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.

 alt="Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC"  title="Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC"
News / Online
Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC
By Morgan Hines | September 28, 2023
Airbnb's Brian Chesky said the new rules make New York more expensive for travelers, but the head of the city's DMO said he is not concerned about an impact on the city's economy. Read More
 alt="NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe"  title="NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe"
News / Startups
NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2023
NUMA has more than 4,500 rooms and apartments in 10 countries across 28 cities in Europe including Berlin, Rome, Milan and Barcelona, with a focus on “boutique studios for modern travelers.”   Read More
 alt="Bookings for vacation rentals in Asia are on the rise"  title="Bookings for vacation rentals in Asia are on the rise"
News / Online
Bookings for vacation rentals in Asia are on the rise
By Morgan Hines | September 26, 2023
Trip101 reports that vacation rental bookings jumped 84% in Asia from 2022 to 2023 with stay length also increasing. Read More
 alt="Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe"  title="Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe"
News / Startups
Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe
By Linda Fox | September 22, 2023
The hospitality company currently has 37 properties with 1,200 units across 13 cities in Spain and southern Europe and plans to reach 1,300 units by the end of 2024. Read More
 alt="Airbnb announces new system to verify listings"  title="Airbnb announces new system to verify listings"
News / Online
Airbnb announces new system to verify listings
By Derek Catron | September 21, 2023
Verified listings will be denoted by an icon starting in February for the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and France, with 30 more countries to be added next fall.   Read More
 alt="HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity"  title="HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity"
News / Online
HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity
By Linda Fox | September 20, 2023
Bodo Thielmann has joined HomeToGo as chief investment director after previous stints at OYO Vacation Homes and Axel Springer Group. Read More
 alt="HotelRunner acquires point-of-sale system PayPad"  title="HotelRunner acquires point-of-sale system PayPad"
News / Technology
HotelRunner acquires point-of-sale system PayPad
By Mitra Sorrells | September 19, 2023
Founded in 2011, this is HotelRunner’s third acquisition, and the company said it is a “significant milestone” as its first product for on-premises sales and payments for hotels. Read More
 alt="Will EU’s drive to regulate STRs lead to more data-driven policies?"  title="Will EU’s drive to regulate STRs lead to more data-driven policies?"
News / Online
Will EU’s drive to regulate STRs lead to more data-driven policies?
By Derek Catron | September 13, 2023
A new report from eu travel tech shows how the greater availability of data could lead to more targeted measures on short-term rentals in Europe.   Read More
 alt="Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests"  title="Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests"
News / Online
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
By Linda Fox | August 30, 2023
Consistent accessibility issues such as missing alternative text and unlabeled form fields are barriers to bookings from disabled travelers. Read More
 alt="Goboony, Yescapa announce merger, new funding"  title="Goboony, Yescapa announce merger, new funding"
News / Distribution
Goboony, Yescapa announce merger, new funding
By Morgan Hines | August 30, 2023
Goboony and Yescapa are merging to create one large RV sharing platform with vehicles in more than 10,000 cities across Europe. Read More
 alt="Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry"  title="Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry"
From Our Partners / Online
Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry
By Avalara | August 29, 2023
Accommodation platforms, online travel agencies and short-term rental operators are facing greater scrutiny, increased regulation and new tax obligations. Read More
 alt="Will New York’s STR rules set stricter standard for travel?"  title="Will New York’s STR rules set stricter standard for travel?"
News / Online
Will New York’s STR rules set stricter standard for travel?
By Derek Catron | August 28, 2023
Airbnb calls new rules a de facto ban against short-term rentals, but others see a sign of what may be coming for the sector.   Read More
 alt="How travel startups are having success with crowdfunding"  title="How travel startups are having success with crowdfunding"
News / Startups
How travel startups are having success with crowdfunding
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2023
Startups Jurny, Your.rentals and Well Traveled used crowdfunding to raise capital and engage their customer communities amid a challenging fundraising environment. Read More
 alt="HomeToGo hits revenue highs in the second quarter"  title="HomeToGo hits revenue highs in the second quarter"
News / Online
HomeToGo hits revenue highs in the second quarter
By Linda Fox | August 15, 2023
Booking revenues increased more than 8% in Q2 to €50 million compared with €46 million year-over-year. Read More
 alt="Online travel giants seeking to mix up marketing channels"  title="Online travel giants seeking to mix up marketing channels"
News / Online
Online travel giants seeking to mix up marketing channels
By Linda Fox | August 15, 2023
Online travel giants Booking Holdings, Expedia Group and Airbnb increased marketing investment marginally in Q2 as all strive to make the most of direct channels. Read More