Airbnb News and Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb continues to be a major force in the travel industry, redefining how people book and experience accommodations worldwide. At PhocusWire, we bring you the latest Airbnb news, along with broader coverage of the short-term rental sector, including platform innovation, market trends, and regulatory developments that shape this fast-moving space.

Updates on Airbnb, short-term rental trends, and regulatory shifts

Track how Airbnb is evolving its product offerings, enhancing guest and host tools, and adapting to consumer demand for more flexible, immersive travel. Our stories examine the intersection of tech innovation, policy, and platform strategy—providing insight into how short-term rentals continue to influence the broader hospitality landscape.

The short-term rental industry is booming – but will it last?
News / Online
The short-term rental industry is booming – but will it last?
By Jill Menze | June 14, 2021
The alternative accommodations market is headed for a record summer, but as people return to work and school, can that trajectory be sustained? Read More
Vrbo and Airbnb unite to crack down on party houses
News / Online
Vrbo and Airbnb unite to crack down on party houses
By Kevin May | June 11, 2021
The two giants of the short-term rental world have decided to come together to try and address a specific element of the problem, when repeat offenders get delisted on one platform and then materialize... Read More
eu-tech-platforms
News / Online
Can travel platforms find ways to regulate themselves?
By Linda Fox | June 9, 2021
The European Purpose Project - launched by a number of brands including ground transport specialist Bolt - is putting together a code of conduct for platforms. Read More
Sounding Off: There's no masking mainstream ambitions in travel
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: There's no masking mainstream ambitions in travel
By PhocusWire | May 28, 2021
It's worth remembering that Airbnb has been attempting to place itself in the mainstream for quite some time, rather than it trying to do so as part of some kind of new strategy now. Read More
airbnb 2021 updates
News / Online
Airbnb unveils “most comprehensive update ever,” offering new flexibility, easier host signup
By Jill Menze | May 24, 2021
Airbnb has introduced more than 100 platform innovations and updates to capture travel demand and increase its pool of and support for hosts. Read More
Awaze boosts rental portfolio through further acquisitions in Europe
News / Distribution
Awaze boosts rental portfolio through further acquisitions in Europe
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2021
Acquisitions in the U.K. and Denmark have added about 1,000 new homes to Awaze's existing porfolio. Read More
Expedia, Booking.com and Airbnb differ on marketing tactics as recovery begins
News / Online
Expedia, Booking.com and Airbnb differ on marketing tactics as recovery begins
By Kevin May | May 19, 2021
Three giant brands in online travel are attempting to capture the pent-up demand for trips as lockdowns ease in some markets around the world. Read More
Short-term rental demand surpasses 2019 levels
News / Online
Short-term rental demand surpasses 2019 levels
By Jill Menze | May 17, 2021
In the U.S., April marks the first month since the start of the coronavirus pandemic to surpass 2019 performance, though other regions lag behind. Read More
airbnb-q1-2021-earnings
News / Online
Airbnb revenue climbs 5% as travel rebounded in Q1 2021
By Jill Menze | May 13, 2021
Airbnb revenue grew 5% to $887 million in the first quarter of 2021, though losses mounted to $1.2 billion. Read More
airbnb-remote-work-program
News / Online
Airbnb expands remote work partner program
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2021
Airbnb is providing gifts cards for remote workers to stay in one of their properties in communities that are trying to entice them to relocate. Read More
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
News / Online
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | April 27, 2021
More than 600 leaders from travel, tourism, government and the private sector are gathered for the World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in Cancun, the organization's first in-person event... Read More
Airbnb's brand vs. Booking.com's performance marketing – is there a playbook for recovery?
Opinion / Online
Airbnb's brand vs. Booking.com's performance marketing – is there a playbook for recovery?
By Mario Gavira | April 26, 2021
Channels where marketing dollars are being spent is only part of the equation. How your brand stands out from the pack and connects with customers is equally, if not more, important. Read More
Vrbo puts new emphasis on helping its best hosts
News / Online
Vrbo puts new emphasis on helping its best hosts
By Kevin May | April 13, 2021
To qualify as a Premier Host, owners must have a 90% or higher acceptance rate of guests, have cancelled on guests on less than 5% of occasions and have higher than a 4.3 rating from guests. Read More
Sounding Off: Airbnb isn't a community - it's a business
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Airbnb isn't a community - it's a business
By PhocusWire | April 2, 2021
The real test of the company comes from hereon with its quarterly figures, strategic initiatives that boost them and destroying the competition. Read More
vrbo-targets-superhosts
News / Online
Vrbo targets Airbnb “Superhosts” as rental competition heats up
By Jill Menze | April 1, 2021
Vrbo is offering experienced short-term rental hosts increased visibility through its new Fast Start program. Read More
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