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.

Frontdesk 2.75M funding
News / Startups
Short-term rental management startup Frontdesk gets $2.75M for aggressive expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 22, 2019
Short-term rental management company Frontdesk has received funding of $2.75 million to expand. Read More
What’s next for Google’s expansion into vacation rentals?
Opinion / Distribution
What’s next for Google’s expansion into vacation rentals?
By James Burrows - Rentals United | August 16, 2019
With Google entering the vacation rental market, what future developments could impact direct bookings, guest experience, customer ownership and the current ecosystem? Read More
wit mark okerstrom interview
News / Online
Mark Okerstrom on competitor moves, Expedia's strengths and what he's had to "unlearn"
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WebInTravel | August 12, 2019
In this wide-ranging interview, the Expedia Group boss opens up about where the travel company fits in an ever-evolving tech landscape. Read More
Wyndham's RCI acquires Alliance Reservation Network for $92M
News / Online
Wyndham's RCI acquires Alliance Reservation Network for $92M
By Jill Menze | August 9, 2019
Vacation exchange network RCI has purchased travel technology platform Alliance Reservations Network to expand its reach beyond its core business. Read More
Four online travel agency myths to stop believing now
Opinion / Online
Four online travel agency myths to stop believing now
By Peter O’Connor - Essec Business School | August 8, 2019
OTAs suffer from some image problems amongst many hoteliers, often due to misconceptions or misinformation about how they work. So, let's bust some myths. Read More
Booking Holdings q2 2019 earnings
News / Online
Booking Holdings integrates brands, develops payment capabilities in quest for “connected trip”
By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2019
Booking Holdings reports positive financial results as it works toward what CEO Glenn Fogel called the "connected trip." Read More
airbnb-acquires-urbandoor
News / Online
Airbnb pads out corporate offering with Urbandoor acquisition
By Linda Fox | August 5, 2019
Airbnb has announced the acquisition of Urbandoor, a marketplace for furnished and serviced apartments. Read More
What owning the end-to-end traveler experience means for Airbnb for Work
News / Online
What owning the end-to-end traveler experience means for Airbnb for Work
By Jill Menze | August 2, 2019
As Airbnb endeavors to own the end-to-end experience for corporate travelers, is transforming into a full-fledged travel management company in the cards? Read More
Vacasa buys remaining Wyndham Vacation Rentals unit for $162M
News / Online
Vacasa buys remaining Wyndham Vacation Rentals unit for $162M
By Kevin May | July 30, 2019
The sale comes 18 months after Wyndham Worldwide sold its European vacation rental business to Platinum Equity for $1.3 billion. Read More
expedia group q2 2019
News / Online
Vrbo ticks revenue growth as Expedia Group gets brand "back on track"
By Jill Menze | July 25, 2019
For the quarter ending June 30, revenue for Vrbo was up 17% compared to the second quarter of 2018, while gross bookings were up 2% compared to the same period. Read More
TravelPerk FlexiPerk business travel refund
News / Startups
TravelPerk shakes up business travel with new refund option for cancelled bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | July 24, 2019
TravelPerk's new FlexiPerk option gives companies a 90% refund on cancelled bookings. Read More
Trivago Q2 2019 earnings
News / Online
Trivago returns to referral revenue growth, ticks four consecutive quarters of profitability
By Mitra Sorrells | July 24, 2019
Trivago is on the upswing in the first half of 2019, with increased profitability and a return to positive referral revenue growth. Read More
Q&A: Vered Schwarz on how women in hospitality can break gender barriers in tech
News / Technology
Q&A: Vered Schwarz on how women in hospitality can break gender barriers in tech
By Jill Menze | July 24, 2019
Short-term rental software provider Guesty's chief operating officer believes women are uniquely positioned to break down the gender imbalance in travel technology. Read More
TurnKey Vacation Rentals 48M funding
News / Online
TurnKey Vacation Rentals raises $48M, courts millionth guest to the platform
By Mitra Sorrells | July 23, 2019
TurnKey Vacation Rentals has raised $48 million in new funding to develop its technology, add new markets and grow its partnerships. Read More
shank-sam-hoteltonight-startups-2
News / Startups
Sam Shank's advice for startups after HotelTonight's "f*cking crazy" ride
By Jill Menze | July 23, 2019
Speaking during Phocuswright’s Battleground event, the CEO shared how HotelTonight fought through its toughest times as well as gave advice for startup founders currently navigating similar waters. Read More
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