IN BRIEF Short-term rentals (STRs) contributed €19 billion to the EU’s GDP in 2023. Supported over 300,000 jobs across Europe; analysis based on a report from Oxford Economics. STRs benefit rural economies and facilitate tourism in lesser-known locations. New regulations needed to accommodate economic growth without pushing activities to the informal sector. Report challenges the […]
IN BRIEF Airbnb collaborates with UNESCO and Goa’s Department of Tourism to launch host training programs. Programs in Bali and Goa focus on enhancing local hosts’ skills in sharing cultural stories and empowering communities. Canada introduces a $50 million Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund to regulate short-term rentals and boost affordable housing. Avantio partners with Key
IN BRIEF Self-Check-In Ban: Italy enforces a ban affecting short-term rentals. Regulatory Background: Based on a stricter interpretation of existing laws. In-Person Identification: Mandatory for all guests, impacting operational logistics. Higher Costs: Increased expenses for property managers due to compliance. Challenges for Small Hosts: Smaller operators may exit the market due to operational burdens. Impact
IN BRIEF Ana Luiza Sestrem faced a $100 nightly increase or cancellation for her pre-booked accommodation. Sestrem booked her Canterbury getaway in October and was notified of the price hike shortly after. Booking.com later agreed to cover the cost difference as a gesture of goodwill after media inquiry. The initial rate was $286.29 per night,
IN BRIEF Booking.com allows users to book trips for others by entering their email addresses. If an email address linked to an existing account is used, the trip is automatically added to that account. Errors in email entry cannot be corrected post-booking. Booking.com claims there are no system glitches or security breaches. The support team
IN BRIEF New York City is reconsidering its strict Airbnb regulations. City lawmakers are proposing a bill to ease restrictions on short-term rentals. Hotel rates in NYC have reached record highs, prompting the potential changes. The existing law has led to a significant drop in Airbnb listings since its implementation. Airbnb is seeking a second
IN BRIEF Expedia, Inc. acquires HomeAway, Inc.. Transaction valued at approximately $3.9 billion. Deal consists of cash and Expedia common stock. HomeAway to enhance Expedia’s portfolio in the vacation rentals sector. Acquisition expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. Both companies’ Boards unanimously approved the transaction. Focus on shifting HomeAway to an online
IN BRIEF Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, hints at major changes in 2025. relaunch the Experiences section, enhancing user engagement. Chesky emphasizes the importance of physical experiences over digital ones. Observes minimal impact of AI on everyday apps. Maintains a focus on innovation with plans to introduce multiple new business lines annually. Highlights potential growth
IN BRIEF Airbnb partners with the Colosseum for a unique experience. Opportunity for guests to engage in gladiator-style battles. Event scheduled for May, allowing participation for a limited number of people. Critics argue it demeans a cultural icon of Rome. Local leaders express strong opposition, stating Rome is not a theme park. Concerns highlighted about
