This summer, property managers in France have the chance to shine in the very first edition of what is set to become one of the most prestigious recognitions in the short-term rental industry: the LCD Awards which stands for Location Courte Durée (Short term rentals). These awards are designed to highlight and celebrate the excellence, professionalism, and dedication that vacation rental property managers bring to the table.
Whether you’re managing a cozy city apartment or a luxury villa by the sea, this is your chance to showcase your finest properties and get recognized for your hard work. But act fast, there are only 10 days left to submit your property for consideration! This is a rare opportunity to gain industry recognition and put your business in the spotlight. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the LCD Awards and how they can benefit property managers like you.
Who’s Leading the Charge for the LCD Awards?
For the first time ever in France, the vacation rental industry is coming together to recognize and reward the finest vacation rentals at the LCD Awards. Marie Pistinier– CEO/Founder of Lokim, President of SPLM, VP of European Holiday Home Association, and founder of Scale France and the LCD Awards, is proudly leading the organization of this prestigious event.
With her deep understanding of the short-term rental landscape and her commitment to elevating industry standards, Marie is ensuring that the LCD Awards will be an unforgettable evening for property managers and vacation rental professionals alike.
What are the LCD Awards?
The LCD Awards celebrate the best vacation rentals managed by hospitality professionals across France and its territories. They provide an exclusive platform for property managers to gain recognition and exposure, distinguishing the best-managed seasonal rentals in a variety of categories.
The awards will be presented during the Seasonal Rental Night on November 26, 2024, at the Musée des Arts Forains in Paris. This exclusive event, reserved for 200 property management professionals, promises a night of celebration, networking, and recognition for the industry’s top performers.
It also serves as a pre-opening event for Scale France, which will take place the following day, offering an even greater opportunity to connect with key players in the vacation rental industry.
Why Should You Participate?
Winning an LCD Award might boost your reputation as a property manager. It’s a seal of excellence that shows potential guests and clients that you’re at the top of your game.
By entering the awards, your properties will gain attention from a wider audience, including media outlets and industry professionals. The exposure alone can strengthen your profile in the vacation rental market.
The Seasonal Rental Night will bring together 200 top professionals from the industry, offering a unique chance to connect, exchange insights, and forge valuable partnerships.
Who Can Participate?
The LCD Awards are open to all short-term rental professionals in France, including:
- Real estate agencies
- Concierge services
- Professional rental companies and sub-renters
To participate, your properties must be located in Metropolitan France, DROM, COM, or Corsica. Whether you manage a single property or a vast portfolio, this is your chance to showcase the properties that truly stand out.
Submission Process and Deadlines
To submit your properties for the LCD Awards, simply visit their applications page, select the categories you wish to compete in and fill out the online form.
The deadline for submissions is midnight on September 15, 2024.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Submit Your Properties: You can submit up to five properties per category. The submission process is free of charge, and you can take your time to perfect your application, adding high-quality photos, guest reviews, and detailed descriptions.
- Jury Evaluation: From September 15 to October 1, a jury will evaluate the entries based on specific criteria. The top four properties in each category will be selected for the final round.
- Public Voting: From October 5 to 20, the public will have the chance to vote for their favorite properties among the finalists.
- Awards Ceremony: The winners will be announced during the Seasonal Rental Night on November 26, 2024, in Paris. If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry – the trophy and other rewards will be sent to you after the event.
The Award Categories
The LCD Awards offer 12 unique categories that reflect the diverse offerings of the vacation rental industry. Here’s a detailed look at each category:
- Family Friendly Award
This award recognizes vacation rentals that are perfect for families. Properties that offer space, safety, and entertainment for both children and adults are encouraged to apply.
- Criteria: Number of bedrooms, safety features (like barriers or childproof furniture), entertainment options for children, family-friendly activities nearby, and guest reviews from families.
- Seaside Award
This category is for properties located near the coast that provide a comfortable, beach-side experience.
- Criteria: Proximity to the beach, sea view, quality of amenities, comfort, and reviews from guests who enjoyed a seaside vacation.
- Ecofriendly Award
This award celebrates properties that prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact, offering a planet-friendly stay.
- Criteria: Energy-efficient systems, water conservation, recycling practices, use of eco-friendly products, and environmental certifications.
