News

Live tourism, driven by music events and festivals, is a growing trend. Hosts in cities with major events, like London and New York, can benefit from increased demand. Consider the potential for attracting guests who travel for these events.

This article from Skift discusses how travel brands are utilizing TikTok for advertising and bookings, including options for direct booking within the app. Hosts can potentially leverage these trends by exploring influencer partnerships and advertising on platforms like TikTok and Booking.com to drive bookings.

This article discusses the need for new technology platforms in the travel industry to help businesses, including those offering travel services, integrate them into their existing businesses. It highlights how existing travel technology is outdated and creates barriers to entry, which affects competition and innovation. Hosts can consider exploring platforms that offer embedded travel services to expand offerings.

This iGMS article is a comprehensive guide on how Booking.com works for vacation rental hosts. It covers commission structures, cancellation policies, and how to create and optimize your listing, and compares it to Airbnb. Hosts should review the commission structure and cancellation policies on Booking.com to understand potential costs and manage their bookings effectively.

A new high-speed rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha is planned, with potential for boosting tourism and shifting travel patterns. This could create new opportunities for short-term rental hosts in both cities by increasing the influx of tourists. Consider monitoring the progress of the project and researching market trends in the impacted areas.

Skift Travel Megatrends NYC is holding a conference in January 2026. The conference will cover topics such as AI acceleration, platform challenges, and the reinvention of cities for tourism. Hosts can gain insights into future travel trends and prepare their businesses for 2026.

Prism, the parent company of Oyo, is planning a large IPO in India, highlighting the country's growing entrepreneurial ambition. This decision could signal a shift in investment and a strong belief in the potential of the Indian market, which may indirectly influence strategies of global STR companies.

Google is testing new ad formats that directly integrate booking modules for attractions like Disneyland and Universal Orlando. This could lead to increased visibility and potential bookings for experiences platforms, impacting how guests find things to do near your rentals.

This article discusses Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new technology that streamlines how travel systems interact with AI, potentially allowing for direct bookings and bypassing middlemen. Hosts should be aware of this technology as it could impact how guests book and discover their listings through AI-powered search.

The online travel agency (OTA) market is expected to grow steadily, presenting opportunities for hosts. The OTA market generated $94 billion in revenue in 2024. Consider how to leverage OTA platforms effectively.

Civitatis, a tour and activity OTA, is focusing on Spanish and Portuguese-speaking travelers. Hosts should be aware of the growing importance of experiential travel and the impact of social media in driving bookings, as these trends can influence guest expectations and marketing strategies.

India and China are restoring travel ties, including easier visa processes and resumed flights. This could increase inbound tourism to both countries, potentially creating new opportunities for hosts, especially those in areas popular with international travelers.