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Key Takeaways

Centralized Messaging Saves Time. Manage guest, owner, and supplier conversations from one place—no more switching between platforms.

WhatsApp and SMS Expand Your Reach. Guests expect communication on their terms. Avantio’s optional add-ons include verified WhatsApp and global SMS messaging.

Faster Responses = More Bookings. Real-time OTA sync and notifications help teams respond quickly and improve conversion rates.

Built for Teams, Not Just Inboxes. Assign messages, tag threads, and track outcomes across bookings and tasks—all inside your vacation rental software.

What is a Unified Inbox in Property Management?

A unified inbox consolidates all communication with guests, owners, and service providers into one place.

  • Instead of switching between multiple platforms, your team can:
  • View and reply to Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com messages in real time
  • Assign threads to specific team members or properties
  • Send PDFs, contracts, maps, and videos
  • Track conversation outcomes and link them to bookings, tasks, or operational flows

At Avantio, the Unified Inbox is part of a powerful all-in-one solution that combines your PMS, channel manager, and booking website in a single ecosystem.

Why Do Property Managers Need a Unified Inbox?

1. Because Delayed Responses Cost You Bookings

Platforms like Airbnb track how quickly you reply—and rank you accordingly.

Your Unified Inbox should have:

  • Real-time syncing with Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com
  • Push notifications and SLA tracking (coming soon)
  • Templates for auto-responses, scheduled messages, and check-in details

2. Because Your Team Needs Ownership and Clarity

When messages sit in a shared Gmail inbox, things fall through the cracks.

Your Unified Inbox should have:

  • Assign messages to specific team members
  • Add internal notes to threads
  • Tag conversations as “Urgent,” “Pending Payment,” or “Resolved”
  • Track who’s handling what

This reduces errors, improves accountability, and saves time during handovers.

3. Because Guests Don’t Just Use Email Anymore

Your guests are on WhatsApp and SMS—so you should be too.

Your Unified Inbox should have:

  • A verified WhatsApp Business number linked to your agency (not a shared mobile!)
  • SMS messaging for local and international guests (through approved providers)
  • All messages—OTA chats, email, WhatsApp, and SMS—stored together for full visibility

4. Because It’s Not Just About Guest Messaging

You can also use the Unified Inbox to:

  • Communicate with property owners—sharing reports, availability, and payments
  • Manage supplier conversations linked to tasks or bookings
  • Route maintenance requests directly to the right provider, with photos or audio attached

Every stakeholder has a clear communication line—timestamped, stored, and assigned to the right property.

Did you know? 69% of vacation rental guests said that communication influenced their likelihood to leave a positive review.

“Isn’t My Current Inbox Good Enough?”

Maybe. But ask yourself:

  1. Can your current tool handle Airbnb, Booking.com, email, and WhatsApp in one place?
  2. Can you assign threads to your team and add internal notes?
  3. Can you trigger a maintenance task from a conversation thread?

If not, you’re wasting time, risking errors—and leaving bookings on the table.

How Avantio Stands Out

Feature Avantio Unified Inbox Other PMS Tools
Full OTA message sync (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo) ✅ Yes ✅/❌ Varies
WhatsApp Business integration ✅ Included ❌ Often missing
Assign threads to team members ✅ Yes ❌ Rare
Attach media to messages ✅ Images, PDFs, voice ❌ Often limited
Link messages to bookings/tasks ✅ Native to PMS ❌ Requires extra tools
AI-assist message suggestions ✅ 2025 update ❌ Not available
SMS included ✅ Optional addon ❌ Limited country support

 

Based on publicly available documentation and typical feature availability among leading PMS providers (2023–2025). Actual features may vary.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If you’re managing 20, 50, or even 200 properties, time is your most valuable asset.

Avantio’s Unified Inbox helps you:

  • Check fewer platforms
  • Make fewer errors
  • Respond faster and convert more inquiries
  • Deliver a professional, consistent experience to guests and owners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a unified inbox?

A unified inbox centralizes communication from multiple sources (OTAs, email, WhatsApp, SMS) into one interface so your team can manage everything from one place.

Can I use Avantio’s inbox without switching my PMS?

No. The Unified Inbox is fully integrated within Avantio’s all-in-one software suite (PMS + Channel Manager + Website). It’s not a standalone tool.

Does it work with Airbnb and Booking.com?

Yes. Messages from both platforms sync directly to your Avantio inbox, and you can reply in real time without leaving the system.

Find out how our innovative property management solutions can help you achieve your full revenue potential.

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