Beyond Keys & Calendars The Personal Touch Transforming Hunter Valley Holidays

Credit: Justin Aveling Photography

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE HUNTER HOLIDAYS

Georgia Smith has always believed that managing a holiday home is about more than keys, calendars and clean sheets — it’s about people. It’s about trust, relationships, and the little things that turn a short-term stay into a lasting memory. As the founder of Hunter Holidays, the Hunter Valley’s newest boutique property management service, managing premium holiday homes in the Greater Hunter with a curated collection of luxury stays, family-friendly houses and group accommodation options, Georgia is drawing on over 14 years of industry experience to do things differently — offering a high-tech, high-touch alternative for both property owners and guests.

Based in the heart of wine country and built on a foundation of personalised service, innovation, and deep local knowledge, Hunter Holidays is a fresh take on short-term rental management. And while the business is new, Georgia’s name is already well-known to many in the industry — a nod to the significant role she played in growing her family’s former business, Weekenda, into one of the region’s largest and most trusted holiday accommodation providers.

Hunter Holidays offers owners a chance to maximise investment returns through dynamic pricing, next-gen booking tools, and stress-free management. For guests, it’s a seamless, curated holiday experience with personal touches and premium support. This support includes a local team that is available before, during, and after guest stays, ready to help with anything from tailored recommendations to real-time support. They utilise the latest technology to make the booking process seamless and secure, while the on-the-ground local presence ensures every detail is taken care of to ensure the perfect getaway.

Weekenda was founded by Georgia’s father, Pete Smith, and grew from a single holiday home in Kangaroo Valley to a thriving business managing over 260 properties across the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and Newcastle.

“Weekenda began almost by accident,” said Georgia.

“Our neighbours noticed that it was booked much more often than theirs, so they asked him to start managing their properties. It developed into a genuine, in-demand business that sold to Alloggio in late 2023.”

Georgia began her own journey working in reservations and property management while studying at university, eventually moving into trust accounting and revenue management. She visited the U.S. annually to attend short-term rental conferences, bringing home insights and innovations that would help professionalise the Australian market. Her contributions helped Weekenda lead the way in adopting cutting-edge systems, such as keyless entry, guest compendiums, dynamic pricing tools, and integrated property management software. She helped transform Weekenda into a professionally run, tech-driven business long before most others had caught on.

“I fell in love with the work,” Georgia reflects.

“It’s a people business. It’s about building relationships — with owners, with guests, and with the local tourism ecosystem. Holiday homes are so much more personal than hotels or long-term rentals. You’re managing someone’s home and someone else’s holiday all at once. That means doing it with care, heart, and detail.”

When her father sold Weekenda to Alloggio, Georgia continued working with the company. But by 2025, she was ready to step out on her own — and bring her own vision to life.

With the launch of Hunter Holidays, Georgia is doing things differently. Her new venture is focused, agile, and built from the ground up with the guest and owner experience at its core. It’s also deeply rooted in the region she calls home.

“I moved to the Hunter Valley ten years ago,” Georgia says. “I’ve got three young kids now and I just love the lifestyle — the space, the community, the landscape. Even though I grew up in Sydney, my grandparents lived on a property on the north coast, and I loved it there. I always knew that I was a country girl at heart. This is home now. I wanted to create something here that felt authentic, personal, and future-focused. Something that delivers real results for owners and unforgettable experiences for guests in the heart of this wonderful community.”

That focus has already struck a chord. Hunter Holidays has quickly earned the trust of local property owners who value Georgia’s transparency, innovation, and track record. The business services the greater Hunter region, including Lake Macquarie, but remains firmly anchored in the Hunter Valley.

“Since launching, I have been overwhelmed by the level of support we’ve received from the local Hunter Valley community. This is a place where amazing things are happening, and where I feel I can genuinely give back. I’m very excited about the future.”

