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.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: "It's going to be a year of focus"
News / Online
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: "It's going to be a year of focus"
By Jill Menze | February 1, 2021
Speaking during Bloomberg's The Year Ahead event, Brian Chesky discussed Airbnb's priorities, market volatility and the future of travel. Read More
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
News / Online
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2021
Travel apps went quiet as the pandemic hit but there were some notable exceptions such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Read More
As short-term rental demand slumps, destination markets prove bright spot
News / Online
As short-term rental demand slumps, destination markets prove bright spot
By Jill Menze | January 28, 2021
While overall, short-term rental demand dropped by 15.3% in December 2020, demand trends vary considerably by location type. Read More
sounding off business bets
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: You don't have to always bet on business
By PhocusWire | January 22, 2021
The spirit of principled behavior that was demonstrated so well and effectively at times during 2020 should be something for the travel sector to build on. Read More
Airbnb's Brian Chesky on permanent shifts in travel and need for principles in a crisis
News / Distribution
Airbnb's Brian Chesky on permanent shifts in travel and need for principles in a crisis
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2021
Following its successful IPO, Airbnb is planning for a different future where travel could be far more distributed. Read More
Buy-now-pay-later for travel service Affirm valued at $24B after IPO
News / Technology
Buy-now-pay-later for travel service Affirm valued at $24B after IPO
By Kevin May | January 15, 2021
The company works with the likes of Expedia, Delta Vacations, Priceline, CheapOAir, Suiteness and others. Read More
Airbnb occupancy rates not expected to recover until September 2021
News / Online
Airbnb occupancy rates not expected to recover until September 2021
By Jill Menze | January 5, 2021
Even with the COVID-19 vaccine, Airbnb occupancy rates aren't expected to recover until later this year; however, national daily rates are expected to grow throughout 2021. Read More
Tech challenges (and coronavirus) were the focus for rental managers in 2020
News / Technology
Tech challenges (and coronavirus) were the focus for rental managers in 2020
By Linda Fox | December 22, 2020
Short-term rental managers wouldn't wave away the pandemic with a magic wand, according to a Hostfully report. Read More
The most popular articles on PhocusWire in 2020
News / Online
The most popular articles on PhocusWire in 2020
By Kevin May | December 22, 2020
A year to forget - but a year in which the editorial team produced some of its best work since PhocusWire launched in November 2017. Read More
Sounding Off: Battle of the "best" in online travel is just getting started
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Battle of the "best" in online travel is just getting started
By PhocusWire | December 11, 2020
Let's not, for a moment, dampen the mood that has started creeping into the psyche of leaders in the online travel market in recent weeks. Read More
Q&A: Airbnb's Joe Gebbia talks milestone IPO
News / Online
Q&A: Airbnb's Joe Gebbia talks milestone IPO
By Jill Menze | December 11, 2020
Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia speaks to Airbnb's debut on the public markets, how it has adapted during the pandemic and the company’s long-term vision.  Read More
Airbnb rings the bell to herald its arrival on public markets
News / Online
Airbnb rings the bell to herald its arrival on public markets
By Kevin May | December 10, 2020
The private accommodation giant's shares will list on the NASDAQ trading floor, just short of four months after announcing its intention to seek an Initial Public Offering of the business. Read More
Expedia Group CEO wants to be "the best travel tech platform in the world"
News / Online
Expedia Group CEO wants to be "the best travel tech platform in the world"
By Jill Menze | December 10, 2020
At Expedia Group’s virtual Explore event, CEO Peter Kern outlined how playing to Expedia Group’s strengths will help the company and its partners recover from the impact of the coronavirus crisis. Read More
airbnb-vrbo-booking-grow-inventory
News / Online
How will Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and others grow their rental inventory?
By Mitra Sorrells | December 9, 2020
Vacation home sales are on the rise, but owners now have considerations beyond just bringing in revenue. Read More
Airbnb launches non-profit organization for stays during emergencies
News / Online
Airbnb launches non-profit organization for stays during emergencies
By Linda Fox | December 8, 2020
Airbnb is partnering with aid organizations to provide stays for workers and those affected by crises under its non-profit Airbnb.org. Read More
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