Scotland’s independently owned B&BS may take an increased share of the country’s multibillion pound tourism market, with the Phase Two launch of a dedicated new website.

More than 300 Scottish B&Bs, guest houses and boutique hotels have signed up to Private House Stays, which promises travellers a ‘more authentic local experience,’ in anticipation of the growing staycation trend this summer.

The new Private House Stays website, which goes live this month, offers a platform for Scotland’s small, independent Scotland accommodation providers and cutting edge online booking facility, with listing available from as little as £48 annually.

Flying the flag for character-filled independents offering the personal touch, the Private House Stays model is the brainchild of Archie and Cassie Bouverie, who have run a seasonal B&B from their family home in Edinburgh for more than 15 years.

The Bouveries’ own early experiences and challenges prompted them to launch a helpful, expert resource for B&B owners, and an efficient, affordable online booking platform.

They went onto travel the length and breadth of Scotland with the aim of cherry picking the best of the country’s B&Bs, guest houses and boutique hotels with the personal touch, offering their business concept.

Following five years of research and development, and a £25K cash investment, the updated version of www.privatehousestays.com will launch this April.

The onus has been on creating user friendly, efficient technology, enabling hundreds of B&Bs – some of which may not even have their own website – to benefit from a simple online booking system.

Meanwhile, the website’s high tech software allows travellers to check availability easily, without the need to call round individual B&Bs.

The company also provides advice and support for those considering turning a spare room into a holiday let, as households seek new ways to boost their incomes and meet rising living costs.

Cassie Bouverie said: “We have developed the Private House Stays model to be user friendly and efficient, both for the traveller and the independent B&B owner.

“Unlike some online competitors, B&Bs are not tied to the site, so they have greater freedom and control.

“For example, they may only let out rooms at key seasonal times, or while children are away at school or university. This gives owners freedom to run a small B&B business in a way which fits into their lives.

“Also, crucially, it’s an affordable model. This is hugely important at a time when margins are tight, with rising costs and the imperative to offer competitive rates.

“We want to help independent providers run their B&B business, whether as a main or secondary income, in a way that suits their lives.

“We’ve even advised homeowners considering letting out a spare room. It’s simpler than most people think and, if you live in a great location, a no brainer for boosting household income.”

Archie Bouverie said: “This a fantastic time for the independent B&B market. Research shows the staycation trend remains strong, with discerning travellers citing authentic experiences and friendly hosts as important when selecting their Scotland accommodation.

“Private House Stays offers a model which allows hundreds of such providers to reach this all important market and get their slice of Scotland’s tourism pie, while helping travellers find their own hidden gem of a place for their next break with ease.”

Scotland’s tourism economy is estimated to be worth £4.2 billion, providing more than 200,000 of the country’s jobs.

Recent research shows the staycation trend is expected to grow further, with domestic tourism proving hugely important for Scotland.

Research also shows travellers choose Scotland for friendliness and culture, making the personal touch and authentic experience of a private house stay a big pull for holidaymakers both domestic and international.

For further information please contact Sarah Urquhart PR on 01875 812763 or 07966 893353 or enquiries@sarahurquhartpr.co.uk , http://www.privatehousestays.com/