Short-Term Rental and Vacation Rental News

Just as important as what was discussed on stage was what wasn't: an update on Airbnb Plus, the upcoming luxury brand, the new superguest loyalty program, the near-merger with Tujia, and more. Oh, and whatever happened to that stakeholder report Chesky promised to release in March?

Now that AccorHotels, Hyatt, and Marriott have started getting into homesharing, what does that mean for the hotel industry's crusade against it? Can AH&LA continue to fight Airbnb when some of its members are now actively participating in the short-term rental space?

Can Airbnb become a superbrand of travel, as it has stated as a goal? Probably not without launching flights. On the other hand, Booking.com has done fairly well for itself without offering flights until now.

Just like everyone wants a piece of the tours and activities industry right now, everyone in hospitality wants a cut of the vacation rental business, too.

Leave it to Marriott to figure out a way to make homesharing work for the hotel industry. But as we've noted before, this space has its challenges, and figuring out the logistics and differences between managing homes and hotels will be crucial.

You won't want to miss what Merchiers has to say about the battle for online travel dominance, as well as Airbnb's growth plans for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa this week at Skift Forum Europe.

Airbnb has crafted an ideal template for telling the same old story when it comes to dealing with short-term rental regulations around the world, and more cities just don't seem to want to hear it anymore.

If you don't know what a serviced apartment is, you're likely not alone. And that's probably one of the biggest problems this lodging sector faces as it tries to grow beyond catering solely to corporate travelers.

Booking.com may be marginally ahead of Airbnb in the listings race, but for practical purposes you can call it a draw. It's game on, though, pitting Booking.com's renowned demand aggregation and marketing resources versus Airbnb's brand advantages, and the resources it would gain by doing an IPO and becoming more comprehensive.

It's one thing to know when you're signing a lease that your apartment building will serve as a de facto Airbnb hotel. It's another to be "blindsided" months later after you've already made it your home.