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.

Sounding Off: There is no single metric for success right now (there are many)
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: There is no single metric for success right now (there are many)
By PhocusWire | May 8, 2020
The industry is not going through such straightforward times as those when the success metric to use was market share. So it's time to think deeper and wider. Read More
travel-coronavirus-stuck-middle
News / Distribution
InPhocus, episode 9 - Stuck in the middle with you
By PhocusWire | May 7, 2020
We discuss how brands that sit between consumers and suppliers have been dealt with a number of issues relating to cash flow and appeasing their commercial partners during the coronavirus outbreak. Read More
conley-plug-and-play-keynote
News / Online
Airbnb advisor Chip Conley on leadership, liquidity and opportunities in a post-COVID travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2020
The advisor to Airbnb shared his advice for travel leaders and entrepreneurs during an online event hosted by Plug and Play Tech Center. Read More
airbnb coronavirus layoffs
News / Online
Airbnb lays off 25% of staff, cuts back investment in hotels, transportation
By Jill Menze | May 5, 2020
As a result of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, Airbnb is eliminating 1,900 jobs and cutting investment across business units. Read More
Sounding Off: The right strategy can alter a brand's course
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: The right strategy can alter a brand's course
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2020
A critical element for Airbnb will be how it demonstrates to its hosts that they are still special and are not just the supply chain in the same way that property owners are for countless other... Read More
airbnb-loan-one-billion-dollars
News / Online
Airbnb takes further COVID-19 protection measures with $1B loan
By Kevin May | April 15, 2020
The support comes just a week after it announced a funding round - a combination or debt and equity securities - from Silver Lake and Sixth Street Partners, also to the tune of $1 billion. Read More
For alternative accommodations, it's out with short-term, in with long-term
News / Distribution
For alternative accommodations, it's out with short-term, in with long-term
By Jill Menze | April 14, 2020
As accommodation bookings take a hit due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many providers in the short-term rental industry are pivoting their models to focus on longer-term stays. Read More
Tripadvisor, Airbnb and many others switch to virtual tours and activities
News / Online
Tripadvisor, Airbnb and many others switch to virtual tours and activities
By Kevin May | April 13, 2020
As demand for tours and activities has fallen away to almost nothing in many countries around the world, a string of brands are putting their efforts into temporarily digitizing their products. Read More
Airbnb decides to ban bookings in the U.K. after all
News / Online
Airbnb decides to ban bookings in the U.K. after all
By Kevin May | April 9, 2020
Airbnb has temporarily halted bookings on the platform in the U.K., except for key workers and those with "essential stays." Read More
Airbnb hopes hosts will turn away guests who shouldn't be traveling during coronavirus outbreak
News / Online
Airbnb hopes hosts will turn away guests who shouldn't be traveling during coronavirus outbreak
By Kevin May | April 8, 2020
The company has so far shied away from turning off the ability to book completely, despite many countries around the world having locked down citizens during the outbreak of the coronavirus. Read More
Airbnb gets $1B investment to mitigate coronavirus hit
News / Online
Airbnb gets $1B investment to mitigate coronavirus hit
By Jill Menze | April 6, 2020
The investment from Silver Lake and Sixth Street Partners will help the home-share giant manage the fallout from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Read More
investors-coronavirus-impact
News / Distribution
Investors on travel survivors, pent-up demand and bailouts
By Linda Fox | April 2, 2020
Seeking Alpha asked some of its marketplace authors to comment on the outlook for travel stocks, the likelihood of travel returning to pre-coronavirus levels and the segments that might come... Read More
Airbnb gets serious on long-term stays, denies hosts are finding new platforms
News / Online
Airbnb gets serious on long-term stays, denies hosts are finding new platforms
By Kevin May | April 1, 2020
The company claims there has been a 20% increase in long-stay bookings in the last two weeks compared to the same period in 2019. Read More
Airbnb apologizes to hosts, dedicates $250M to coronavirus-related cancelations
News / Online
Airbnb apologizes to hosts, dedicates $250M to coronavirus-related cancelations
By Jill Menze | March 30, 2020
In a letter sent to hosts, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says he's “sorry” for mangling communication about refund policies. Read More
airbnb china coronavirus
News / Online
Airbnb hosts in China are “confident” about market recovery
By Jill Menze | March 27, 2020
According to data from Airbnb, 99% of hosts in China feel positively or neutral about engaging in the short-term rental market following the COVID-19 outbreak, while 1% say they will “definitely not”... Read More
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