EP162: This Week in the World of Airbnb
Summary
This article from 2017 covers several topics including a new check-in tool from Airbnb, proposed short-term rental rules in Toronto, the legalization of Airbnb in Japan, and the launch of Misterb&b for LGBTQ guests. Hosts should stay informed about platform updates, regulatory changes, and niche market opportunities to optimize their listings.
Key Insights
- •Airbnb is adding a new in-app check-in instructions tool to provide visual guides regarding arrival.
- •The article mentions that in 2016, Airbnb boosted the Japanese economy by $8.3B.
- •Airbnb to house 100,000 refugees in the next five years, 35,000 in Greece alone.
Action Items
- ✓Hosts should consider using the new check-in tool to provide clear instructions to guests.Effort: lowImpact: medium
- ✓Familiarize yourself with local regulations to ensure compliance.Effort: lowImpact: high
Tools & Resources
- →press.atairbnb.com/introducing-a-new-way-to-check-in: The article references a press release about the new check-in tool.
Related News
User Profile: Mountainside Treasures
This article shares the experiences of an STR host who has grown their business from a single condo to nearly 30 properties, highlighting the importance of guest service and the use of OwnerRez. The host emphasizes that delivering a good guest experience is a key factor for success, and struggles with the power of OTAs and challenging guests. Consider OwnerRez as a key tool for managing your properties.
Owner Statements 2.0: Faster, Clearer and Built for Growing Portfolios
Lodgify has released Owner Statements 2.0, promising faster and clearer reporting for property managers. This update aims to cut down manual work and improve the quality of reports shared with owners.
Financial firms face rising cyber risks, data challenges
This article discusses rising cyber risks and data challenges in the financial services industry, including fraud prevention using AI. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the importance of data quality, which directly impacts the effective use of AI for risk management and decision-making for STRs.

Booking.com Refunds Policy: Process and Ts & Cs Explained
This article from iGMS explains Booking.com's refund policies and cancellation options for hosts. It highlights the importance of choosing a cancellation policy that balances flexibility to attract bookings with financial considerations, and encourages hosts to experiment with different policies and rates to find the ideal balance.