Guest Favourite Badge
So how do you actually get one? Here’s what NZ holiday home owners need to focus on:
- High Ratings: Maintain an average rating of at least 4.9 stars. Consistency is key.
- Glowing Reviews: Guests should love your home’s cleanliness, comfort, and thoughtful touches.
- Low Cancellations: Avoid cancelling bookings unless absolutely necessary.
- Fast Response Times: Reply promptly to enquiries and booking requests.
- Smooth Experience: Make check-ins easy and provide clear house instructions.
Airbnb’s algorithm checks your listing daily, so keep up the good work to keep your badge.
Why Earning the Badge Matters for NZ Holiday Home Owners
Boost Visibility
Listings with the badge are more eye-catching in search results, especially on mobile where space is limited. In competitive hotspots like Queenstown, Lake Taupō, Rotorua, and the Coromandel, a small badge can help you stand out.
Build Trust Instantly
Trust is everything in the short-term rental game. Travellers browsing multiple listings make quick choices based on trust signals like badges, reviews, and photos. The Guest Favourite Badge acts as instant proof that you deliver great stays.
Get More Bookings
More trust and better visibility mean more bookings. A steady stream of positive reviews and bookings pushes your property higher in Airbnb’s search results — creating a snowball effect for future success.
Stay Competitive Year-Round
During peak holiday seasons, a badge helps you win bookings faster. In shoulder or off-peak seasons, it can be the deciding factor that tips a guest towards your home instead of another.
Tips to Keep Your Badge
The Guest Favourite badge is an opportunity to make a quick, lasting impression on potential guests. It helps you get through the door. It’s a powerful tool that ensures you stand out, and it’s simple to get one: aim for a few smart adjustments, focus on creating memorable spaces and getting your holiday home guest-ready, and the badge—and the guests—will follow.
- Refresh bedding, soft furnishings, or add a pop of colour with local art.
- Add practical comforts: bedside lamps, USB chargers, coat hooks, extra blankets, a full-length mirror.
- Surprise guests with a handwritten welcome note, local café tips, or a small local treat.
- Keep your house manual clear and up to date — include Wi-Fi details, rubbish instructions, emergency numbers, and local recommendations.
Ready to Earn Your Guest Favourite Badge?
Airbnb’s Guest Favourite Badge is a simple way for NZ holiday homeowners to build trust, boost bookings, and stay competitive. Focus on the basics, add thoughtful touches, and you’ll be well on your way to earning and keeping this mark of excellence. Learn more about Bachcare Holiday Home Management.