- Accessibility Award
Properties that are accessible to all, including those with reduced mobility, will be recognized in this category.
- Criteria: Physical accessibility features like ramps and elevators, specially adapted bathrooms and kitchens, accessibility of information, and guest feedback from those with accessibility needs.
- City Trip Award
For urban rentals that provide easy access to city attractions and a high level of comfort, this award highlights the best city break accommodations.
- Criteria: Proximity to landmarks, public transport, restaurants and shops, quality of design, additional services like cleaning or concierge, and guest reviews.
- Sports Stay Award
This award recognizes properties that cater to sports enthusiasts, offering access to specific facilities or outdoor activities.
- Criteria: Proximity to sports facilities (e.g., gyms, climbing centers, yoga studios), availability of sports equipment on-site, comfort, and guest reviews from those on sports-focused trips.
- In the Mountains Award
This category is for properties located in mountainous regions, ideal for winter sports or summer hiking adventures.
- Criteria: Proximity to ski slopes or hiking trails, mountain charm, quality of furnishings, and guest feedback about the overall experience.
- Digital Nomads Award
With remote work becoming increasingly popular, this category celebrates vacation rentals that are perfectly suited for digital nomads.
- Criteria: Reliable internet connectivity, ergonomic workspaces, general comfort, ambiance, and guest reviews from remote workers.
- Pet-Friendly Award
This award recognizes properties that welcome pets and provide a comfortable environment for both animals and their owners.
- Criteria: Pet-friendly facilities (e.g., beds, bowls), access to pet-friendly parks or beaches, safety features for pets, and guest feedback from those traveling with animals.
- Atypical Accommodation Award
For properties that offer unique and unconventional stays, this award celebrates creativity and originality.
- Criteria: Unusual architecture or design, integration with the surrounding environment, modern comforts, and guest reviews from those seeking an extraordinary experience.
- Luxury Rental Award
This award is for high-end vacation rentals that offer an exceptional luxury experience with top-tier services.
- Criteria: Quality of amenities (e.g., private pool, spa, gym), design, personalized services (e.g., private chefs, concierge), and guest feedback from luxury travelers.
- Relaxation and Well-being Award
This category recognizes properties that provide a peaceful, rejuvenating environment for guests seeking relaxation and wellness.
- Criteria: Availability of wellness facilities (e.g., massage rooms, yoga spaces), tranquil ambiance, quality of bedding and furniture, and guest reviews focused on well-being.
What Do Winners Receive?
Winners of the LCD Awards will receive several rewards, including:
- A prestigious LCD Awards trophy to display in your office or rental property.
- A digital badge that you can feature on your website, social media, and marketing materials to promote your victory.
- A physical certificate to display in your office or property.
- Winners will be featured and promoted by LCD Awards’ media partners, helping you gain even more visibility.
- Additional rewards and gifts from sponsors and partners (details to be announced).
Meet the LCD Awards Jury
We are especially proud to announce that Thibault Masson, founder of Rental Scale-Up, is part of this distinguished jury, along with Elise Ripoche, founder of J’affiche Complet. Their combined expertise will help ensure the selection of the very best vacation rental properties managed by professionals across France.
Here’s a glimpse of their thoughts on being part of this prestigious event:
- Elise Ripoche of J’affiche Complet
“I was very honored to accept this role as a jury member because I am convinced that our profession deserves the best, and this competition is a lever for its professionalization. Participating in the jury is a way for me to contribute to the recognition of our business expertise.”
- Thibault Masson of PriceLabs & Rental Scale-Up
“I am convinced that the awards are a great way to shine a light on our industry, celebrate successful companies, and share best practices. As someone who is passionate about education in this sector, I see these awards as a great source of inspiration for everyone. What I particularly appreciate about the LCD Awards is that they give a voice to concierge services and agencies. Too often, we mainly hear from suppliers in our industry, when it is the operators who should be at the heart of the discussions.”
For property managers, the LCD Awards looks like a great opportunity to showcase the best properties in your portfolio and gain industry recognition for your professionalism and dedication. Whether you’re aiming for the Family Friendly Award, the Luxury Rental Award, or one of the other 10 categories, participating in the LCD Awards can help you solidify your business, attract more clients, and enhance your reputation in the vacation rental market.
