Gulf Shores may already be No. 1 in the hearts of residents, but nationally the destination is also ranked among the top of HomeToGo's Most Searched Summer 2023 Getaway by U.S. travelers.

HomeToGo, a German-based vacation rental marketplace, released the "Most Searched Summer 2023 Getaways by U.S. Travelers" list last week. Gulf Shores ranked No. 5.

The results are based on search trends on the company's website. The list also gives a median nightly price for accommodation. Here are the top five:

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina — Median nightly price: $120.09 per person/per night
2. Destin, Florida — Median nightly price: $139.92 per person/ per night
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — Median nightly price $ 93.84 per person/per night
4. Ocean City, Maryland — Median nightly price $114.68 per person/per night
5. Gulf Shores, Alabama — Median nightly price $ 118.05 per person/per night

LOCAL INSIGHT

Best Gendler, president and CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, and Hunter Harrelson, owner and CEO of Beachball Properties, both agreed HomeToGo's nightly rate is higher than the local market suggests.

"HomesToGo is a European company, and they have different metrics for figuring things, but, no, I think that (median nightly cost) is grossly inflated. Also, note HomesToGo charges a 15% commission to the host. Most mark up the property 15% to 22% to cover that expense. That's likely part of the difference," Harrelson said. "An example, a typical two-bed and two-bath at a Phoenix condo sleeps eight guests: 8 times 118.05 equals $944.40 a night. That's simply not the case. The rate is closer to $450 a night plus fees, so likely closer to $550-$600 total per night for that two-bedroom condo."

Using Harrelson's example of a Phoenix condo with fees based on eight people, the median nightly price would be $68.75 per person per night.

Gendler said accommodation prices are running in line with last summer. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism doesn't track per-person rentals, but Gendler did provide average daily rates for hotels and condos for summer 2022:

Hotel ADR:

Vacation rental ADR:
June: $474

LOCAL TRENDS

The Alabama Gulf Coast has over 11,000 short-term rental condominium units ready and waiting for the masses, but now that global travel has returned to normal, competition for tourists has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.

"With everywhere open to visitors now post-COVID-19, we are back to competing with the whole world for visiting guests. Cruise lines are open, international travel is back, and bigger cities are seen as safe to visit again," Gendler said. "We have always been in an excellent position because of primarily being a drive-to destination with beautiful beaches, outdoor options and the family-friendly, welcoming hospitality of our community."

During the pandemic, the Alabama Gulf Coast attracted visitors from new markets like the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic regions. Gendler said they are focusing a portion of their marketing efforts on areas with nonstop flights to Pensacola and Mobile airports, such as Baltimore, Maryland; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; and New York, New York, to name a few.

According to Harrelson, he is noticing a trend of shorter stays, shorter booking windows and shorter tempers.

"The market as a whole seems to be pacing like last year for the summer," Harrelson said. "Spring break was down around 15% for occupancy compared to last year. I am seeing rates start to decrease slightly to compensate for changes in the economy."

Gendler said the booking windows do not seem to have gotten back to pre-COVID-19 timeframes. Apart from snowbirds, who tend to book a year in advance, summer travelers are waiting until the last minute.

"There is typically space available close to arrival throughout the summer," Gendler said. "However, to get the accommodations best suited for your family or travel party, booking earlier is better. Now's the time to book those summer reservations."

When it comes to summer travel, Harrelson's top tip is to be patient.

"Be patient. We want you to enjoy our beautiful island as much as we do, but we are all human and doing our part to see that you keep coming back for years to come," Harrelson said. "We are always improving and with that comes construction, delays, traffic, etc. We will work relentlessly to ensure your vacation is a memorable one and we will control what we can."

Planning a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? Let Gulf Coast Media be your go to source for things to do, places to go and where to eat in Baldwin County.