News
Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations
Airbnb is leveraging AI technology to enhance its customer support services, potentially impacting how hosts and guests interact with the platform. This update signals Airbnb's ongoing investment in automation to streamline operations and improve the user experience. The use of AI may influence communication efficiency and problem resolution for hosts.
Airbnb is revolutionizing travel planning with new AI features designed to personalize and streamline guest interactions. This shift promises a more conversational and intuitive experience for users. Hosts can anticipate tools that enhance communication, potentially improving guest satisfaction and streamlining the booking process.
Airbnb is integrating AI to enhance search functionality and improve host support. This AI advancement aims to help hosts optimize their listings and offer better guest experiences. The goal is to make the platform more efficient for both hosts and guests.
Airbnb is revolutionizing travel planning with AI-powered features, shifting towards personalized and conversational experiences. The integration promises a more intuitive and user-friendly platform, potentially enhancing guest satisfaction. Hosts can anticipate changes in guest expectations and platform functionalities.
Airbnb is integrating AI features to enhance user experience. These include advancements in search, discovery, and support functionalities. This initiative aims to improve how guests find listings and receive assistance, and also to streamline host operations. This is a significant development for STR platforms.
Airbnb is planning to integrate AI features for improved search, discovery, and support. This initiative aims to enhance the user experience by making it easier for guests to find suitable listings and for hosts to manage their operations more efficiently. The rollout of AI-powered tools signals a shift towards increased automation and personalized guest interactions.

Leadership changes at Casago are causing unrest among franchisees. The founder is stepping down as CEO, a move that is perceived as creating friction within the company. This shift highlights how perception and confidence are vital in a franchise model. Franchisees are now evaluating the long-term impact on their businesses.
In 2026, Airbnb is overhauling its tech and pricing structures, promising greater transparency for travelers. This shift aims to redefine the global nomad experience, encompassing properties from Manhattan high-rises to traditional Kyoto ryokans. Hosts will need to adapt to the new systems to remain competitive in a dynamic market.
Casago founder Steve Schwab will transition to chairman later this year, with current president Joe Riley becoming the new CEO. This leadership change is aimed at supporting Casago's next growth phase and strengthening franchise engagement. Schwab will focus on strategy and industry advocacy. Riley will oversee day-to-day operations starting in October.
This article discusses Airbnb's evolving AI strategy, transitioning from a defensive approach to building a strong platform advantage in Q4 2025. This involves leveraging AI to enhance various aspects of the platform. Hosts should anticipate changes as Airbnb focuses on AI to improve user experience and competitive edge.
Airbnb's customer support is undergoing a transformation, with 30% automation now integrated. This change is intended to streamline the travel experience. Hosts should understand these changes to adapt to the new customer interaction models and improve guest satisfaction. Understanding AI's impact is crucial.
This PhocusWire brief offers a glimpse into weekly travel tech updates, including news about Airbnb and other travel technology companies. While the article's specific content isn't detailed, it signals ongoing developments in the short-term rental market and related tech. Hosts should stay informed about these industry shifts.
This article discusses the merger of Vacasa and Casago, exploring the shift from a centralized to a franchise-driven property management model. Key takeaways include the importance of local ownership, the complexities of technology, and the value of monitoring churn. Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, shares insights on integrating cultures, supporting legacy franchisees, and the advantages of the franchise model. The discussion emphasizes how these changes can improve success and reduce operational strain.
The vacation rental industry is seeing leadership changes, particularly with private equity-funded companies. Casago, following its acquisition of Vacasa, faces challenges in converting Vacasa's properties into franchises, with franchisees expressing concerns about new fees and a shift in leadership. The institutional influence prioritizes standardized revenue growth.
Airbnb's CEO, Brian Chesky, has dismissed rival chatbot technology, highlighting the unique capabilities of Airbnb's AI. This statement suggests Airbnb's investment in advanced AI for guest services and host support provides a competitive advantage. The article implies that replicating Airbnb's AI technology is exceptionally difficult for competitors.

Airbnb's CEO, Brian Chesky, highlights the company's focus on building a native AI platform, seeing it as key to avoiding disintermediation by competitors. He critiques rivals' rushed chatbot integrations. The company claims its AI handles one-third of support issues. This strategy may provide a competitive edge.

Etihad Rail's new passenger service will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, reducing travel times. The focus on convenience, with quick access from parking to trains, aims to attract passengers. This enhanced connectivity offers an alternative to driving between emirates.
Marriott plans to integrate natural language search into its Bonvoy platform, allowing guests to describe desired amenities rather than specific property names. The company will invest $1 billion in 2026, with 40% dedicated to digital transformation. This aims to improve the guest experience and help travelers find suitable properties more easily.
This USA Today article discusses Positive Stays, a short-term rental management company, aiming to set a new standard in the industry. The company emphasizes clarity and market insight to provide effective STR management services. Details about their specific strategies are highlighted for hosts seeking better solutions.

While technology and platform-driven growth are common in the luxury villa rental market, some operators are rejecting scale in favor of relationship-based management. The Thinking Traveller, managing about 300 villas in Southern Europe, prioritizes exclusivity. This approach highlights a potential counter-trend in the STR industry.