Alternative Accommodation

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the alternative accommodation sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on home-sharing, short-term rentals, timeshare, homestays and other property types.

Expedia Group expands AI features across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
News / Technology
Expedia Group expands AI features across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
By Abby Crotty | October 28, 2026
The online travel giant launched approximately 30 new and enhanced features, including expanded natural language search, as part of its fall 2026 product release. Read More
Airbnb to fund its nonprofit with share of stay revenue
News / Online
Airbnb to fund its nonprofit with share of stay revenue
By Cathy Walsh | October 28, 2026
The funding model is expected to help Airbnb.org expand its emergency housing programs and provide 1 million nights of free accommodation annually within five years. Read More
Every link in the booking chain is a compliance risk—and now AI agents have added one more
From Our Partners / Online
Every link in the booking chain is a compliance risk—and now AI agents have added one more
By Avalara | October 27, 2026
As AI streamlines booking processes, it adds complexity to tax compliance, with information often lost between intermediaries. Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Agoda, FCM Travel, HomeToGo and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Agoda, FCM Travel, HomeToGo and more...
By PhocusWire | October 16, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Startup Stage: TravelSnap.AI turns guest video reviews into booking opportunities
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: TravelSnap.AI turns guest video reviews into booking opportunities
By Cathy Walsh | October 12, 2026
 The platform uses AI to collect, translate and publish guest video reviews to help travel businesses increase their visibility in AI search and drive bookings.  Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By PhocusWire | October 12, 2026
We circled back with our Hot 25 cohort from 2023, asking about their highlights from this year and where they're seeing AI having an impact. Read More
Extra small STR property managers have highest AI adoption rate
News / Technology
Extra small STR property managers have highest AI adoption rate
By Abby Crotty | October 7, 2026
According to KeyData’s 2027 Vacation Rental Industry Outlook survey, 89% of U.S. property managers are using AI for at least one application. Read More
Pavilion launches with 20 US vacation rental operators
News / Online
Pavilion launches with 20 US vacation rental operators
By Cathy Walsh | October 5, 2026
The company brings together local rental businesses managing more than 5,000 homes under a shared technology, data and infrastructure platform. Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By PhocusWire | October 5, 2026
Find out what PhocusWire's Hot 25 Startups for 2022 have been up to, including who raised, who sold and who stalled. Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Airbnb rolls out travel map and social connections to drive discovery
News / Online
Airbnb rolls out travel map and social connections to drive discovery
By Abby Crotty | September 30, 2026
Airbnb users can now connect with other users on the platform to see where they've stayed and share recommendations. Read More
OpenAI chairman tells travel industry: Do not restrain your AI agents
News / Technology
OpenAI chairman tells travel industry: Do not restrain your AI agents
By Matthew Parsons | September 25, 2026
Bret Taylor, who is also the co-founder of Sierra, urged travel brands to adopt agents to reduce friction, calling agents "remarkable." Read More
Startup Stage: OutReserve wants to make outdoor travel easier to navigate
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: OutReserve wants to make outdoor travel easier to navigate
By Abby Crotty | September 21, 2026
Founded this year, OutReserve is focused on addressing fragmentation in the outdoor travel space. Read More
Guesty acquires Smily to expand in French STR market
News / Online
Guesty acquires Smily to expand in French STR market
By Abby Crotty | September 17, 2026
The financial terms were not disclosed, but Smily founders and a group of its shareholders are reinvesting in Guesty equity. Read More
OTA marketing spend rose again in Q2
News / Finance
OTA marketing spend rose again in Q2
By Abby Crotty | September 15, 2026
The travel industry's largest players are still pouring money into marketing, even as AEO becomes more relevant. Read More
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