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.

hostfully-rental-property-tech
News / Technology
Property management systems "failing" private accommodation owners
By Linda Fox | December 4, 2019
The number of property management systems, including their limitations for offering extras, is an ongoing challenge for vacation rental managers. Read More
VIDEO: Financial analysts on Airbnb, travel stocks in 2020
News / Online
VIDEO: Financial analysts on Airbnb, travel stocks in 2020
By Steven Lerner | December 3, 2019
Top Wall Street analysts discuss Airbnb going public and other travel stock trends for 2020. Read More
VIDEO: Kara Swisher on the tech trends shaping the travel industry
News / Technology
VIDEO: Kara Swisher on the tech trends shaping the travel industry
By Jill Menze | November 26, 2019
At The Phocuswright Conference 2019, journalist Kara Swisher said recurring revenue bundles, augmented reality and transportation are trends to watch in the travel industry. Read More
VIDEO: Short-term rental sector diversifies as traveler and host preferences evolve
News / Online
VIDEO: Short-term rental sector diversifies as traveler and host preferences evolve
By Mitra Sorrells | November 22, 2019
Panelists from Guesty, Vacasa, Inspirato and Airbnb discuss the future of the short-term rental industry at The Phocuswright Conference 2019. Read More
hometime-funding
News / Online
Hometime raises again, acquires local property management companies
By Linda Fox | November 21, 2019
Consolidation in the short-term rental management market in Australia sees Hometime buy Host My Home and bnb Pal after raising $6 million. Read More
airbnb-trust-experiences
News / Online
Airbnb adds checks and balances to Experiences in bid to boost trust
By Linda Fox | November 18, 2019
Further to recently announced initiatives to verify hosts and homes, Airbnb is also planning "trust" upgrades to its Experiences product. Read More
airbnb-property-verification-safety-announcements
News / Online
Airbnb says it will verify all listings, add other safety steps on heels of shooting
By Mitra Sorrells | November 6, 2019
Airbnb will verify every listing on the platform and add other security measures in the wake of a shooting at an Airbnb rental that left five people dead. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Outside forces may correct travel startup growth
News / Startups
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Outside forces may correct travel startup growth
By PhocusWire | November 1, 2019
The figures are extraordinary, in many respects - there was a 55% increase year-over-year ($5.7 billion) in the amount of money going into travel startups. Read More
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News / Online
Airbnb leads $60M investment in attraction bookings brand Tiqets
By Kevin May | October 29, 2019
Created in 2014, CEO and co-founder Luuc Elzinga has led the company through a number of investments, including a $23 million Series B almost 12 months ago to the day. Read More
The search for genuine "disruption" in the travel industry
Opinion / Startups
The search for genuine "disruption" in the travel industry
By Peter Matthews - Nucleus | October 24, 2019
Now traditional business models have been turned on their heads by the likes of Uber, Airbnb, Amazon and Google there is a tendency for many brands to believe they need to roll up their sleeves and face... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Sam Shank
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Sam Shank
By PhocusWire | October 21, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Sam Shank of HotelTonight/Airbnb. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Hospitality in a perfect storm
News / Distribution
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Hospitality in a perfect storm
By PhocusWire | October 18, 2019
Anyone - hotels, private accommodation, system providers - who thought the hospitality sector was immune from fundamental change should think again. Read More
The Future Of Travel Experience: A view from mega-investor Andreessen Horowitz
Interview / Startups
The Future Of Travel Experience: A view from mega-investor Andreessen Horowitz
By Jeff Katz - Journera | October 8, 2019
Jeff Katz talks to one of the biggest names in venture capital and a major investor in travel companies: Jeff Jordan, the managing partner of Andreessen Horowitz and ex-CEO of OpenTable. Read More
Airbnb says it will IPO in 2020
News / Online
Airbnb says it will IPO in 2020
By Kevin May | September 19, 2019
A listing of Airbnb on the public markets will, following those for Uber and Lyft during 2019, be one of the most eagerly awaited IPOs in the travel industry in years. Read More
Airbnb 25m investment affordable housing and small biz
News / Online
Airbnb will invest $25M in affordable housing and small businesses
By Mitra Sorrells | September 19, 2019
Airbnb is investing $25 million in affordable housing and small businesses in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Read More
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