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.

online-travel-booking-yieldify
News / Online
Frustration with online travel booking continues as consumers consult more sites
By Linda Fox | June 13, 2019
The web was supposed to make booking travel easier, faster and more accessible - but the reality is somewhat different, according to research. Read More
What happens to rate parity when Airbnb is an online travel agency?
Opinion / Online
What happens to rate parity when Airbnb is an online travel agency?
By Gino Engels - OTA Insight | June 11, 2019
As lines blur between platform and provider, there are some real questions around rate parity and price competitiveness in this brave new world. Read More
operto hardware
Opinion / Technology
IoT, asset management and transforming the short-term rental experience
By Michael Driedger - Operto | June 5, 2019
One of the greatest challenges for the international vacation and short-term rental industry today is providing a product with the level of consistency and standardization that guests increasingly... Read More
How Airbnb threatens to disrupt traditional hotel pricing strategies
News / Distribution
How Airbnb threatens to disrupt traditional hotel pricing strategies
By Jill Menze | June 4, 2019
A study pitted flexible-capacity Airbnb against the fixed-capacity lodging industry to uncover how the sharing economy has changed hospitality. Read More
Airbnb signs Shiji distribution deal to bolster China hotel strategy
News / Distribution
Airbnb signs Shiji distribution deal to bolster China hotel strategy
By Kevin May | May 28, 2019
Airbnb has another distribution partner to help bolster its hotel inventory. But this time it is aimed squarely at boosting its presence in China. Read More
VIDEO: Airbnb plays down competition, says it welcomes new entries into home-sharing
News / Online
VIDEO: Airbnb plays down competition, says it welcomes new entries into home-sharing
By Jill Menze | May 16, 2019
Speaking at Phocuswright Europe, Airbnb managing director of EMEA Jeroen Merchiers claimed: “We’re not obsessed with any individual company.” Read More
Airbnb on being smart, technology and standing up for sustainable travel
News / Online
Airbnb on being smart, technology and standing up for sustainable travel
By Linda Fox | May 9, 2019
In Igualada, a small town near Barcelona, Airbnb held its first New Destinations Summit - an event about building sustainable tourism in locations with few hotels. Read More
Jeroen Merchiers phocuswright europe green room
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Jeroen Merchiers
By PhocusWire | May 7, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick. Next up: Airbnb's Jeroen Merchiers... Read More
Airbnb RXR develop luxury NYC rentals
News / Online
Airbnb will convert commercial properties into luxury rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2019
Airbnb is partnering with New York-based RXR Realty to create 200 luxury rentals in a Midtown Manhattan commercial high-rise. Read More
Rentals United adds $4.25M in funding to boost technology platform
News / Distribution
Rentals United adds $4.25M in funding to boost technology platform
By Linda Fox | April 26, 2019
The capital comes from Stella EOC Capital and Howzat Partners, with existing investors also participating in the round. Read More
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Opinion / Online
Transactional emails in travel: The good, the bad and the ugly
By Matt Harris - Dyspatch | April 19, 2019
Once consumers have booked a trip, the likelihood of receiving a really bad transactional email at some point between booking and departure is far too high.  Read More
lyric investment
News / Online
Airbnb leads $160M investment in hospitality platform Lyric
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
The Series B round will allow the San Francisco-based company to expand its relationships with local real estate developers. Read More
GuestReady acquires BnbLord
News / Online
More expansion for GuestReady with acquisition of competitor BnbLord
By Mitra Sorrells | April 11, 2019
European Airbnb property management company GuestReady has grown its property count to 2,000 with the acquisition of BnbLord, a Paris-based competitor. Read More
Booking.com speaks out on its private accommodation ambitions
News / Online
Booking.com speaks out on its private accommodation ambitions
By Jill Menze | April 9, 2019
Amid its ongoing rivalry with Airbnb, Booking.com explains how it hopes to differentiate its alternative accommodations product. Read More
Airbnb confirms investment in Indian hospitality brand OYO
News / Online
Airbnb confirms investment in Indian hospitality brand OYO
By Jill Menze | April 1, 2019
The rumors are confirmed, and the deal is estimated between $100 million and $200 million. Read More
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