One of the most compelling aspects of Hunter Holidays is that it’s not an Online Travel Agent (OTA), unlike Airbnb, Stayz, or Booking. com. Georgia and her team don’t just manage listings — they take care of the entire operation. From cleaning and maintenance to pest control and guest communication, Hunter Holidays offers a comprehensive, full-service experience – which is good news for both owners and guests.

What really sets them apart is the use of advanced data systems and AI-powered tools. Unlike traditional agencies that set static rates annually, Georgia’s team utilises dynamic pricing — adjusting nightly rates in real-time based on market demand, occupancy trends, and booking windows.

“We’re tracking data constantly,” she explains.

“We see when demand is peaking, and adjust rates accordingly. Our pricing fluctuates about 30% over the course of the year. It’s a really flexible, responsive system — and it means better returns for our owners and very often great value for money for our guests with tailored packages and length of stay strategies utilised.”

It’s not just about revenue, though. Georgia’s approach to compliance, insurance, and risk mitigation protects the owner’s investment — something particularly important in an industry facing increased regulation and scrutiny.

“We’re not an OTA,” she says. “Those are just online booking channels. We’re managers — we’re responsible for the property, the guest experience, and the owner’s peace of mind.”

This hands-on management style means Georgia and her team know every property inside out — from its quirks to its best features.

“I don’t believe in cookie-cutter hospitality,” she explains. “Each property has a story and a personality, and our job is to amplify that through great photography, compelling listings, and exceptional guest care.”

While Hunter Holidays treats every property as if it were its own, providing the best possible service to owners, the guest experience is just as important. Every booking comes with personal support, concierge-style services and state of the art online compendiums that elevate a stay from simple to spectacular.

“Understanding the why behind a guest’s visit is important,” Georgia says. “Are they here for a family gathering? A wedding? A Credit: Justin Aveling Photography romantic escape? We build bespoke hospitality experiences around that. Guests can book add-on packages, including grocery delivery, private wine tastings, picnics, helicopter rides, and in-home catering services. Our team will organise it all – it’s a curated, boutique offering for modern travellers.”

And it’s resonating. Trends in the short-term rental market show that travellers are seeking more than just accommodation — they want value, authenticity, and flexibility. Whether it's grandparents booking a home for a multi-generational getaway or corporate groups opting for retreats over conferences, Georgia’s team is ready with tailored solutions.

The Hunter Valley’s short-term rental market offers investors and property owners an attractive way to generate income from regional properties, providing both lifestyle and financial returns. The industry is seeing a growing appetite for unique regional experiences, and the Hunter Valley region’s world-class wine and food culture has contributed to a surge in demand for quality holiday accommodation.

Georgia’s insight into the market is informed by over 14 years of experience — and she’s quick to point out that staying ahead of trends is essential.

“We’re already seeing more use of AI in bookings and guest communications. We’re seeing changes in guest expectations, booking behaviours, and even who is travelling. You’ve got to be agile and future-proof from day one.”

She also notes a shift in how people value their time and experiences post-COVID.

Credit: Justin Aveling Photography

“There’s a real premium now on meaningful travel,” Georgia says. “People are more conscious of where they go, how they spend their time, and who they’re with. That’s why the little things matter more than ever — the welcome note, the personalised recommendations, the ease of check-in. It all adds up.”

Despite rapid growth and overwhelming support since launch, Georgia is clear about the future: measured, intentional growth that doesn’t compromise on quality.

“I don’t want this to become a giant,” she says. “I want it to stay high-touch, boutique, and personal. Every property we manage, we treat as if it were our own. Every guest we host, we support like family.”

As Hunter Holidays continues to grow its portfolio and reputation, it’s becoming clear that Georgia Smith has created something truly special — a business born of deep expertise, local passion, and modern innovation. For property owners looking to maximise their investment and guests looking for a richer, more personal Hunter Valley experience, the message is simple:

You’re in expert hands with Hunter Holidays.