The first half of my stay abroad was an extremely positive and rewarding learning experience. From the very beginning, I was actively involved in the daily management of the short-term rental business and gradually took on more responsibilities as my confidence and understanding of the sector increased. I supported guest communication before, during and after their stay, assisted with check-in and check-out procedures, helped prepare apartments to ensure they met high hospitality standards, and contributed to improving Airbnb listings to make them more attractive and informative for potential guests. These practical tasks gave me a clear understanding of how a successful hospitality business operates on a daily basis.
In addition to these activities, I had the opportunity to observe how reservations were organised, how unexpected situations were handled, and how customer satisfaction was always considered a priority. I realised that running a short-term rental business requires not only good organisational skills but also flexibility, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to solve problems quickly. These are qualities that cannot be fully learned from books but are developed through direct experience.
One of the most valuable aspects of the exchange was the opportunity to observe how my Host Entrepreneur organised the business and built strong relationships with guests. Diego shared not only his professional knowledge but also his personal approach to hospitality, showing me the importance of making every guest feel welcome and ensuring that each stay became a positive experience. Watching him interact with guests taught me how professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail can make a significant difference in customer satisfaction and positive reviews.
Another important aspect of the exchange was the opportunity to better understand the business side of short-term rentals. I observed how pricing strategies were adapted according to demand, how guest feedback was used to improve the service, and how attention to detail contributed to maintaining high standards and positive reviews. These observations helped me understand that success in the hospitality sector depends not only on offering accommodation but also on providing an excellent customer experience and continuously improving the quality of the service.
I did not experience any significant problems during the collaboration. Communication with my Host Entrepreneur was always open, respectful, and constructive, allowing us to work together efficiently and solve any small challenges naturally as they arose. The objectives of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme were being achieved exactly as expected, and I felt that I was growing both professionally and personally. Every week I became more confident, more independent, and gained a broader understanding of the hospitality industry and the responsibilities involved in managing short-term rental properties.
Looking back, I do not believe that any major adjustments were necessary. The exchange was very well organised, and all the activities were fully aligned with my learning objectives and entrepreneurial ambitions. I was satisfied with both the professional guidance and the personal support I received. My main objective for the second half of the programme was simply to continue expanding my practical experience, deepen my knowledge of the hospitality sector, and learn as much as possible so that I could return to Italy with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to successfully start my own business in the future.