As we are all wrapping up 2025 we wanted to get you some valuable information as you begin to plan for a successful rental season in 2026.
Destination Door County (DDC) does a great job of tracking the lodging industry. Below are the trends for STRs in 2025 which show revenue up but occupancy trending down. We’d all like to do what we can to take steps to boost our occupancy to avoid lower bookings. These insights are being shared by Home Hosts Board, to members only, as part of your member benefits. This information allows you to take steps to boost occupancy and have a successful bookings season.
Below we’ve shared a DDC co-op advertising program that offers options as low as $175 to higher impact promotions. Home Hosts members also have access to recordings of our webinars that give you best practices on increasing your bookings.
Co-Op Marketing is open for 2026
Destination Door County’s Co-Op Marketing Program offers a valuable partnership opportunity for local businesses and property owners to collaborate on promoting everything that makes Door County special.
By participating in the 2026 Co-Op Program, STR Owners (members of DDC) can increase their visibility, connect with targeted and diverse audiences, and choose from a range of advertising options designed to align with individual marketing goals and budgets.
The Co-Op Advertising Program is open to all Destination Door County partners. If you’re not currently a partner, joining is free and easy – making this an accessible opportunity for anyone looking to amplify their marketing efforts in the year ahead.
To learn more about DDC’s Co-op advertising options, contact Elizabeth Charney, Marketing and Sales Manager, Elizabeth@doorcounty.com OR Abigail Sternard abigail@doorcounty.com.
Door County Numbers Show Occupancy Down and Revenue Up
Local short-term rental data continue to show a market that is adjusting. In Door County, trends point to declining occupancy patterns alongside steady revenue performance.
Members of Home Hosts receive access to deeper local insights and trusted industry reports that help put these trends into context and support smarter decision-making. If you’d like access to detailed Door County data, we invite you to join Home Hosts of Door County.
STR Owners Are Gaining a Seat at the Table
We’re excited to share that short-term rental owners are continuing to gain representation and recognition within Destination Door County. Janet Slater, Chairperson of Home Hosts Board of Directors, has been invited to join the Destination Door County Board, helping ensure the STR owner perspective is represented at the table as key decisions about the future of tourism in Door County are made.
Additionally, Home Hosts of Door County board member Karen Berndt was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award at Destination Door County’s Annual Meeting – a well-deserved recognition for her significant volunteer hours demonstrating how STR owner care deeply about caring for our community through dedication and service.
Did you know Home Hosts of Door County has a growing library of recorded webinars and educational videos available in our member portal? These resources include valuable sessions on promoting your property and other helpful topics designed to support STR owners and hosts. If you haven’t explored the portal recently, it’s a great time to check out the video library and take advantage of the tools available to you.
Sincerely,
Home Hosts
Building a trusted home-sharing community
Directors:
Janet Slater, President
Karen Jacobson Berndt, Vice President
Holli Kohls, Treasurer
Punkaj Gupta, Secretary
Heather Heezen
Michael Servais
Elizabeth Scheckel