February 2012 sees the launch of a project that we at Freetobook find extremely exciting. It’s called theBandBer (www.thebandber.com) and it’s a brand new online magazine dedicated to championing and celebrating everything that makes bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and small independent hotels so special.

Aimed first and foremost at accommodation owners, theBandBer is edited by David Cunningham, a senior web content developer and editor.  It covers topics as diverse as managing online reviews and profiles, attracting more business travellers, top tips on the effective use of social media, staycation trends, technology and credit card charges. It also carries interviews with noted gurus in the independent accommodation world (who are themselves property owners.)

The aim of theBandBer is to create a community of self-styled ‘BandBers’.

“There is a real spirit of comradeship within the independent accommodation market and property owners are eager to connect and share their stories,” says editor David Cunningham. “We are planning on using the full array of social media tools to help support and promote our members.”