If you’re an Airbnb host in Calgary (or anywhere else), you’ve probably noticed it: February has been brutal. Bookings are down, revenue is suffering, and many properties that were thriving just a few months ago are sitting empty. Some are calling this the worst month the Airbnb industry has seen in the past decade. And if you’re feeling the sting, you’re not alone.
But here’s the reality: this is normal. Every property manager, every host, and every short-term rental business faces slowdowns. This is part of the game. The real question is: how do we fight through it, and how do we win back our lost revenue—plus more—when the busy season returns?
Why Is This Happening?
First, let’s get one thing straight: it’s not just you. This is happening across the board. Even top-performing listings are seeing dips, and many Airbnb hosts are panicking. But why?
1. The February Slump Is Real
Every year, February tends to be one of the slowest months for travel. The holiday season is over, the new year has settled in, and people aren’t booking getaways at the same rate. Even in a thriving market, this is a dead zone for tourism.
2. Too Many Listings, Not Enough Guests
Let’s be real: the short-term rental market in Calgary is crowded. There are almost 4,000 active Airbnb listings in the city, and in slow months, demand simply doesn’t keep up. Even if flights are still landing and cars are still coming into the city, not everyone is booking Airbnbs. Many are staying with family, in hotels, or just not traveling at all.
3. Market Cycles & Revenue Waves
If you manage Airbnbs long enough, you start to notice a pattern: slow season hits hard, but high season makes up for it. The struggle in February is just part of the bigger picture. The real focus should be on positioning your listings to capitalize when the market bounces back.
Some Properties Are Thriving—Why?
Even in this rough market, some listings are fully booked while others sit empty. In my portfolio of 35+ properties, about half are doing great, while the other half are struggling. So, what’s the difference?
- Location Matters: Properties near key attractions, downtown, or business hubs tend to see more bookings—even in slow months. If your unit is further out, it’s going to be harder to fill.
- Furnishings & Design: Guests want an experience. The listings that stand out with high-end furniture, unique decor, and modern amenities get booked more often.
- Pricing & Strategy: Smart hosts adjust their pricing dynamically. Those who price too high in February will struggle, while those who lower rates strategically keep bookings flowing.
How Do We Win?
This isn’t the end of the game—it’s just a tough round. The key is to survive the slow months and prepare for the boom that’s coming.
1. Get Competitive with Pricing
Lowering your nightly rate temporarily can help keep your occupancy up. Would you rather have an empty unit or a lower-paying guest? A full calendar at a slightly reduced rate beats zero income any day.
2. Offer Monthly Stays
February is a great time to attract longer-term stays. Discounts for 30+ day bookings can help secure reliable income while the market is slow.
3. Optimize Your Listings
Now is the perfect time to revamp your photos, tweak your descriptions, and improve your listing’s appeal. Guests are more selective in slow months—so your listing needs to stand out.
4. Prepare for the Spring & Summer Boom
This won’t last forever. March will pick up, and by the time summer rolls around, demand will surge. The revenue we lose now can and will be made back. Hosts who optimize their listings now will be in the best position to maximize profits when high season hits.
Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning
The Airbnb game is not for the weak. Every management company, every host, and every short-term rental investor goes through ups and downs. Right now, we’re in the trenches. But the battle is just starting.
When the market rebounds, we’re not just going to recover—we’re going to thrive.
If you’re struggling, stay in the fight. The bookings will come back, and the revenue will follow. Let’s get ready to win. 🚀